Electronic sway control trailer option?
I noticed a trailer option on the Jayco site for electronic sway control. Is this some sort of sensor that monitors the trailer for sway, then applies some braking? Does it reduce the need for sway co...
Forum Discussion
Hopefully its the system developed by Tuscon brake, which has now been licensed to Lippert.
It's essentially electronic stability control that can apply brakes to one side of the trailer at a time to counter yaw. It will be more effective at countering sway in some situations than any hitch, and appears to work better than the OEM stability/sway control on pickups. However, the yaw has to happen first for the system to even turn on. Preventing sway is still your best option. Proper balance and weight distribution should achieve this.
As for hitch-based mechanical sway control vs electronic.... I think it all depends. Mechanical options can continue to dampen sway almost forever. Electronic systems potentially could overheat the brakes. But, electronic sway control will actively help keep you pointed straight. Most mechanical sway hitches (i.e. friction hitches) resist returning to center as much as they resist sway, so on icy roads those hitches can make it harder to regain control.
It's essentially electronic stability control that can apply brakes to one side of the trailer at a time to counter yaw. It will be more effective at countering sway in some situations than any hitch, and appears to work better than the OEM stability/sway control on pickups. However, the yaw has to happen first for the system to even turn on. Preventing sway is still your best option. Proper balance and weight distribution should achieve this.
As for hitch-based mechanical sway control vs electronic.... I think it all depends. Mechanical options can continue to dampen sway almost forever. Electronic systems potentially could overheat the brakes. But, electronic sway control will actively help keep you pointed straight. Most mechanical sway hitches (i.e. friction hitches) resist returning to center as much as they resist sway, so on icy roads those hitches can make it harder to regain control.
