What trailer sway looks like

sch911 wrote:

mowermech wrote:
I disagree! IMO, it makes a very good case for loading your trailer (ANY trailer!) properly
Any sway control gadget is, IMO, a band-aid approach to the problem.
A properly built, properly loaded trailer, being towed by a proper tow vehicle, on proper tires, with proper inflation, simply should not sway.
IF there is any sway at all, the correct thing to do is find out why, and FIX THE PROBLEM. Trying to cover up a sway problem by using a "sway control" could very likely result in just what the video shows!

I don't think you understand the basic flaw in a TT hitch that actually causes sway. The hitch pivot point is well behind the TV rear axle. Look at the geometry of that and think about that, then look at a Hensley to see how to fix the flaw. Oh, and that's also why fifth wheel trailers have no inherent sway either.

I mostly agree with your statement. But to a certain degree design of the trailer frame and loading comes into play. Move the axles as reward as possible and you almost completely eliminate sway. Never see boat trailers swaying. JMO but it seems that too many TT mfg's are not building TT's on TT specific frames. How many TT's have the axles close to the center? Couple that with poor loading and you get a TT that's prone to sway.
Build it right and load it right and no sway control should be needed.