Proper Weight Distribution and Trailer Sway Control: Essential Towing Tips

Proper Weight Distribution and Trailer Sway Control

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT:

Anne:
Okay, so we've got all of that figured out. We have our trailers GVWR.

Chelsey:
Yeah, and that also can usually be found on a sticker. So I think this one here? Yep. So our max cargo should never exceed 2,160 pounds.

Anne:
Which we're good-

Chelsey:
Which we confirmed earlier.

Anne:
Because we were 830.

Chelsey:
Yes.

Anne:
Okay. All right, we're good to go there. Now I'm also looking at how our cargo is set up here. Correct me if I'm wrong, it actually looks like it's forward on the trailer. Is that correct?

Chelsey:
That's correct and that's intentional. That's how you would want to distribute your load when loading your cargo. A basic rule of thumb is the 60/40 rule where 60% of your weight should be in front of the trailer axle and then 40% should be behind it. That's just going to help prevent trailer sway.

Anne:
Okay. Which seems like something we obviously don't want.

Chelsey:
Sounds like a scary term, but it's just going to mean when your load is out of balance.

Anne:
Okay.

Chelsey:
I think they have a video showing you properly and improperly loaded trailers and what can happen if they-

Anne:
Yep, with our little model car there. Okay.

Chelsey:
Yeah. So we do have trailer sway control, which is going to help mitigate trailer sway before you might even notice it happening.

Anne:
Okay. So you might not even notice that your trailer's starting to wobble and that system is going to... I guess, how is it helping?

Chelsey:
Yeah, it's going to apply brakes to the individual wheels and help reduce your engine torque. Just is going to aid in vehicle stability.

Anne:
Okay.

Chelsey:
If you do notice it occurring, don't panic. Just slow down to start controlling your vehicle again and pull over as soon as possible in a safe area to readjust that load, remembering that 60/40 rule we discussed.

Anne:
All right. Fabulous.