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Always try to back up on the driver side because the visibility is much better when you don’t make
it on the first try, it is usually much easier to pull forward to your original position and start over,
or at least pull forward until the rig is straight and then start backing.
If your travelling companion normally directs you when backing, they should position themselves
forward of the tow vehicle so the driver can easily see them. Their directions should always
indicate to the driver the direction the rear of the trailer should go. A little practice in a parking
lot with the person giving directions can save a lot of frustration when backing into a campsite.
Controlling Sway or Fishtailing
Sway or fishtailing is the sideways action of a trailer caused by external forces. It is common for
travel trailers to sway in response to strong winds, crosswinds, when overtaken by a semi-tractor
and trailer, or driving downhill.
WARNING:
EXCESSIVE
SWAY
OR
FISHTAILING
OF
YOUR
TRAVEL
TRAILER
CAN
LEAD
TO
THE
ROLLOVER
OF
THE
TRAILER
AND
TOW
VEHICLE.
SERIOUS
INJURY
OR
DEATH
CAN
OCCUR.
IT
IS
IMPORTANT
THAT
YOU
READ
AND
UNDERSTAND
THE
INFORMATION
IN
THIS
SECTION.
Sway or fishtailing of your trailer can be controlled and is primarily impacted by four factors:
• Equipment
• Driving
• Corrective measures
• Tongue weight
Equipment
When hitched together, the trailer and the tow vehicle must be level. The tires of both the trailer
and tow vehicle should be in good condition and inflated to the recommended pressure as noted
on the exterior of the trailer and in the owner manuals of both trailer and tow vehicle.
Your trailer brakes should work in synchronization with your tow vehicle brakes. Never use your
tow vehicle or trailer brakes alone to stop the combined load. Your brake controller must be set
up according to the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure proper synchronization between the
tow vehicle and the trailer. Occasionally, you may have to make small adjustments to
accommodate changing loads and driving conditions.
Also, we recommend a weight distribution hitch. Please consult your dealer regarding this
equipment.
Driving
This is the most important component. The tendencies for the trailer to sway increases with speed
therefore, obey all speed limits and reduce speed during inclement weather or windy conditions.
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