Sway Bars For Small Campers: Are They Necessary?

Sway bars are not a legal requirement for small campers, but they are highly recommended for safety and stability. Camper sway, or trailer sway, is when the trailer starts to swing side-to-side behind the tow vehicle, often due to gusts of wind, turns on curvy roads, or imbalanced loads in the trailer. This can lead to accidents and rollovers. Sway bars are stabiliser bars that help reduce this side-to-side movement, minimising body roll and keeping the trailer in a straight line. They are especially useful for small campers, which can be more susceptible to swaying.

Camper sway causes

Camper sway is a scary and dangerous occurrence that can lead to accidents and rollovers. It is caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Gusts of wind or drafts from passing vehicles, especially large trucks or RVs.
• Turning too quickly, which shifts the weight inside the camper and can cause sway.
• Driving too fast, which leads to reduced control over the vehicle and camper.
• Improper weight distribution, with too much weight in the rear or on one side of the camper.
• Hitch adjustments, where the hitch acts as a pivot point between the centres of gravity of the two vehicles.
• Weight distribution and balance, where an imbalance in the trailer can cause it to swing more dramatically.

To prevent camper sway, it is recommended to:

• Slow down and drive at moderate speeds to reduce strain on the vehicle and camper.
• Avoid sudden steering manoeuvres.
• Ensure proper weight distribution and balance by following the 60/40 rule, with 60% of the weight in front of the axle and 40% behind.
• Use sway bars or anti-sway hitches to minimise sway and improve stability.
• Check tire pressure, as under-inflated tires can reduce load-carrying capacity and cause sway.

What sway bars are

Sway bars, also known as anti-sway bars, anti-roll bars, or stabilizer bars, are a part of a vehicle's suspension system. They are heavy-duty metal bars that help to reduce the side-to-side movement or "sway" of a trailer or vehicle. They are especially useful for larger vehicles like RVs and motor coaches, but can also be beneficial for smaller campers or trailers to prevent sway.

Sway bars work by connecting the left and right sides of a vehicle together, which helps to more evenly distribute weight between the sides when cornering or turning. This reduces body roll and prevents the vehicle from leaning to one side, providing a smoother and more stable ride. They can also be adjusted for stiffness, which affects the rotational tendencies of a vehicle when cornering.

There are two main types of sway bars for campers and trailers: hitch sway bars and adjustable sway bars. Hitch sway bars are built directly into the weight distribution hitch and provide extra stability by reducing movement between the trailer and the tow vehicle. They consist of two metal arms that connect the trailer to the hitch of the tow vehicle and are often coupled with chains or adjustable bars for added control and flexibility.

Adjustable sway bars, on the other hand, attach directly to the tongue of the trailer and the hitch of the tow vehicle. They can be adjusted to the desired length, allowing for greater control over the setup and fine-tuning for the perfect balance of comfort and stability.

While sway bars are not a requirement for small campers, they can significantly improve towing stability and reduce trailer sway caused by wind, road conditions, or weight distribution. They are relatively easy to install and can provide peace of mind while towing, making the driving experience more enjoyable and safer.

Camper sway prevention

Camper sway is a scary experience for any driver. It occurs when the trailer starts to swing side-to-side behind the tow vehicle, often due to gusts of wind, turns on curvy roads, or imbalanced loads in the trailer. Even a small amount of sway can be exhausting for a driver, requiring constant steering adjustments.

Sway bars are heavy-duty metal bars that help reduce the side-to-side movement of a trailer. They are not a requirement on RVs, but they can significantly enhance the driving experience by minimising sway and reducing body roll. They are especially useful for small campers, which can be more susceptible to the effects of wind and road conditions.

There are two main types of sway bars: hitch sway bars and adjustable sway bars. Hitch sway bars are built directly into the weight distribution hitch, providing extra stability and reducing movement between the trailer and the tow vehicle. They consist of two sturdy metal arms that connect the trailer to the hitch of the tow vehicle, often with the addition of chains or adjustable bars for greater control and flexibility.

Adjustable sway bars, on the other hand, attach directly to the tongue of the trailer and the hitch of the tow vehicle. They can be locked into place at the desired length, allowing for a customisable setup that balances comfort and stability.

When it comes to preventing sway in small campers, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, ensure proper and balanced weight distribution in your trailer. Place heavier items towards the front of the trailer and distribute weight evenly from side to side. Secondly, follow the maximum weight limit of your trailer to prevent sway and instability. Lastly, avoid slamming the brakes or making sudden movements, as this can cause tension and lead to loss of control.

In addition to sway bars, there are other products and strategies that can help reduce sway, such as weight distribution hitches and proper driving techniques. However, sway bars are a worthwhile investment for any camper owner, providing peace of mind and a safer driving experience.

Types of sway bars

Sway bars are an important safety feature for RVs and trailers, helping to prevent accidents by minimising the side-to-side movement of a trailer, otherwise known as sway. They are especially useful when driving in windy conditions or on uneven roads.

There are two main types of sway bars: hitch sway bars and adjustable sway bars.

Hitch Sway Bars

Hitch sway bars are built directly into the weight distribution hitch and provide extra stability by reducing movement between the trailer and the tow vehicle. They consist of two sturdy metal arms that connect the trailer to the tow vehicle's hitch, and they are often coupled with chains or adjustable bars for added control and flexibility. This type of sway bar helps to keep the trailer in line with the tow vehicle, reducing wear and tear on tires, suspension components, and other parts of the RV.

Adjustable Sway Bars

Adjustable sway bars are attached to the tongue of the trailer and the hitch of the tow vehicle. They can be adjusted to the desired length, allowing for greater control over the setup and enabling a custom balance of comfort and stability. Their adjustable design makes them suitable for any size or weight of camper or RV, without causing unwanted stress on other parts such as the suspension or tires.

When to use sway bars

Sway bars are not a legal requirement, but they are highly recommended for safer and more comfortable towing. They are especially useful when driving in windy conditions, on roads that are not level, or when your trailer is overloaded or misloaded.

Sway bars are stabiliser bars that help to reduce the side-to-side movement of a trailer. They are heavy-duty metal bars that connect directly to the tongue of the trailer and the sides of the sway control hitch. They are designed to keep the trailer in a straight line and prevent fishtailing.

Sway bars are particularly useful when:

• Driving in high winds or when there are strong winds from passing vehicles
• Driving on roads that are not level, especially when turning
• Towing a trailer that is overloaded or misloaded
• Towing a large camper
• When your vehicle load is unevenly distributed

If you are experiencing any of the above conditions, it is a good idea to use sway bars to improve stability and reduce the risk of accidents.

Frequently asked questions