Securing Your Camper: Sway Bar Installation Guide

Camper sway is a scary and dangerous occurrence that can lead to accidents and vehicle damage. It is caused by gusts of wind, passing semi-trucks, turns on curvy roads, and imbalanced loads in the trailer. To prevent this, you can install a sway bar, a device that stiffens side-to-side motion to minimize it. In this article, we will discuss the steps to hook up a sway bar to a camper, including the tools you will need and the process of attaching and securing the sway bar to the trailer and tow vehicle.

Camper sway causes

Camper sway is a common and frightening occurrence for those driving with a trailer. The trailer starts to swing side-to-side behind the tow vehicle, often when driving down a highway. This sway can become dangerous and uncontrollable if not managed and can even lead to accidents.

There are several factors that cause camper sway:

• Gusts of wind, especially from passing semi-trucks or large vehicles, can cause a powerful gust of wind that hits the trailer and creates a side-to-side movement.
• Turns on curvy roads can cause sway, especially if the turn is sudden or sharp.
• Imbalanced or unevenly distributed loads in the trailer can cause sway, as the weight is not properly balanced and secured.
• Driving too fast can increase the chance of sway, as higher speeds produce more strain on the vehicle and trailer.
• Hitch adjustments or improper hitch use can cause sway, as the hitch acts as a pivot point between the centers of gravity of the tow vehicle and the trailer.
• Underinflated tires can cause sway, as they reduce the load-carrying capacity of the vehicle or trailer.

To prevent camper sway, it is important to distribute weight evenly in the trailer, drive at moderate speeds, and be vigilant of the surrounding environment and potential wind gusts.

Camper sway dangers

Camper sway, or trailer sway, is when the trailer starts to swing side-to-side behind the tow vehicle, usually while driving down a highway. Trailer sway can become dangerous and uncontrollable if not managed and can even lead to accidents.

Causes of Camper Sway

The most common causes of camper sway are gusts of wind, drafts from passing semi-trucks, turns on curvy roads, and imbalanced loads in the trailer. Even a small amount of sway can be exhausting for a driver, forcing constant steering adjustments.

Dangers of Camper Sway

Camper sway can lead to several dangers, including:

• Accidents: If not controlled, camper sway can cause the trailer to fishtail, leading to accidents or loss of control.
• Fatigue: Constant steering adjustments to control camper sway can be exhausting for the driver, leading to fatigue.
• Tire issues: Excessive trailer sway can place uneven stress on the tires, leading to premature wear or tire blowouts.
• Loss of control: Camper sway can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, especially if sudden steering inputs or abrupt lane changes are made.
• Increased stopping distance: The added movement of the trailer can increase the distance needed to bring the vehicle to a stop, potentially leading to rear-end collisions.

Camper sway prevention

Camper sway is a scary and dangerous occurrence that can lead to accidents and even rollovers. Luckily, there are several strategies and products that can help prevent it.

Firstly, it's important to understand what causes camper sway. The most common causes are gusts of wind, drafts from passing large vehicles, turns on curvy roads, and imbalanced or improperly distributed loads in the trailer.

To prevent camper sway, you should take the following measures:

• Pay attention to weather conditions and avoid travelling in very windy conditions.
• Distribute the weight in your camper evenly from front to back and side to side. A good rule of thumb is 60% of the weight in the front and 40% in the back. Place heavier items at or in front of the axle, and compensate for things like slide-outs and appliances by putting heavier items on the opposite side.
• Check the weight of your loaded camper at a local scale and adjust the distribution as needed. Ensure you don't exceed the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) or GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating).
• Use a weight distribution system if your camper is at least 50% as heavy as your towing vehicle, or if the rear of your towing vehicle sags when the camper is hooked up. This will help distribute the tongue weight more evenly and allow the towing vehicle to have more control.
• Use a sway control device, such as a sway bar or a weight distribution hitch with built-in sway control. These devices create friction or use torsion to resist or dampen the forces that cause camper sway.
• Practice safe driving techniques, especially when towing a camper. Avoid abrupt steering inputs, lane changes, and excessive speed. Maintain a safe following distance and be aware of wind conditions.

By following these measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of camper sway and enjoy a safer and more comfortable journey.

Sway bar installation

Sway bars are an important safety feature for RVs and campers, helping to prevent accidents caused by trailer sway. Trailer sway is when the trailer begins to swing side-to-side behind the tow vehicle, often caused by gusts of wind, passing large vehicles, turns on curvy roads, or imbalanced loads. This can lead to dangerous and uncontrollable situations, and even accidents and rollovers.

Sway bars are devices that stiffen side-to-side motion to minimize it. They can be installed on vehicles or hitches to reduce swaying and keep the RV or camper aligned. There are two main types: hitch sway bars and adjustable sway bars.

Hitch Sway Bars

These are made with a sturdy pair of metal arms that connect the trailer to the hitch of the tow vehicle. This model often includes chains or adjustable bars for greater control and flexibility. The steps to install a hitch sway bar are as follows:

• Attach the hitch sway control ball to the tow vehicle’s hitch receiver.
• Measure the distance between the hitch sway control ball and the trailer’s tongue.
• Locate and mark the spot on the trailer’s tongue where the trailer sway control ball will be installed.
• Drill pilot holes into the trailer’s tongue at the marked spot.
• Bolt the trailer sway control ball into place using bolts and washers, tightening them securely.
• Attach the sway control bar to the trailer sway control ball, and then to the hitch sway control ball on the tow vehicle. Ensure the bar is tightened securely and level with the ground.
• Test the sway control unit by towing the trailer on a straight, level road at various speeds. Adjust if necessary.

Adjustable Sway Bars

Less common nowadays, adjustable sway bars connect directly to the tongue of the trailer and the hitch of the tow vehicle. It is a solid bar that can be locked into place at a chosen length. When travelling in rough conditions, this bar will remain steady and prevent the trailer from moving closer or further from the tow vehicle.

General Tips

• Always follow the manufacturer's installation instructions for your specific sway bar.
• Ensure the sway bar is the appropriate size and compatible with your towing setup.
• Regularly inspect the sway bar for wear, damage, or loose connections.
• Lubricate moving parts as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Be mindful of weight distribution and load balance in your trailer.
• Practice safe and attentive driving techniques, especially in challenging conditions or when towing heavy loads.
• Avoid sudden steering inputs, abrupt lane changes, and excessive speed.
• Maintain a safe following distance, especially in windy conditions.

Sway control tips

Sway control is a vital component of a secure camping experience, especially when towing a camper. Here are some tips to help you effectively manage sway and ensure a smooth, stable, and safe journey:

• Prioritize proper weight distribution within your trailer. Evenly distribute the weight from front to back and side to side. A good rule of thumb is 60 percent of the weight towards the front and 40 percent towards the back. Place heavier items low and towards the front of the trailer to maintain a balanced load.
• Be mindful of your driving style, especially when towing a camper. Avoid sudden or aggressive steering maneuvers, as these can exacerbate sway. Make gradual turns and maintain a consistent, moderate speed. Avoid sudden lane changes to prevent unwanted sway.
• Maintain a safe following distance when towing. The added weight of the trailer increases the time it takes to come to a complete stop. Keep a sufficient distance between your towing vehicle and the vehicles in front to avoid collisions.
• Exercise caution in windy conditions and adjust your driving accordingly. Crosswinds can influence trailer sway, so reduce your speed and stay alert. If you encounter strong winds, consider pulling over and waiting for conditions to improve.
• Regularly inspect your sway control system for any wear, damage, or loose connections. Lubricate moving parts as recommended by the manufacturer to maintain smooth operation.
• Practice safe and attentive driving techniques, especially when towing heavy loads or in challenging conditions. Avoid sudden steering inputs, abrupt lane changes, and excessive speed, as these actions can trigger sway.

Frequently asked questions