sway major problem

Casey Freswick · 07-25-2017, 10:26 AM

Just started a five day camping trip. On the way to the campground I was passing a truck and my trailer started swaying it was a pretty bad. Took my foot off the gas and and eventually got it under control. Not sure why it started swaying. I was pulling the trailer with a Toyota Hylander, no sway bar and going pretty fast, I may have hit 70. Taking a trip out west I know I hit 70 pulling with my Yukon. I also put a hitch on the back of the trailer and had about 20 gallons of fluid on that hitch. Could this make that much difference? Was my tongue weight not enough? I am trying to set up for off grid Camping and this trip was a kind of test trip. Now I can be told all of the things I did wrong but I appreciate the help.

BrucePerens · 07-25-2017, 10:38 AM

Move your cargo to the front of the trailer. When in the back it increases sway. And that is probably over the weight rating for the rear hitch. This is unusual for a TM.

**inghamm** · 07-25-2017, 11:26 AM

I think Bruce is right. TrailManors are renowned for NOT swaying, but part of the reason is more of the weight is forward of the TM wheels, rather than after. If it was 20 gallons of water on a rear hitch, you put 167 lbs WAY back with lots of leverage. What if there was room for the liquid to swish around back there also?

I think my rear hitch is rated at 100 lbs. I put a couple of bikes back there and also use the Andersen no-sway WDH.

One other thing, could be the opposite - too much weight on the tongue bringing the Highlander's front wheels up and not getting good grip on the road. Have you checked the measurements of front wheel wells to ground unloaded vs loaded and hitched?

FujiPedaler · 07-25-2017, 02:25 PM

I would strongly suggest you add a WDH (weight distribution hitch) and yes move the Liquid to the center of your TM.

Then go and have fun.

tentcamper · 07-25-2017, 02:36 PM

Most Likely weight and balance. you need 12+% 0n the weight on the ball.

Which TM model do you have?

If it ever starts to sway again apply the manual trailer brake lever in the brake controler and take your foot of the brake. DO NOT APPLY THE BRAKES ON THE TV.

BrucePerens · 07-25-2017, 03:00 PM

Make sure Toyota doesn't recommend against a WDH. Some lighter vehicles can't take the torque.