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The Importance of Sway Control in Towing

If you have ever pulled a trailer or towed a vehicle, then you have most likely experienced sway. It’s really not a fun feeling when there are large gusts of wind and your trailer starts swaying back and forth. This can make it a bit difficult to keep your vehicle and the trailer in the right lane.

This is a common towing experience that can become a serious issue if you are dealing with a heavier load. Swaying can become quite dangerous for yourself and other vehicles on the road if you don’t handle it correctly. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are more than 50,000 accidents yearly related to towing. There is why sway control is important.

Sway Control Solutions

Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the amount of sway you experience during towing. This includes anti-sway bars and sway control systems that can help make your trailer more stable. This is achieved by making the connection between the trailer and the tow vehicle tighter. That way, it becomes easier to manage your trailer and ensure that it stays in line behind the tow vehicle. This is quite important when you are traveling at high speeds. Sway control systems are designed in a way that enables them to easily integrate with different types of hitches.

Sway Control Increases Road Safety

There is a lot that can go wrong in the absence of sway control. You can lose control of both the vehicle and the trailer and this can result in serious accidents. This also threatens the safety of other drivers on the road. Sway control systems are basically safety designs that any outbacker should have. If you don’t want to end up damaging your trailer or tow vehicle, it’s important to ensure that you have an effective sway control system.

Better Control

A sway control system gives you greater control of your vehicle and trailer. Consequently, it improves productivity by allowing you to concentrate on driving rather than controlling the trailer. When towing, having greater control and less sway means there is a reduced chance of material damage due to accidents and swinging loads.

These are some of the reasons for using sway bars. It’s important to ensure that you drive safely when towing a trailer. Are you having problems with sway? Get in touch with us today and we can help you choose the best sway bar for your trailer and vehicle.

Hayes Towing Electronics Products are Proudly Made in the U.S.A.

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4 Towing Safety Facts for New RV Owners

RVs are among the most popular types of vehicles to tow behind them. According to RVIA, there are up to 30 million RV enthusiasts countrywide, including RV renters. This number is only increasing as more and more people are looking for ways to enjoy the great outdoors while still having home comforts. With this huge increase in popularity, new RV owners need to learn about towing safety. Here are four towing safety facts that every new RV owner should know.

1. Always Use a Weight-Distributing Hitch When Towing an RV

Most people know the benefits of using a weight-distributing hitch when towing a trailer. However, many people don’t realize that the same is true for towing an RV. A weight-distributing hitch helps to distribute the weight of the RV and trailer more evenly, which makes for a safer and more stable tow.

2. Never Exceed the Towing Capacity of Your Vehicle

This is one of the most important towing safety facts. When you exceed the towing capacity of your vehicle, you put yourself and others at risk. The manufacturer determines the vehicle’s towing capacity and it can be found in your owner’s manual. Keep in mind that the towing capacity includes the weight of the RV, any passengers, and all your gear.

3. Always Use Proper Towing Safety Gear

Towing safety facts must include gear, which are things like towing mirrors, proper lighting, and brake lights. Towing safety gear is important because it helps you see and be seen while on the road.

4. Always Be Aware Of Your Surroundings

This is true for any type of driving, but it is especially important when towing an RV. Because RVs are larger and heavier than most vehicles, always be aware of your surroundings. This means paying attention to traffic, weather conditions, and construction zones.

Following these towing safety facts can help to ensure a safe experience for yourself and others. If you are looking for a towing company, Hayes Towing Electronics is the best place for you. We have a wide variety of towing products that will make your towing experience much safer. Hayes Towing Electronics Products are Proudly Made in the U.S.A, guaranteeing their quality and giving you peace of mind. Visit our website or give us a call today.

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How Does an RV Sway Control System Work?

Recreational vehicles are part of the American culture, and according to statistics from a reputable industry body, there are roughly 16,000 public and privately owned RV campgrounds countrywide. Thus, RVers can freely roam the country’s roads during weekends or even take months-long trips. A sway control system is a must-have for any RV hitting the road, but what is it?

What Is an RV Sway Control System?

Recreational vehicles tend to sway from side to side on the road. This sway is typically caused by the wind vortices created by the RV as it cuts through the air or the vehicle instability as the driver maneuvers it on curvy roads at high speeds. It can also be caused by gusts of wind emitted by passing semi-trucks or an imbalanced load on the RV trailer. The swaying can make the driving experience exhausting as it forces the driver to constantly steer adjustments to keep the RV on the road.

What Does the Sway Control System Do?

The RV sway control system is meant to reduce or eliminate the swaying of the vehicle. This makes the driving experience much easier and safer. The sway control system comprises a weight distribution apparatus and sway control bars.

How Does It Work?

A weight distribution apparatus distributes part of the trailer’s weight from the back to the tow vehicle to the front. This apparatus is a must-have if the weight of your travel trailer is 50% or more than that of your tow vehicle or the tow vehicle slumps backward when it’s pulling the travel trailer. On the other hand, there are dual sway control bars, which are typical for large trailers. It utilizes hooks on either side of the trailer to prevent sway; the hooks unlock when the vehicle makes a turn.

There are also friction sway control bars that rely on friction to prevent the travel trailer from swaying. Although these are the most affordable option, they have the disadvantage of interfering with the turning ability of the trailer. Lastly, there is electronic tow control that utilizes electronic monitors to detect swaying of the trailer and applies brake pulses to the wheels to keep it straight.

It’s critical that you install the right sway control system to your RV to enjoy traveling and stay safe on the road. Avoid picking a cheap sway control system that can easily fail under challenging conditions. Reach out to us today if you are interested in learning more about the RV sway control system.

Hayes Towing Electronics Products are Proudly Made in the U.S.A.

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What Are the Best Types of Brake Controllers?

If you own an RV, then a brake controller is one piece of safety equipment you should consider. It protects your brake pads from wearing out, helps you gain more control over your trailer, and ultimately reduces the risk of an accident. When choosing a brake controller for your RV, you need to consider intuitive control, clear readouts, and ease of installation.

Irrespective of the category of RV you use, either towables (towed behind your car, pickup, or van) or motorhomes, it is important you choose from the best types of brake controllers that will match your preference. If you’re an RV owner reading this article, the next question on your mind would be “what are the best types of brake controllers?” Well, below are three good options to pick from.

Syncronizer

The syncronizer trailer brake and controller wing is a great option for all 12-volt negative ground vehicles. It provides both automatic and manual braking, has the exclusive Quik-Connect feature, as well as has built-in automatic current limiter protection from trailer brake wiring shorts.

Engage

The Engage digital time-based controller has a display that shows the current, percent of power, and voltage. The display allows you to select adjustable voltage and power ramp-up times. This option also has the Quik-Connect feature and is compatible with single to tri-axle vehicles.

Endeavor

The Endeavor digital proportional brake controller has the ability to sense deceleration which provides premium braking. This controller also has a digital display that allows you to select the percent of power, voltage, or current along with a microprocessor that saves your settings. Unlike the other brake controllers mentioned above, the Endeavor can handle up to four axles.

Now you don’t have to ask the question “what are the best types of brake controllers?” You can weigh your options among some of the best types of trailer brake controllers listed above from Hayes Towing Electronics and choose the model that fits your budget and preference. Hayes Towing Electronics Products are Proudly Made in the U.S.A.

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Enhance Your RV’s Safety With RV Trailer Brake Controllers

In recent times, more people in the U.S have gained ownership of an RV trailer. RVs are perfect for recreation and adventure, justifying why over 11% of head of households between 35 to 54 years old have an RV, exceeding the 9.3% of 55 years old and above who own an RV. Regardless of your age, your safety is paramount, especially when driving an RV trailer. Among other things, your RV trailer brake goes a long way in ensuring your safety. Here are three reasons why you should install RV trailer brake controllers before your next trip:

They Help You Gain Control

It can be difficult to be in total control of your RV when fully loaded. The additional weight, reduced vision, and fatigue from driving for hours can reduce your performance and make you lose control more easily. RV trailer brake controllers make you more assured of your safety on the highway. In addition, they will help control the sway of your RV because sometimes, your trailer can sway carelessly, especially on rough roads, affecting your stability.

Better Stopping Distance

You’ve probably seen jackknives resulting in severe damage. RV trailer brake controllers help to prevent such events from happening. Sometimes, a collision happens because a vehicle can’t come to a stop in a shorter time. Brake controllers help your RV come to a stop at a shorter distance. You can have many reasons to come to a quick stop when driving, but braking and accelerating can be slow, especially when heavy. Brake controllers are additional security that makes you safer on the road regardless of how heavy your vehicle is.

They Enhance the Longevity of Brake Pads

Without brake controllers, your RV is responsible for all the braking power. After some time, the brake pads will start wearing out, and you will be left with no choice but to change them from time to time. Your car may refuse to stop when your brake pads have faded away, which is more likely to result in an accident, so it’s important to keep these in mind.

The benefits of installing brake controllers in your RV cannot be overemphasized. You will not only reduce your risks of having an accident but also save costs in the long run. Contact us today to see how we can keep you and your family safe in your RV.

Hayes Towing Electronics Products are Proudly Made in the U.S.A.

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The Towing Tips You Need in 2022

Towing is not always straightforward. According to a Knott Laboratory study on commercial vehicle towing incidents, a 35-mph crosswind can exert up to 3,440 pounds of strain on the side of a large trailer. Let’s have a look at some tips for towing in this new year.

Weight Distribution

Maintaining adequate weight distribution is a simple method to make towing easier and safer. It’s preferable to carry the heaviest stuff in the front, securing it with rope or bungee cords so it doesn’t shift while driving. Smaller cargo should fill in the gaps. The cargo’s center of gravity should be low, with 60% of its weight in front. The trailer’s sides should also be balanced to prevent the risk of it flipping.

Brake Synchronization

A brake system that works synchronously with the tow vehicle’s lighting is called for. A separate braking system is required by most state legislatures. So the tow vehicle doesn’t have to perform all the work when braking.

In the event that the cargo brakes fail, the additional weight of the load makes a collision even more perilous. It’s advisable to use the brake gently rather than hard to avoid excessive wear.

Keep it Slow

When towing, speed is the last thing you want to experience. The faster you travel with a towed car, the riskier it becomes. Increasing your speed increases trailer sway and makes it difficult to stop quickly without fishtailing or flipping. Speed also makes traffic maneuvering a challenge. Slowing down is the right approach to ensure towing safety.

The Correct Hitch

There are two kinds of hitches: weight-carrying and weight-distributing. Weight-carrying hitches are advised for journeys weighing less than 3,500 pounds (1,588 kilograms). For larger weights, weight-distributing hitches are recommended.

The tongue weight, the downward pressure the tongue produces on the hitch ball, can become excessively heavy. This causes the tow vehicle and trailer to sag, giving the appearance of a broad V. A weight-distributing hitch redistributes the tongue weight to the tow vehicle and trailer axles, keeping both vehicles level.

Vehicle towing needs to be approached scientifically. Correct weight distribution, brake synchronization, slow speed, and using the correct hitch are all important tips to consider for towing safety. For your towing safety, ensure you contact the right specialists for the right equipment.

Hayes Towing Electronics Products are Proudly Made in the U.S.A.

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What Can You Do to Control Trailer Sway?

Trailer sway can lead to a deadly accident, which you want to avoid. There are two sorts of trailer sway devices: those that lessen sway once it has started, and those that aim to prevent sway entirely. Let’s have a look at how you can avoid trailer sway.

What Is Trailer Sway?

One of the most prevalent causes of trailer accidents is trailer sway, often known as fishtailing. When a trailer shakes wildly across the road, this happens. Potentially, a simple trailer accident may cause thousands of dollars in damage or even end in a life-threatening situation.

What to Do When Swaying Starts

When you are driving and the trailer starts swaying, what should you do? Controlling trailer sway means reducing the speed by lifting your foot from the gas. Do not brake! You should be adopting a speed of 10 mph less than when the sway was first noticed. Holding your steering wheel steady will also help. Do not make unnecessary adjustments. Lastly, avoid stopping and reloading your trailer with the heavier cargo closer to your vehicle.

Do Not Drive at High Speeds

High-speed driving is one of the major causes of trailer wobble. When you drive too fast, a trailer loses its stability, which might lead to deadly consequences. Even the smallest breeze may cause a trailer hauled with a hitch to wobble while going along the road. To avoid fishtailing, drive carefully. That is one of the best ways for controlling trailer sway.

Do Not Drive in High Winds

Avoid driving when there are really strong winds if you want to avoid trailer sway. Before heading out with your carrier, check the weather forecast. It is safer to travel when strong, high winds are avoided. Reduce your vehicle’s speed if you ever find yourself in a high-wind location for safe driving. Strong winds will make controlling trailer sway a lot more difficult.

Use Trailer Sway Control Products

Hitches are a great way to avoid fishtailing. They’re ideal for towing huge trailers, caravans, and other vehicles. Other solutions include friction sway controls and four-point sway control systems.
Whatever you choose, if you pack your trailer correctly, drive slowly, and avoid high winds, you are already much safer. Using sway control products is the next step. Happy towing!

“Hayes Towing Electronics Products are Proudly Made in the U.S.A. and In-Stock!”

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The Trailer Tips You Didn’t Know You Needed

When planning your next road trip, hitching your trailer packed with everything you need for your outdoor adventure is an important safety step. Even the most spontaneous adventure requires a little bit of planning, and you must plan around your trailer. Here are some tips that are easy to follow to ensure you are safe while traveling with your trailer:

Tip 1: Correct Loading

Controlling a vehicle with a loaded trailer hitched to it can be quite a daunting task. If you lose control, you risk causing an accident or damage to your vehicle and trailer. For the best trailer sway control, you need to load your trailer properly.

You should consider side-to-side and front-to-back weight distribution so your trailer isn’t heavier on one side than the other. Between 12% and 15% of the trailer’s weight should be resting on the tow vehicle’s hitch. If you’re not sure how to properly load your trailer, check out its owner’s manual for instructions.

Tip 2: Do Regular Reviews

An important aspect of safe towing is regularly reviewing your equipment, including your vehicle and trailer’s signals, and the hitch. There are some other elements you need to review often as well. They include:

  • Tire pressure
  • Signs of damage or wear on tires
  • Webbing straps conditions
  • Tie-down points
  • Reflectors’ conditions

Tip 3: Know Your Trailer and Vehicle

It’s important that you know the vehicle and the trailer you have so you can make good decisions while you drive. If you have to drive someone else’s vehicle or trailer, try to take it for a test ride before loading the trailer and hitting the road.

You should know the size of the trailer as well as the height and weight of the load in it to have proper trailer sway control. If you don’t know all these things, you may make mistakes when driving and parking.

Driving with a trailer doesn’t have to be nerve-wracking. Factors such as trailer sway control need to be kept in mind at all times. Just know your vehicle and trailer, load it properly, and always keep an eye on the condition of the two.

“Hayes Towing Electronics Products are Proudly Made in the U.S.A.”

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How Can You Make Your Trailer Safer?

Driving with a trailer is a skill that can take time to master. Here are a few things you can do to make your trailer safer when traveling.

Invest in a Good Weight Distribution System

If your trailer weight is more than 50% of your vehicle’s weight, then a weight distribution system is recommended for safe towing. A weight distribution system is designed to create a level, stable ride when you’re towing a trailer. Essentially, the system helps to keep the towing setup level and prevent the trailer from placing undue stress on your vehicle.

Adjust Brakes According to Load

Electric brakes will not work without a trailer brake controller, so if your trailer is equipped with electric brakes, this is one piece of equipment that is absolutely essential to safe driving. A trailer brake controller can also be set according to the load you’re towing. If your trailer has hydraulic brakes instead, it may be using a system that uses the trailer’s own weight and momentum to activate the braking system.

Allow For Longer Stopping Distances

Driving with a trailer means you’re pulling more weight than just your own vehicle. This also means you’ll have to take longer to stop since you’re having to overcome more momentum. Even if your trailer brake controller is working perfectly, it will still take longer to stop than if it were just your vehicle without the trailer. Brake early.

Make Wider Turns

Curves and corners can be the bane of an inexperienced driver’s existence when it comes to driving with a trailer. Remember to allow for the trailer when cornering and navigating around curves.

Don’t Ride The Brakes During Long Downhill Stretches

Riding the brakes is a good way to burn them out. Instead, use the brakes to slow down, then allow the vehicle to pick up speed before you touch the brakes to bring the speed down again. This ‘start and stop’ kind of driving isn’t advised on flat roads, but ignoring this advice on a hard downgrade means you’ll be putting a lot of stress on your brakes, and may potentially burn them out and cause them to fail completely.

Hayes Towing Electronics Products are Proudly Made in the U.S.A.

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5 Critical Safety Tips For Your Next RV Outing

Many people like to take their RVs out for a trip now and then. If you’re planning a longer trip, however, there are some important safety checks you should do before you head out. From generators to electric brakes for trailer safety, every part of your RV and anything you may be towing will need to be looked over. Here are a few ways to keep your next RV adventure safe.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Ensure that your carbon monoxide detector is installed and functioning correctly. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless, and colorless gas which can make you very sick and even kill you. If you start feeling unwell and are not sure why, make sure to take a break and get outside the RV for a while just in case.

Fire/Smoke Detectors

Fire/smoke detectors are absolutely critical to have, especially in a relatively small and enclosed environment like an RV. Battery-operated smoke detectors are available in most hardware stores.

Trailers

When setting up your trailer, make sure that between 12 and 15% of the trailer’s weight is resting on the vehicle’s tow hitch. Electric brakes for trailer safety are sometimes easy to overlook, but they’re some of the most critical road safety equipment you can have.

Generators

Generator exhaust leaks are a common cause of CO(2) incidents, so it’s a good idea to inspect the generator each time before use. Don’t sleep with the generator running and always leave the roof vent open while it is, even if you’re traveling during the winter.

Keep Exhaust Away

Make sure that exhaust vents and dissipates away from the RV as much as possible. Try to avoid parking in places that can trap exhaust or prevent it from spreading out, such as tall grasses, snowbanks, buildings, walls, and fences.

The Bottom Line

There are many things that need to be looked into when it comes to traveling safely in an RV. Electric brakes for trailer safety on the road, ensuring that the proper alarms are installed and working correctly, and making sure that generators and other exhaust are properly vented are just a few of the larger items on the list. Take the time before each trip to inspect your RV and you should have no trouble having an enjoyable trip, wherever it takes you.

Hayes Towing Electronics Products are Proudly Made in the U.S.A.