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You’re out on the open highway when all of a sudden a heavy gust of wind comes along. Your trailer starts to sway back and forth a bit. This is a dangerous situation because trailer sway can cause your vehicle to tip over or cause a deadly accident. How can you prevent this from happening? Here are three tips on fixing trailer sway.

Check Your Vehicle’s Tow Weight Rating

The first thing you need to do is make sure your vehicle is capable of towing the weight you are pulling by checking its tow rating. You also need to double-check the gross vehicle weight rating as well. The gross weight rating totals the amount that your vehicle’s suspension and the engine can handle with curb, tongue, and passenger weights. Also, check the gross combined weight rating of your vehicle. This rating calculates the maximum amount of weight that both your truck and trailer can handle at one time.

You can weigh your vehicle and trailer on commercial scales located at truck stops. Going over your tow ratings can be disastrous. Keeping your weight about 20% to 25% below your towing ratings will reduce the chances of trailer sway. Approximately 12% to 15% of the total weight of the trailer should be resting on the hitch. Also, load any heavy items towards the front of the trailer and tie them down if necessary to keep them from moving around.

Use Safe Driving Practices

One of the most important ways of fixing trailer sway is to practice safer driving. Pulling a trailer can be stressful and you just want to get to your destination as quickly as possible. However, driving at slower speeds can do wonders for trailer sway prevention. Avoid making sudden movements such as slamming on your brakes or turning the steering wheel too fast. These things can cause your trailer sway control to become highly unstable.

Give yourself plenty of space behind any cars that may be in front of you and be extra careful when changing lanes. Try to avoid driving in high wind conditions whenever possible. If you notice any signs of trailer sway, pull over to the side of the road safely as soon as you can. It’s better to be safe than risk causing a potential accident.

Install a Friction Sway Control Device

A friction trailer hitch sway control device can help reduce trailer sway by applying resistance to the way the vehicle and trailer work together. This can help cut down any effects from sharp turns and high winds. When you drive, you can turn the adjustment handle clockwise by a quarter of a turn until the trailer feels stable enough to you. These devices can be attached to both sides of a trailer hitch on trailers weighing in excess of 5,000 pounds.

Safety is your number one priority when on the road. It’s up to you to do everything you can to eliminate any potential problems you may face along the way. By following these three tips for fixing trailer sway, you can make sure you will arrive safe and sound to your desired destination.

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Trailer sway is a huge problem among truck and recreational vehicle owners that can cause significant accidents on the roads. It is important to know that trailer sway has led to deaths on the highway. If you have a truck pulling a huge trailer, you need to have an electronic trailer sway control so that you can prevent road accidents.

There are many truck and trailer owners out there in the industry who do not use an electronic trailer sway control. The following causes of trailer sway should force you to get an electronic trailer sway control.

Poor weight distribution

Poor weight distribution is one of the leading causes of trailer sway. Most of the people don’t know how to distribute the weight of the trailer, which leads to a situation where weight distribution leads to trailer sway. According to the Transportation Board of the United States, weight distribution systems such as electronic trailer sway control are highly recommended if your trailer is more than 50% of your vehicle’s weight.

Bad hitch adjustments

Hitch adjustment is an important aspect of any trailer owner who wants to prevent any form of swaying. You need to make sure that both the weight and height of the trailer should be commensurate with that of the truck. It is useful to know that the truck pulls the trailer and as such, it should be able to pull the load. However, bad hitch adjustments can lead to trailer sway. You can easily eliminate trailer sway through trailer hitch sway control.

Excessive wind sheer

Within a span of twenty-five seconds, wind sheer can lead to fatal road accidents. Most of the trucks that experience wind sheer are always able to overcome the problem. However, when a truck is pulling a trailer, it is very difficult to overcome the forces of the wind that push the trailer to sway. Advanced trailer sway control systems are essential in ensuring that strong wind sheers are prevented from swaying the trailer.

Excessive speed

Speed limits are always there, but it is always a hard ask to force trailer drivers to follow the required highway speed. When a trailer is moving with excessive speed, pressure above the trailer becomes heavier than the trailer below the trailer. The high pressure below the trailer is likely to sway the trailer on one side, which is a very dangerous situation. An electronic trailer sway control is very useful in preventing swaying even when the trailer is moving at a higher speed.

Poor trailer design

Some trailer designs have significant impacts on swaying. If the anchor is very long, there is a high chance that trailer sway will be very common when the truck is moving at a higher speed. Trailer design is also likely to be a major issue if one side of the trailer is much heavier than the other one. Controlling trailer sway by adjusting the design of the trailer is essential in preventing trailer sway. It is common knowledge that one of the methods of correcting trailer sway is by adjusting the design of the trailer.

No sway control system

The sway control system is an important mechanical system that every trailer should have. Although most of the trailers are kin to observe some important aspects such as speed and trailer design, some critical and uncontrollable factors could cause trailer sway. Wind speed is a major external factor that drivers can do nothing about it. Most of the trailers without a sway control system, it will be very difficult to prevent sway. Having a sway control system is essential in preventing trailer sway.

Hayes Towing Electronics is a leading company in providing safety mechanisms for trailers that are likely to experience sway. One of the systems provided by this company is the electronic trailer sway control system, which provides instant breaks to prevent any form of trailer sway. If you are looking for a sway control system for your trailer, contact us today for more information.

If you are a tow enthusiast or operate a tow trailer to earn a living, then you must already understand the overwhelming importance of having a proper brake controller to enhance safety during day-to-day towing activities. Safety has become a major concern in towing, with about 5000 accidents involving towing occurring every year.

A proper brake controller is very efficient in ensuring the safety of the trailer’s braking system and greatly reduces the chance of an accident occurrence. If you’re new to trailers, here is a brief explanation of what trailer brakes are.

What is a Trailer Brake Controller?

Trailer brake controllers are special devices that essentially act as a physical link between the truck’s brakes and the brakes of the trailer you are towing. Electric trailer brakes are the most common trailer brakes on the market today. In most countries, electric trailer brakes are a mandatory requirement by law for any towing truck operating in public roads.

How Do You Choose the Ideal Brake Controller for Your Trailer?

Choosing the right electric brake controller for your trailer does not have to be difficult. Once you have a firm understanding of what you want in an electric brake controller, you are well on your way of finding the perfect brake controller to improve safety during your towing activities.

1. Know the Basic Types of Electric Trailer brakes

There are two different types of electric trailer brakes, namely the time-delay variants and the proportional trailer brakes. Each type utilizes different mechanisms to achieve its intended purpose, but the purpose remains to link the truck and trailer’s braking systems. In practice, both types achieve the desired results, but each has unique attributes that may meet your specifications.

Proportional trailer brakes are more attuned for the driver with little experience with trailers. It costs more than the time delay variant. Proportional controllers utilize motion-sensing technology to tell just how fast the trailer is moving towards the truck that is towing it.

In doing so, braking pressure is calibrated to be just the right amount for the motion situation so the trailer can brake appropriately without colliding with the truck. The time-delay controller is less costly than the proportional type, thus it is best suited for the budget-conscious trailer operator.

Unlike a proportional controller, however, a time-delay controller is for the more experienced driver. In time-delay variants, when the brake controller gets the signal from the driver, it gives a short delay, then applies the brakes based on the calculated weight of the trailer.

The delay allows for any adjustment by the driver if need be. For instance, if the driver instantly slams the brakes, he needs to adjust pressure appropriately to prevent the trailer from slamming into the truck, hence why these types of controllers are best for the more experienced driver.

2. Does the Brake Controller Have a Monitor

Always go for an electric brake controller with a monitor. Monitors in trailer brakes are important because they effectively communicate the status braking system to the driver. The monitor houses all the bells and whistles that facilitate the smooth braking process.

The monitor is important because it lets the driver know how much braking pressure is applied to the trailer. Some monitors even inform the driver if there is a malfunction in the system so that they can adapt to the current scenario appropriately without relying heavily on the controller, as the driver does normally. So when it comes to controllers, always look out for electric trailer brakes with monitors. Though a bit costly, they are always worth the extra cash.

You might want to consider the installation of the brake controller as a factor in selecting the best brake controller. Overly complex controllers that may be a headache to install are a deal-breaker for most people. But the most important factor to consider before making your purchase is how effective the brake controller will be in enhancing the safety of the braking process.

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According to reports released by NHTSA, more than 50,000 accidents related to towing are reported every year. This means that trailers need to be thoroughly checked before hitting the road. One of the factors that should be checked is the brake controllers. This is because trailers are always carrying luggage and moving at high speeds.

The main types of trailer brake controls are proportional and time-frame brake controllers. Time-frame is also referred to as time-delayed brake controls. If you own a trailer, you need to have enough knowledge about how to choose the best brake controllers. This guide helps you make the best decision.

Type of Trailer

It is vital to first know the type of trailer that you have before choosing brake controllers. Various types of trailer brake controllers exist in the market, and therefore, you need to choose one that works for your trailer. A full trailer has been fixed to a tractor, and therefore, you need strong proportional brake controllers to hold the weight.

On the other hand, semi-trailers are detachable, and thus you can get away with time frame brake controls that help the trailer stop in velocity at the same rate as your vehicle. Electronic brake controllers have proved to be effective in all types of trailers. It is vital to note that you cannot tow your trailer with electric brakes if you don’t have a trailer brake controller.

Purpose of Trailers

The purpose of your trailer is a significant determinant when choosing the best brake controllers. If you tow heavy cargo such as cars, livestock, and construction materials, among others, you need to have a proportional brake controller. If you usually tow lightweight cargo such as papers and toys, a time-frame brake will work for your trailer.

Frequency of Your travel

The number of times you travel also helps you choose the best brake controllers. If you move cargo more than four times a week, you need to have proportional brake controllers as they can withstand holding the trailer for that long. If you travel a few times, probably once a week, time-frame brake controllers will work best for you.

Safety

The type of road that you frequently use as a trailer driver should also determine the type of brakes that you choose. If you use roads that have many other trailers coming at the same speed as you, you need to have proportional brake controllers as they reduce the velocity of the car fast. Also, it is essential to have electric trailer brakes to offer extra safety.

If you use a safe road that is straight and no other trailers are on the road, you can get away with time-frame brake controllers.

Slippery Road

Other than safety, the slippery level of the road is also a determinant when you are choosing the best brake controllers. If you are using an extra slippery road, it is vital to have trailer sway control in your brake system to avoid slipping, which is dangerous. You are probably asking, what is trailer sway control? It is a control technology in the system that detects any sway and automatically applies brake pressure to the wheels returning them to a straight motion.

Weather

The weather experienced on the road that you usually use also causes sways. Driving in an RV with your family going on vacation, and the strong winds move your RV is dangerous. Therefore, if you will be using such a road, ensure that your trailer hitch sway control is set.

No trailer that is towing cargo should be on the road without a trailer sway prevention mechanism. Trailer sway control works hand in hand with the trailer brake system, which means it will work together with your RV trailer brake controllers.

Finding the best brake controllers is vital for all trailers. If you tow cargo using a trailer, you need to have enough knowledge to choose the best brake controllers that will work for you. This guide gives you factors that should be put into consideration before selecting a brake controller. Work with the best company to get quality towing electronics. Hayes Towing Electronics Products are Proudly Made in the U.S.A.

Trailer air brake controllers are a vital piece of equipment for any driver who wants to prevent sway out on the roads. But even if you are generally aware of the importance of choosing the right trailer air brake controllers for your vehicle, you may be lost on the details of why they matter so much. Here’s just a few ways in which trailer air brake controllers benefit your driving.

Trailer air brake controllers provide better handling

Handling your vehicle is key to maintaining safety on the roads. A trailer air brake controller is a major component in your sway. Trailer sway is the root cause of many accidents out on the highway. But if you are able to keep sway under control, you can avoid potential swerves, veering, and collisions.

These components improve control in challenging driving conditions

While driving, there are many factors to take into consideration in order to ensure safety for all passengers and precious cargo. Learning how to tow safely requires substantial education and experience, but you can certainly benefit from taking the first step to install the right trailer air brake controller.

Take, for example, the effects that inclement weather and high winds can have on driving conditions. A 35-mph crosswind could put as much as 3,440 pounds of force pushing on the side of a large trailer, according to a study on commercial vehicle towing accidents. Driving in such conditions can be potentially dangerous, as the risks associated with high winds increase dramatically for anyone who is driving without proper trailer air brake controllers. But if you have your trailer outfitted with the right equipment, you’ll be in a better position to handle these hazardous situations.

Our products represent the best on the market in terms of both safety and performance. If you are looking for trailer air brake controllers that you can trust for your next road trip, then do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of our team today. We would love to help make your next time out on the road safe and memorable.

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Whether you use your trailers for camping, regular day trips, commercial transportation of goods, or any other function; safety and comfort will always be essential. You should ensure that as you travel, your valuables and items remain in the best condition. That is the reason you should also think about finding the best brake controller.

There has never been a better time for recreational vehicle users to tour the country because of the more than 16,000 campgrounds available countrywide. These campgrounds allow them to roam parts of the country for months, depending on their needs. Because of that, you have to be sure that the braking system is protected from swaying.

When talking about brake controllers, it is difficult to avoid mentioning the fact that there are many systems for different types of trailers. For an RV, you have to be sure that you have the right system. However, you may not be aware of the features to look for, and that is the reason you need the following checklist.

1. Systems that allow for simultaneous braking

When sway is detected, the trailer is in an unstable condition, and this means that the driver can quickly lose control. It is up to you to find the best brake controller that can bring the truck back to stability. To achieve this task, simultaneous braking is required.

You must have noticed that with simultaneous braking, you can apply brakes to all wheels, and it ensures that the vehicle comes to a stop fast. Such a braking system ensures that the trailer moves in the same direction as the towing car regardless of the force applied to it. Because of this mechanism, the trailer brake system becomes a regular feature in the most dangerous conditions.

2. A quick-reaction breaking boost

How fast does your trailer braking system work? If you look at the features of the best brake controllers, you will notice that they have a quick reaction speed. This feature is the one that provides the much-needed boost to your brakes. The speed at which a brake controller works varies depending on the brand, model, and type of RV. Therefore, you may want to study your situation before choosing one from the many options available from manufacturers. In addition to that, ask yourself if your system can handle the weight that leads to sways in recreational vehicles.

3. Simple installation and operation

The installation and operation of sway control systems should not be a process that gives you a lot of trouble. The best brake controllers allow you to focus on other features of your truck so that you can easily travel down the road. As for the installation of the system, you need one that you can either do by yourself or find a technician that knows how to properly install them.

4. The latest technology to recover stability

There is no doubt that technology has played a significant role in shaping various industries. The RV industry is one of those that have benefited from advancements in technology, as seen in the latest electric trailer brakes. Because of these developments, drivers are safer and more comfortable.

The fact that technology is always changing means that you should keep tabs with new releases. Be sure to upgrade your controllers when new versions are released. You should also compare the functionality of leading solutions to find out where the best offers are found.

Have you identified the best brake controller yet? Give us a call today to learn more! Hayes Towing Electronics Products are Proudly Made in the U.S.A. and In-Stock!

A swaying trailer can cause a scare to motorists and pedestrians alike. It is a situation that can result in a severe accident if it is not controlled correctly. According to statistics, swaying is one of the leading causes of accidents in this class of vehicles. It is because of this fact that you need to know how to reduce the probability of sways. As a motorist, knowing a few things about correcting trailer sway can go a long way in saving lives and property. You do not have to be an expert to know that many situations can lead to swaying. However, as long as you take precautions, your safety will be guaranteed.

How weight distribution can lead to swaying

Imbalanced weight distribution is one of the reasons trailers sway. Sometimes, the loading crew may not notice that there is more weight to one side than the other. The result is that the entire vehicle will lose balance. Several methods can be used to control this problem when correcting trailer sway. For instance, experts recommend the use of weight distribution systems when the weight of the load is more than half that of the vehicle. If you are wondering where you can get the systems for controlling trailer sway, they come in various types.

How a bad braking system can lead to sway

Braking systems have also been known to cause sway in trailers. When you brake suddenly, the force is applied to the caravan from various angles. Therefore, if it does not apply evenly, you can expect it to sway. The best way of correcting trailer sway in such a situation is by finding the right braking system for your vehicle. You should also check various aspects of the system, including the trailer brake controller to ensure that they are all working properly.

Various types of sway control systems

To increase your safety when driving trailers, you may want to invest in various trailer sway prevention methods. A simple system can be installed on the vehicle to ensure that it is more stable. When you contact a motor vehicle technician for such solutions, you will notice that there are electronic sway controllers, among other options. You should also find the right support systems, including towing services, when you notice that you can no longer go on with the vehicle without correcting trailer sway.

Choosing the right sway control system

Correcting trailer sway also involves choosing the right trailer sway control systems. A sway control hitch may prevent most of the accidents that arise from this problem. When you decide to install such controls, you should look for the ones that have been designed specifically for your vehicle. You will notice that vehicles that carry more loads will require stronger controls than those that carry fewer loads. You should also look for controls that are adjustable so that you can set them according to the weight on the trailer.

Towing and safety

When a trailer has sway, you have to find a way to tow it to safety. Remember that it is not only about correcting trailer sway; it is also about moving the vehicle to a safer place. When you know how to tow safely, you help in preventing many problems on the roads. Towing should not be a big problem regardless of where you live. Even when you experience the sway on the major highways, there will always be companies that you can contact for help. You will notice that these companies have their contacts readily available both on and offline.

When you understand the basics about correcting trailer sway, you will always be confident when loading and driving your trucks. You will notice that with better controls, you have fewer things to worry about. You should not forget to find the right company for correcting the sways because you need an assurance of quality. They should use high-quality products from trusted manufacturers to ensure that the problem is eliminated. It is all about finding the best control systems for your trailers.

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Reports from the NHTSA show that an estimated 50, 000 accidents related to trailer towing occur each year. Most of these accidents are a result of preventable trailer swaying. The intensity of the swinging movements can increase and lead to trailer flipping, which may, in turn, overturn your towing vehicle. If you’re towing a swaying trailer, you have all the reasons to get worried because the outcome can be downright dangerous. Here are the reasons why your trailer may sway and steps that you should take to prevent it.

Uneven hitch weight distribution

Uneven weight distribution is a significant cause of trailer swaying. If you load too much weight towards the rear of your trailer, the trailer’s rear gets overburdened. In such cases, the rear end can act as a pendulum that swings back and forth during the movement of your trailer. As the trailer makes this movement, it can pull your vehicle along. Loading too much weight towards the front of your caravan can cause your towing vehicle to sag, and your front tires may lose traction. This problem will diminish your steering control, and make you lose control over your vehicle. Manufacturers tell trailer owners to ensure that the hitch weight exerted by the trailer at the hitching point should be at least 10% to 12% of the entire trailer weight to prevent swaying.

Poor trailer design

If your trailer has wheels that are out of alignment or a frame that is not well designed, then you’re likely to experience trailer swaying. Improper use and driving may worsen trailer swaying for trailers that are not well-designed. As such, you should take your trailer for regular servicing and inspection to ensure that it’s in proper working condition.

Exceeding trailer weight limits

If you exceed your trailer weight, your vehicle may have a rough time towing the trailer. Your suspension and frame will also get stressed, and this increases the risk of trailer swaying. Controlling an overweight trailer is a big challenge. As such, it’s advisable to load your trailer according to its design specifications to prevent swaying.

Side-winds from large passing vehicles

A powerful gust of wind from a passing truck can hit the side of your trailer and give it a side-to-side movement. The high profile of most trailers makes them more likely to get strong sways. It’s impossible to avoid such situations on most roads. As such, you should equip your truck with an RV sway control systems that can reduce the effect of side-winds. The sway control systems help in reducing and controlling swaying caused by crosswinds as well as the other mentioned causes of fishtailing.

Sway control hitch units and how they prevent trailer fishtailing

A sway control hitch unit eliminates or decreases swaying forces, which can cause trailer separation or tip over. Different types of sway control hitch units work via different mechanisms to prevent trailer swaying. Examples of such sway control hitch units include the independent friction-style sway control system, the dual-cam sway control, and the 4-point sway control system.

Controlling trailer sway is essential for your safety. Take caution when hitching, loading, and driving your towing car by considering the insightful tips above. Careful consideration of these tips, coupled with the installation of sway control systems, may improve your towing safety and guarantee a safe journey.

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Trailer brake controllers make all the difference when you’re out on the road. Whether you’re driving an RV on a long road trip, or moving some precious cargo, the quality of your trailer brake system is a key part of your overall efficiency, and it’s one part of your vehicle that should never be neglected. A good brake controller system prevents potential problems before they arise, and reduces the likelihood of mishaps no matter where you’re traveling. In the modern landscape of seemingly limitless vehicle parts options, misleading reviews of brake controllers, and conflicting advice, it can be difficult to find the best brake control system for your needs. With our simple tips, we hope to make the process a little easier so you have the confidence you need to tow safely on your next trip.

Understanding trailer sway is a good starting point for anyone who’s planning to drive a towing vehicle. Trailer sway is responsible for many accidents and mishaps, many of which can be prevented by having the right systems in place. Because trailers place more weight on the rear end of your vehicle, trailers tend to move from side to side once you hit higher speeds out on the highway. This effect can also be caused by winds and imbalanced weight distribution in your vehicle or trailer. The sudden side to side motion that results is known as trailer sway, and it can lead to dangerous, comprising situations both for you and for the other drivers that may happen to be in your general vicinity. Thankfully, there are lots of options that you have to either reduce trailer sway, or prevent it before it even happens.

While there are some manual techniques you can use to reduce trailer sway, it’s often best to choose a system that includes sway control features. Trailer sway devices come in 2 basic types. The first type are those that reduce sway once it has begun. The second type work to prevent sway altogether. Many reviews of brake controllers will highlight features such as GPS to determine the speed of the trailer independent of the towing vehicle, a gyroscope that looks out for any potentially hazardous concerns that may lead to trailer sway. Whatever your particular needs are, it’s best to consult with an expert dealer who has experience with trailers. They can take your unique variables into account and suggest products that fit your needs and prevent, reduce, or eliminate trailer sway so you can stay safe during your next outing.

When you’re trying to choose the right brake controller solution, it also helps to be aware of some of the most common types of brake controllers. While other, newer types of technology are mentioned in some of the more popular reviews of brake controllers, you will find that you come across these common types of brake controllers most often. First off, integrated trailer brakes provide a system that works with your vehicle’s display to reduce any confusion and potential delays between your vehicle and your trailer. Time-delayed trailer brakes allow you to adjust the delay time and the force of the braking to fit your particular needs. Conversely, proportional trailer brakes balance out the amount of braking that occurs between your vehicle and your trailer. With advancements in modern technology and access, the world of trailer braking systems will only continue to grow and evolve. Working with knowledgeable specialists can give you the confidence and peace of mind you need out on the road.

Working with the right company who can give you quality reviews of brake controllers and suggest the right options for you is just as important as choosing the right parts for your vehicle. Customer service and industry expertise are of the utmost importance at Hayes Towing Electronics. We also take pride in our manufacturing process to ensure all of our parts will serve both today, and onward into the future. If you’re looking to upgrade your brake controllers or install a new system, then don’t hesitate to contact us today.

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