Towing a trailer should feel safe and steady. But if you’ve ever had your trailer start swaying, snaking or fishtailing behind you, you’ll know how frightening and dangerous it can be. The good news is that most trailer problems are avoidable – and TWL has the gear to help you get it right.
Trailer Sway – What It Is and Why It Happens
Trailer sway happens when the trailer swings from side to side, pulling the tow vehicle with it. If not brought under control, it can quickly turn into a dangerous situation.
The most common causes are:
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Poorly loaded trailers (too much weight behind the axle or uneven side-to-side loading)
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High-sided or top-heavy trailers, which are more vulnerable in crosswinds or when passing trucks and buses
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Low or uneven tyre pressures
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Mismatched or worn tyres
At TWL, we stock quality trailer wheels, tyres and accessories to keep your rig balanced and safe.
What To Do If Your Trailer Starts Swaying
Your first instinct might be to brake hard, but that usually makes things worse. AA recommends the following:
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Ease off the accelerator
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Gently apply brakes
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Pull over safely, then check your load, drawbar angle and tyre pressures
If you need brake controllers or replacement brake parts, talk to TWL or shop online before your next trip.
Level Towing Matters
A trailer that sits nose-up or nose-down behind your tow vehicle is asking for trouble. It changes the centre of gravity, reduces control, and can cause a rollover if things go wrong.
To stay safe:
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Make sure your trailer sits level when attached
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Adjust your tow ball height with the correct mount or coupling setup
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Keep drawbar weight at roughly 10% of your trailer’s total weight
TWL has a full range of tow balls, couplings and suspension parts so you can set up your trailer correctly from the start.
Pitching – Too Much Weight at the Front
Just as dangerous as sway is pitching – when a heavy front load pushes down on the tow ball. This lifts the front wheels of your vehicle, reducing steering and control, especially when braking downhill.
Keep heavier items slightly forward of the axle, low down, and evenly spread. If you’re carrying loose material like firewood, keep it level with a small bias forward.
For safe loading, make sure your trailer tie-downs are in good condition.
Final Word – Don’t Risk It
Whether you’re towing the boat to go fishing, hauling gear for the farm, or pulling a loaded trailer down the motorway, trailer stability is everything. Most towing issues come back to poor load balance, tyre condition, maintenance or the wrong setup, all things you can fix with the right gear.
Come see us at TWL for tyres, wheels, couplings, brakes, suspension parts and more. Our team knows trailers, and we’ll make sure you’ve got what you need for safer, smoother towing.
Advice on handling trailer sway has been adapted from guidance provided by the New Zealand Automobile Association (AA). You can read more towing tips on their website.