Have you ever felt your trailer start to sway while driving down the highway?

It’s unsettling, stressful, and downright dangerous. Trailer sway isn’t just a minor annoyance — it can quickly spiral out of control if you don’t tackle it at the source.

So, what’s the best way to stop trailer sway for good?

The answer lies in using a true anti-sway hitch that doesn’t just fight the symptoms but eliminates sway altogether.

Unlike basic friction hitches that resist movement after sway begins, advanced technology like the ProPride 3P® Hitch shifts the trailer’s pivot point closer to your tow vehicle’s rear axle using patented Pivot Point Projection™. This creates stability similar to a fifth wheel, giving you better control and peace of mind behind the wheel.

Upgrading to a hitch with features like a one-piece yoke, adjustable offset hitch bar, and proper weight distribution makes a huge difference in towing safety and confidence. It’s about more than slowing down—it’s about towing smarter.

In this blog, we’ll cover:

• What causes trailer sway and how to spot early warning signs
• Loading and setup tips that reduce sway risk
• How the right hitch technology helps you stay in control

Let’s get started!

Understanding Trailer Sway

Trailer sway happens when your trailer swings behind your tow vehicle, creating unstable and unsafe driving conditions. Knowing the leading causes, spotting early warning signs, and understanding the different types can help you keep control and improve your towing safety.

What Causes Trailer Sway

Wind gusts, passing trucks, uneven pavement, or improper weight distribution often cause trailer sway. If the trailer's weight is not balanced, especially with too much weight at the rear, the trailer acts like a lever and amplifies minor movements. This makes it harder for your tow vehicle to keep the trailer steady.

Speed has a direct effect. Driving too fast makes it harder to correct sway. Underinflated tires, worn suspension parts, or loose hitch connections can turn a slight wiggle into a dangerous swing. Using the wrong hitch – especially a friction-only style – often fails to address these root causes.

Technology that projects the pivot point forward, such as a Pivot Point Projection™ system, solves this problem. Our ProPride 3P® Hitch uses this design to transform how your trailer follows your vehicle and prevents sway before it starts.

Types of Sway and Their Effects

There are two main types of trailer sway: predictable and sudden or oscillating.

• Predictable sway usually happens at certain speeds or in common conditions like crosswinds or highways. It might feel minor initially, but it can stress your vehicle and hitch over time.
• Oscillating sway is more dangerous. The trailer swings back and forth with increasing force, sometimes creating a "whipping" motion. Quick steering corrections, emergencies, or improper hitch setups usually trigger this type. The energy can build quickly, sometimes leading to loss of control or a rollover.

Most drivers fear oscillating sway—it's not just movement; it's a violent, repeated shift that a friction hitch cannot control. Only advanced trailer sway control systems can effectively stop this cycle.

Recognizing Early Warning Signs

Recognizing early signs can stop a small problem from becoming a crisis. Watch for these signals:

• Steering Feels Loose: Check your trailer connection and balance if your steering suddenly feels lighter or you notice frequent corrections.
• Subtle Side-To-Side Movements: Look for the trailer "wiggle" in your mirrors, especially after passing a truck.
• Increased Sway Over Bumps: If movement grows after driving over a bump or dip, your hitch or weight distribution may be at fault.
• Sudden Change After Speed Adjustment: If accelerating or decelerating causes more swinging, your setup may need adjustment.

If you see these warning signs, do not ignore them. Upgrading to a premium anti-sway hitch like ProPride increases control and minimizes risk, letting you tow confidently every time.

Proper Loading Techniques

How you load your trailer is one of the most critical factors for safe and stable towing. Good loading habits reduce sway, keep your rig level, and protect your cargo and investment.

Distributing Weight Correctly

Place your heaviest items low, centered over the axles, and as close to the trailer floor as possible. This lowers your center of gravity and makes your setup less likely to sway. Keep about 60% of the cargo weight of the trailer's axle forward.

Do not let heavier cargo shift to the rear. When too much mass sits behind the axles, you risk fishtailing, especially at highway speeds. The tow vehicle may feel unstable or light in the steering if the trailer is too front- or back-heavy.

Use this guideline for reference:

Double-check after packing. Rearrange items to maintain balance. Consistent weight distribution is one of the first steps for absolute sway control, especially when paired with a technology like the ProPride 3P® Hitch.

Securing Cargo Safely

Loose items can move and upset the trailer's balance when you turn, brake, or hit a bump. Strap down heavy objects with quality tie-downs, ratchet straps, or cargo nets. Avoid cheap bungee cords that stretch and fail under tension.

Check every box, suitcase, or appliance to ensure that nothing can slide or tip over during transit. If available, use built-in cabinets or storage compartments with locking doors so that items can't come loose.

Test your setup by shaking or rocking the trailer before you tow. If you hear shifting or rolling, improve your securing method. Small movements inside can lead to significant problems outside, so take the time to do this every trip.

Balancing Tongue Weight

Proper tongue weight is key for towing stability.

Aim for 10% to 15% of the total loaded trailer weight to rest directly on the hitch. Less than 10% can cause the trailer to sway, while too much stress can damage the tow vehicle's suspension and hitch.

For accuracy, use a tongue weight scale or your tow vehicle's gauge if it has one. Move items forward or backward until you reach the correct tongue weight.

A high-quality anti-sway hitch, designed by Jim Hensley, such as the ProPride 3P®, helps keep this balance secure during your trip. Its patented Pivot Point Projection™ design maintains a virtual pivot point, delivering better control even when road conditions change or cargo shifts slightly in transit.

Vehicle and Trailer Setup

Proper setup is essential for towing stability and safety. To sharply reduce the risk of sway, pay careful attention to how your trailer is connected, the health of your tires, and the condition of your suspension.

Ensuring Proper Hitching

Always use a weight distribution system that addresses both vertical load and lateral forces. 

Standard friction hitches often underperform, especially in high winds or when passing trucks. For advanced sway control, use an anti-sway hitch with a pivot point projection design. This style projects the virtual pivot point to the rear axle of your tow vehicle, giving you fifth-wheel-like stability.

Double-check that your trailer is level with the tow vehicle. If it's tilting, move cargo or adjust the hitch head height. Secure all connections tightly, especially the frame bracket and spring bars. Check the one-piece yoke and hitch box for any movement.

A properly hitched setup delivers a smoother, safer towing experience.

Tire Selection and Maintenance

Select tires with the correct load rating for both your vehicle and trailer.

Using under-rated or worn tires invites trailer sway and possible blowouts. Always balance your tires and match them as closely as possible by brand, tread, and wear.

Check tire pressure before every trip. Both underinflated and overinflated tires create steering instability, especially at highway speeds. Look for cracks, bulges, or uneven wear that could signal a failing tire. Rotate your trailer tires regularly and keep a torque wrench on hand to verify lug nut tightness.

Suspension Adjustments

Your suspension system controls how forces transfer between the tow vehicle and trailer.

Weak or sagging suspension often leads to sway, especially over bumps or dips. Install upgraded springs or air suspension if your rear end sags with the trailer attached.

ProPride 3P® works best when the tow vehicle rides at a level and maintains full suspension travel. Ensure your weight distribution hitch applies enough force to balance the trailer and vehicle. Stiff sway bars or helper airbags can also minimize side-to-side rolling.

Inspect shocks and bushings periodically. Any play or wear reduces control and makes the trailer more likely to sway. When everything is set up correctly, you get the full benefit of engineered sway control and a more confident ride.

Driving Practices to Prevent Sway

The way you drive significantly impacts trailer sway. Maintaining steady speeds and adjusting for wind or passing vehicles are key to maintaining safety on the road.

Maintaining Safe Speeds

Driving too fast is one of the most common causes of trailer sway.

The quicker you go, the harder it is to control your trailer if it starts to sway. Most experts recommend staying under 65 mph when towing, but your owner's manual may list a lower speed. Always follow those limits.

Use cruise control on highways, but turn it off on steep hills. Quick acceleration and hard braking increase the chance of losing control. Accelerate smoothly and plan slow, gradual stops. Give yourself at least double the stopping distance you would without a trailer.

Check that your weight distribution hitch is set up correctly. Systems like the ProPride 3P® Hitch maintain a virtual pivot point that gives you fifth-wheel-like stability even at highway speeds.

Handling Wind and Passing Vehicles

Sudden gusts of wind or the blast from passing trucks can quickly trigger sway. Keep both hands on the wheel and watch for large vehicles approaching or overtaking. The push-pull effect can move your trailer sideways as a truck passes for several seconds.

Reduce your speed slightly when you see a large vehicle coming up behind you or if you feel strong winds. Do not overcorrect with your steering. Instead, steer straight and steady. Avoid sudden lane changes or harsh movements.

If you often tow in windy areas, use a hitch that eliminates sway at the source. Our hitch uses a one-piece yoke and control links with a frame bracket, offering accurate trailer sway control instead of spring bar friction hitches. This anti-sway hitch design means you don't have to fight the wheel or hope friction alone will keep your trailer in line.

Trailer Sway Control Devices

Stopping trailer sway requires dedicated, well-engineered devices that give you absolute control over your rig. Not all systems work the same, so choosing the right one is key for RV towing safety and keeping your family secure on the road.

Sway Control Hitches

A sway control hitch limits your trailer's ability to pivot independently from your tow vehicle. 

Cheaper friction-based hitches try to resist movement, but these struggle in wind or high-traffic conditions and often wear out quickly. Some require frequent adjustment or even drilling into your trailer frame, which can weaken it over time.

The ProPride 3P® anti-sway hitch stands apart by using Pivot Point Projection™ technology. It offers fifth-wheel-like stability by creating a virtual pivot point near your rear axle. With a one-piece yoke and control links, you avoid the headaches of strut bars and achieve true sway elimination, not just reduction.

This is the only Jim Hensley hitch on the market that is still actively improved and supported for new vehicles.

Weight Distribution Systems

A good weight distribution hitch is essential if your trailer's tongue weight causes your tow vehicle to sag. Improper weight distribution increases sway and reduces braking power and steering control. Spring bars and hitch heads help shift vertical force back onto your front wheels, restoring balanced, level towing.

Top-mounted jacks and adjustable hitch bars, like those on high-end devices, make installation simpler and let you reposition the hitch for new tow vehicles. An advanced hitch bar ensures compatibility as your needs change and doesn't require constant manual adjustments like older systems.

Weight distribution is just as crucial as sway control for safe and predictable towing, especially on long trips or with heavy trailers.

Electronic Sway Control

Electronic sway control uses sensors from your trailer and tow vehicle to detect sway.

When it senses sway, it applies brief pulses to the trailer brakes to help bring everything back in line. These systems work best as a backup or combined with a quality anti-sway hitch, not as the only solution.

Electronics cannot fix the root causes of sway, such as unbalanced loads or a poor hitch setup. They may help in mild sway events but can't match physical trailer connections that prevent sway from starting.

For the most reliable protection, use electronic aids with a properly engineered sway control system.

Responding to Trailer Sway Emergencies

Trailer sway can be dangerous and requires calm, clear actions. Knowing the correct steps—and what mistakes to avoid—can protect your vehicle, trailer, and life.

Steps to Regain Control

• Keep your hands steady on the wheel if your trailer begins to sway. Do not make sudden steering moves. Hold the steering wheel firmly and keep your vehicle straight.
• Remove your foot from the gas pedal. Slow down gradually by letting your vehicle coast. Do not slam on the brakes. If you must brake, do so gently and steadily. If your trailer has electric brakes, use the manual brake control to slow the trailer without braking the tow vehicle.
• Check your mirrors often to watch the trailer's behavior. If necessary, turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers. Stay calm and focus on regaining control before steering off the road.
• Once everything feels stable, pull over in a safe place to inspect your hitch, weight distribution, and tire pressures.

A premium anti-sway hitch like the ProPride 3P® reduces your risk of severe sway due to advanced Pivot Point Projection™ technology.

What Not to Do

Avoid these common mistakes with trailer sway:

• Do not slam on your brakes. This can make swaying worse and may cause a jackknife.
• Never try to "steer out" of the sway. Aggressive steering increases instability and can flip your trailer or tow vehicle. Keep steering steady.
• Don't speed up to "pull out" of sway. Increasing speed only makes the problem worse.
• Do not ignore weight distribution. If you keep towing with improper loading, you risk more emergencies.
• Do not trust basic friction hitches or cheap sway devices.

For ongoing safety, consider a system like the ProPride 3P® Hitch, which has a virtual pivot point and one-piece yoke. This provides true fifth-wheel-like stability and more effectively eliminates sway.

Inspection and Ongoing Maintenance

Caring for your hitch and trailer hardware is critical for safe, stable towing. Regular attention ensures your sway control system works properly, protecting you and your investment.

Regular Equipment Checks

Before every trip, visually check your hitch, spring bars, frame bracket, and all connecting bolts. Tighten any loose hardware and ensure the hitch head and box are free from major rust or cracks. Check that the one-piece yoke in a ProPride 3P® Hitch is undamaged.

Look at the weight distribution components. Check the top-mounted jacks for smooth movement and inspect control links for bending or wear. Test the adjustable offset hitch bar to ensure it is locked in position.

List to review regularly:

• Bolts and fasteners
• Spring bars and control links
• Hitch head and box
• Jacks and yoke
• Frame brackets

If you find any issues, fix them before towing. Catching problems early helps stop trailer sway before it can start.

Addressing Wear and Tear

Parts that experience regular stress, such as spring bars and pivot points, will wear over time. Inspect for metal fatigue, cracks, or deformation, especially around the virtual pivot point unique to ProPride hitches. If paint is flaking, steel may be exposed to rust.

Replace severely worn parts with genuine components. Don't mix and match pieces from different brands; this reduces stability and can void warranties. Lubricate moving pieces, especially where the spring bars and hitch head meet, to keep everything working smoothly.

If towing performance changes—like more sway or rough rides—recheck every part. Minor problems in your anti-sway hitch setup can turn into significant issues if left alone. Keeping up with repairs ensures the technology, like Pivot Point Projection™, always delivers the fifth-wheel-like control you expect from ProPride.

Legal and Safety Considerations

Stopping trailer sway is not just about comfort. In many regions, it is a legal and safety requirement. Towing laws often require certain safety features to protect everyone on the road.

Key legal requirements you should know:

Never exceed your vehicle or trailer's weight ratings. Check the owner's manuals for gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and gross trailer weight (GTW).

Install a quality anti-sway hitch to meet modern safety expectations. Friction-based hitches often do not provide enough control, especially in emergency situations.

Our ProPride 3P® hitch creates a virtual pivot point and uses Pivot Point Projection™ technology for advanced trailer sway control. This technology delivers fifth-wheel-like towing stability, which increases safety for your family and everyone else on the road.

If you travel with an RV, especially in windy conditions or on busy highways, law enforcement may stop you if they spot unsafe sway or improper equipment. Ignoring these rules can lead to fines, insurance issues, or the risk of serious accidents.

Always double-check your connections, test your trailer brakes before trips, and keep your safety chains and lights in working order. ProPride recommends reviewing the latest towing regulations for your state or province before every trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Trailer sway can catch even experienced drivers off guard, turning a smooth drive into a stressful, dangerous situation in seconds. Understanding the causes, prevention methods, and how to react if sway happens can make all the difference in your towing safety. Ready to clear up the most common questions and get confident behind the wheel? Let’s dive in!

What techniques can be adopted to prevent trailer sway when on the road?

Maintain proper tire pressure and keep your tow vehicle and trailer in good condition. Check wheel bearings and suspension, and keep your speed moderate. Choose a true anti-sway hitch instead of basic friction hitches. With Pivot Point Projection™ technology, the ProPride 3P® Hitch creates a virtual pivot point that mimics the stability of a fifth wheel for maximum trailer sway control.

How should a trailer be properly loaded to avoid swaying?

Distribute cargo so that about 10–15% of the trailer's weight is on the tongue. Store heavier items low and forward, near the trailer axle. Keep left-to-right balance even to avoid side-to-side sway. Secure all loose items tightly.

What are the key reasons behind a trailer swaying, especially when it's not loaded?

Sway often starts because of poor weight distribution, low tongue weight, or crosswinds. An empty or poorly loaded trailer allows forces like wind or passing vehicles to move the trailer around the hitch ball too easily. Any hitch enabling the trailer to pivot on the ball easily increases sway risk.

How does excessive tongue weight contribute to trailer sway?

Too much tongue weight pushes down on your tow vehicle's rear axle, making steering and braking less effective and increasing sway risk. The rear of your tow vehicle may sag, raising the front end, which reduces control. Use built-in weight distribution features and adjust your load to stay within recommended tongue weight limits.

At what speeds is trailer sway most likely to occur, and how can it be mitigated?

Trailer sway is likely above 50 mph, especially when passing large trucks or in gusty winds. To reduce the risk, drive at reasonable speeds, avoid sudden maneuvers, and use an advanced anti-sway hitch that controls the pivot point, such as one with a one-piece yoke and top-mounted jacks.

What immediate actions should be taken to correct trailer sway once it starts?

Lift your foot off the gas and hold the steering wheel steady. Avoid hard braking or sharp steering, as these can worsen sway. Once the trailer stabilizes, pull over and check your hitch, load, and tire pressure.