Colorado State Patrol is reminding recreationalists that “Trailer Sway is Not Okay”
COLORADO. (KRDO) -- Colorado State Patrol (CSP) wants to remind recreationalists to load trailers and other towed items properly.
CSP says that ensuring that a vehicle is hitched safely, distributing the weight on the trailer or camper properly, and driving responsibly are key in avoiding trailer sway. CSP says that trailer sway can be deadly.
One of the biggest errors people make is not paying enough attention to the weight distribution of what they are towing, according to CSP.
“You want to see a flat plane between your vehicle and your trailer or camper,” stated Major Rob Marone, District 5 Commander of the Colorado State Patrol, “If you see that what your towing is tipping forward toward the hitch or back away from the hitch, this indicates less traction and more swaying.”
According to CSP, motorists should have more weight placed before the axle (or closer to the vehicle in front of the trailer’s wheels). Front loading helps to evenly distribute the weight between the tow vehicle and whatever you are towing.
CSP says if you are pulling a camper, place heavier items lower to the ground in the camper. That means only light things go in the overhead cabinet to help keep a lower center of gravity.
CSP also advises that the bigger the trailer the more sensitive to the wind and the faster you go the more you will sway. So be prepared to drive slower and allow folks to pass you when there is an open lane to do so safely.
Click here to see a video put together by CSP on how to prevent trailer sway.
