There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road with your caravan in tow. But if you’ve ever experienced your caravan snaking, shaking or swaying behind you – you know how quickly panic can take over.
Caravan sway is one of the most common causes of caravan accidents, with drivers often losing total control of their rig. Thankfully, there are ways to avoid and diminish the effects of the dreaded caravan sway. Let’s dive into how to stop caravan sway to ensure your journey is smooth, safe and stress-free.
What is caravan sway?
Caravan sway is when your caravan moves from side to side behind the tow vehicle instead of following the direction of the tow vehicle. There can be a number of causes, including uneven weight distribution and tyre pressure, speeding, poor suspension, weather conditions such as side winds and even entering slipstreams of other vehicles, particularly semi-trailers. Poorly maintained roads can also increase the risk.
Therefore, it’s imperative to drive to the correct road conditions and stay alert for any possible hazards. It can be hard to manage all of these factors at once, especially if you are driving on an unfamiliar road or towing a caravan for the first time.
How to stop caravan sway: 5 simple steps
Proper weight distribution, smooth driving, correct tyre pressure, and a reliable brake controller are all key to stopping caravan sway.
See below for more information and tips on how to tow a caravan safely.
Proper weight distribution
One of the most common causes of caravan sway is uneven weight distribution and poor packing techniques. A good rule of thumb is to place all heavy loads as close as possible to the axles and never at the rear of the caravan. The video below by Swift Caravan Services highlights the effect that poor weight distribution can have.
Keep your driving slow & steady
Abrupt steering, such as suddenly changing lanes, can trigger caravan sway. Instead, drive smoothly and give yourself plenty of time to adjust to the road conditions – especially if you’re on a bumpy road or stuck in gusty winds.
Keep your eye on your speed too. While it can be tempting to put the pedal to the metal out on the country roads, speed is one of the biggest causes of caravan sway. It all comes down to the physics of motion, where a body in motion will remain in motion unless an external force acts upon it. So always drive to the limit and accelerate slowly.
Monitor tyre pressure
When you’re learning how to stop caravan sway, you also need to learn the basics of tyre pressure. Underinflated or overinflated tyres can affect the stability of your caravan and induce swaying. This means your tyre pressures need to be adjusted to suit the type of road you're driving on and they need to match the recommended levels for both your caravan and tow vehicle.
Use anti-sway devices
For extra security, you can add control hitches or stabiliser bars to your set-up. These devices help to counteract movement in the caravan and can help to keep your caravan stable at higher speeds or in windy conditions. Paired with an electric trailer brake controller for ultimate safety, REDARC’s Tow-Pro Link features SwayStop Plus™ sway stabilisation technology, applying brakes to your caravan resolving incidents promptly.
Check road & weather conditions
The final way to stop caravan sway is to take stock of the roads you’ll be driving on and the weather forecast. If you’re driving on hilly terrain or in areas known for high winds, drive slowly, don’t make any sudden steering movements.
How to stop caravan sway with electric brake controllers
An electric brake controller is crucial for your caravan set up. When towing, the brakes are responsible for managing the combined weight of both your caravan and towing vehicle – which puts a lot of pressure on them. A brake controller, like REDARC’s Tow-Pro, ensures your braking system responds smoothly and safely to the weight of the caravan and provides controlled braking.
In Australia, trailers with a GTM of 750–2000kg must be fitted with brakes on at least one axle, while those exceeding 2000kg are legally required to have a braking system controllable by the driver. For other regions, we recommend checking your local regulations. Some electric brakes can operate the trailer brakes independently of the vehicle brakes which aid in controlling caravan sway.
Avoid caravan sway for a safe journey with REDARC
While caravan sway is something you always need to be mindful of, you don’t have to let it ruin your next trip. By having the right set up, driving carefully and distributing all your weight evenly, you can have a smooth, sway-free journey.
So, when you’re out on the road next, don’t underestimate the importance of investing in an electric brake controller to minimise and manage your risk of caravan sway.
