You’re Planning to Tow a Caravan. What Will Help The Handling of The Combination?

You’re Planning to Tow a Caravan. What Will Help The Handling of The Combination?

Towing a caravan or trailer affects the way the towing vehicle handles. A stabilising device can improve your vehicle’s handling by preventing buffeting and swaying when towing in windy conditions or near large vehicles.

Although stabilisers can help prevent swaying, they won’t rectify any instability caused by incorrect loading. It’s important to follow the guidelines and rules when loading and securing your caravan or trailer.

What is trailer sway?

Trailer sway is when the caravan or trailer moves from left to right behind the towing vehicle, creating a snaking motion that, if left unchecked, could lead to a serious accident.

What type of caravan is prone to swaying?

Unfortunately, swaying can affect any caravan or trailer, irrespective of how experienced or well you’ve set up your car and trailer. In addition, swaying often happens unexpectedly, giving drivers little time to react.

What type of condition causes trailer sway?

Horizontal disturbances are key causes of trailer sway. Side winds coming from either direction or large oncoming or overtaking vehicles are two of the most common.

Large vehicles have a bow wave which essentially means they push the surrounding air around them as they travel. If you get overtaken or pass an oncoming vehicle with a large bow wave while towing, the displaced air can knock your trailer off a straight line.

Understanding the swaying motion

The key to handling the combination is understanding the swaying motion. The caravan travels faster than the towing car when it snakes from side to side. It picks up speed because it travels a longer distance, and it will eventually try to overtake the towing vehicle.