Controlling Sway Or Fishtailing; Equipment; Tongue Weight; Corrective Measures - Airstream (nest) 2019 Owner's Manual

Controlling Sway or Fishtailing

Sway or fishtailing is the sideways action of a trailer caused
by external forces. It is common for travel trailers to sway in
response to strong winds or crosswinds, when passed by or
passing a semi, or driving downhill.
WARNING
Excessive sway or fishtailing of your travel trailer
can lead to the rollover of the trailer and tow
vehicle. Serious injury or death can occur. It
is important that you read and understand the
information in this section.
Sway or fishtailing of your travel trailer can be controlled and is
primarily impacted by these four factors:

• Equipment

When hitched together, the trailer and the tow vehicle must
be level. The tires of both the trailer and tow vehicle should be
in good condition and properly inflated to their recommended
pressures. Braking is a very important factor in vehicle control.
Refer to Brakes (and Electronic Brake Controller) in this section.
We recommend adding a friction sway damper or hitch
with built-in sway control. Consult your dealer regarding this
equipment. Also, refer to Sway Control Device in this section for
more information.

• Tongue Weight

Refer to Weighing Your Trailer and Equalizing Hitch Load
Distribution found in this section.
• Speed
The tendency for the vehicle to sway increases with speed. Obey
all speed limits and reduce speed during inclement weather or
windy conditions.

• Corrective Measures

If sway occurs, the following techniques should be used:
1. Slow down immediately, remove your foot from the
accelerator. Avoid using the tow vehicle brakes unless there is
a danger of collision. Reduce speed gradually when possible.
If done safely, use the brake hand controller to gently and
progressively apply the trailer brakes. This will help to keep
the vehicles aligned.
Practice using the brake hand controller in a deserted parking
lot. Do not wait until an emergency occurs before using it.
Location of the brake hand controller is important and should
be made easily accessible.
7-6
2. Steer as little as possible while maintaining control of the
vehicle. Because of natural reaction lag time, quick steering
movements to counter trailer sway will actually cause
increased sway and loss of control. Keep both hands on the
wheel. Hold the wheel as straight as possible until stability is
regained.
3. Once the swaying is under control, stop as soon as possible.
Check tire pressures, cargo weight distribution and look for
any signs of mechanical failure. Travel at reduced speeds
that permit full control until the problem can be identified and
corrected.
WARNING
Do not jam on the brakes or attempt to press
on the accelerator to speed your way out of the
fishtailing. Both actions make the situation worse
and could cause severe injury or death.

Sway Control Device

Although Airstream has not intruded into the hitch manufacturer's
field of expertise nor performed any formal testing, we find
the vast majority of Airstream owners purchase sway-control
devices.
When passed by large trucks or when exposed to sudden
crosswinds, the trailer will be pushed and this action will be felt
in the tow vehicle. It is our understanding that the sway control
device will reduce the amount of movement, making towing
more comfortable and adding some safety.