RV & MOTORHOME SWAY CONTROL

Understanding RV and Motorhome Sway Control


One of the most exhilarating experiences of modern-day life is the freedom of traveling in your RV or motorhome. The open road ahead, the comfort of your own space, and the adventure of it all is undeniably attractive. However, the charm of this experience can quickly turn into a daunting challenge if your vehicle motorhome starts to sway. This unwelcome movement not only makes your ride uncomfortable but it can also lead to serious safety concerns.

 

Let’s explore RV and motorhome sway and how to control it with sway bars for your RV.

 

What is Sway?

 

Sway, or "trailer sway," is the undesirable side-to-side movement experienced by an RV or motorhome. This phenomenon often occurs when your vehicle is subjected to crosswinds, uneven roads, or when large vehicles such as trucks and buses pass by. The larger and heavier your RV or trailer, the more likely it is to experience sway.

 

Sway can vary in intensity. In minor cases, it can cause discomfort and annoyance. However, in severe instances, it can lead to loss of control of the vehicle, making it a serious threat to your safety and those around you. 


RV or Motorhome Sway Control is an issue with most RVs on the road today. RV chassis manufactured today have some of the best components available from the factory to create a driving experience that is comfortable and worry free. Unfortunately RV steering and RV suspension from the factory has its faults. Without the addition of heavier RV Sway bars and specific suspension upgrades, your RV may still sway and rock when going down the highway. 


Fortunately, Super Steer products are available to enhance the performance and drivability of today’s RVs and travel trailers. Depending on the situation, you can add components like Trac Bars sway bars and Koni FSD shocks to improve handling and control. If your vehicle is equiped with an air suspension we offer Motion Controls that minimize body roll when going out of a driveway or over the curb. These RV upgrades can virtually eliminate the heavy roll you may be experiencing.


Most RV and motorhome owners are unaware that RV sway and body roll can be drastically reduced. You should not have to fight the steering wheel in a high wind or when a tractor trailer passes you. Your RV steering and RV suspension can be greatly improved by the addition of Super Steer improvement products such as specially designed RV Trac bars and RV Sway bars.


Every RV or motorhome owner knows that one of the biggest challenges when driving is controlling the sway of the vehiclemotorhome. RV sway control is an important safety measure that helps to reduce the amount of sway experienced when driving an RV or motorhome. Let's explore how RV sway control works and the best RV suspension upgrades to help improve your handling and comfort.



How Active Suspension Works to Improve Ride Quality


While there are several tools available to improve the ride quality of an RV or motorhome, one of the most important is active suspension. Active suspension, also known as active roll control, works to reduce the amount of sway experienced while driving the motorhome by  using a combination of hydraulic and/or electronic systems. The hydraulic system works by using hydraulic fluid to fill shock absorbers when the suspension is under load. This helps to reduce the amount of body roll, which helps to keep the vehicle more stable and comfortable when driving.


RV Control


Other motorhome sway control measures can include the use of anti-sway bars for your RV, which are designed to improve the handling of the RV or motorhome by helping to reduce body roll. Anti-sway bars can be used as a standalone system or combined with active suspension to provide even better control and stability.

Suspension Comfort


The RVs suspension and anti-sway bars work together to help make the ride more comfortable. The suspension helps to absorb the bumps and dips that are encountered while driving, which can help to reduce fatigue and make the ride much more enjoyable.

Confidence in Your Driving


Installing anti-sway bars can help to make your RV or motorhome more stable, which can give you more confidence while driving. This can help to reduce some of the stress that can be associated with driving a large RV or motorhome.

The Mechanics of How it Works


Koni shocks work by using hydraulic fluid to fill shock absorbers when the suspension is under load. This helps to reduce the amount of body roll, which helps to keep the vehicle more stable and comfortable when driving. Anti-sway bars for your RV are also used to reduce body roll, as they are designed to transfer the force of the body roll to the other wheels on the same side of the vehicle. This helps to keep the vehicle more level and stable when driving.


How to Prevent RV and Motorhome Sway

 

There are several measures you can take to prevent motorhome sway, many of which revolve around the way you load your vehicle and how you manage its weight.

 

Don't Exceed the Trailer's Gross Weight

 

Every trailer and RV has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), which is the maximum operating weight as specified by the manufacturer. This includes the weight of the vehicle itself, cargo, passengers, and any additional equipment. Overloading your trailer or RV by exceeding its GVWR is one of the main causes of motorhome sway. It's critical that you adhere to this weight limit to ensure the stability of your vehicle.

 

Load Cargo Evenly and Properly

 

Even distribution of cargo is a key aspect of preventing sway. Load the heaviest items low to the floor and near the trailer's axle, balancing the weight on either side. Improperly distributed weight can lead to instability, making your vehicle more susceptible to sway.

 

Keep all Cargo in the Trailer

 

To prevent sway, it's important to limit the amount of cargo in the tow vehicle. Instead, try to keep as much cargo as possible in the trailer. This helps maintain a lower center of gravity, which contributes to greater stability.

 

Get a Sway Control Kit with Sway Bars for Your RV

 

A sway control kit can provide an effective solution for RV and motorhome sway. It usually includes sway bars, also known as stabilizer bars or anti-sway bars, which are designed to resist sway-inducing forces and maintain the stability of your vehicle.

 

Sway bars work by transferring the sway forces from one side of the vehicle motorhome to the other, creating a 'lever effect' that helps keep your vehicle in line. This not only minimizes sway but also improves the overall drivability of your vehicle.

 

Don't Overload the Tow Vehicle

 

Just as it's important not to exceed your trailer's gross weight, it's equally crucial to avoid overloading your tow vehicle. The towing vehicle’s GVWR includes its own weight, the weight of passengers, the weight of any cargo, and the tongue weight of any trailer it's towing. Exceeding this weight limit can negatively impact the vehicle's performance and cause motorhome sway.

 

Maintain a Maximum Speed of 55 mph.

 

Speeding is another leading cause of motorhome sway. As your speed increases, so does the chance of your trailer or RV swaying. It's recommended to keep your speed under 55 mph to minimize the risk of sway.

 

What to Do if You Start to Sway While Driving Your Motorhome

 

1.    Gradually reduce your speed by lifting your foot off the accelerator. Do not attempt to hit the brakes, as this could exacerbate the sway.


2.    Steer straight. Resist the urge to steer in the opposite direction of the sway, as it could lead to loss of control.


3.    Wait for the vehicle to stabilize before gradually increasing your speed again. If the sway persists, safely pull over and check your load distribution and sway control equipment.

 

Gain More Control With the Best RV Suspension Upgrades From Mainline RV & Truck Service


At Mainline RV & Truck Service, we provide a wide range of RV suspension upgrades to help improve the ride quality and handling of your RV or motorhome. Whether you are looking to install active suspension or sway bars for an RV or motorhome, our trained technicians can recommend the best RV suspension upgrades making your next road trip a lot more enjoyable. Contact us to learn more about our RV suspension upgrades or to schedule a service appointment. Call to schedule a RPA (Road Performance Assessment) for you and your coach today!


Contact Mainline RV & Truck Service to Get Sway Bars for Your RV or Motorhome

 

While adopting good driving habits and proper loading techniques can go a long way in preventing sway, a professional solution like installing sway bars for your RV can provide a more reliable fix.

 

Mainline RV & Truck Service can help you combat sway issues. We have the necessary equipment, expertise, and experience to address your sway problems effectively. Contact us to discuss your needs, and we will guide you in selecting and installing the right sway bars for your RV or motorhome.


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