Best Emergency Sway Stop Procedure

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by Archicamper

I would also suggest practice reaching for your break controller while driving under normal circumstances so that you have a level of comfort doing this maneuver should the need arise.

I agree. You don't want to be looking down trying to find it.

Know where the paddles are by feel and only apply enough to have the trailer slowing relative to the truck. Smashing them together could cause a trailer wheel to lock up making a bad situation worse.

[Chuck_S]

I would also suggest practice reaching for your break controller

Arrrg! You will never find the break controller. We all know what you mean, of course, but it's a brake controller.

Interesting note in my 2017 Ford Expedition owner's manual. Maybe due to Ford's standard trailer sway control?:

Only use the manual control lever for
proper adjustment of the gain during
trailer setup. Misuse, such as
application during trailer sway, could
cause instability of trailer or tow
vehicle.

(Emphasis added.)

-- Chuck

[Herk7769]

I agree with that note. That is why a slow squeeze to get just what you need to slow the trailer is what you are looking for.

[lilmikey_ab]

As for 5th wheel sway.. we know it is less likely to happen on a 5th.. but.... I had a XLR 305 toy hauler.. it was sold as the only 1/2 ton towable 5th, but, only cause it had no pin weight.. total weight was in the 13000lbs area... poorly designed trailer in my mind.. all the weight behind the axles.. 2 fuel tanks, all water tanks plus your "toys". The only thing in front of the axles was the generator. Thing was nasty to pull (had a 1 ton supercab long box ford, 2wd), then a crew cab 1 ton.. towed like ****.. person really has to know (i didn't) what to look at when buying their trailer