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How to Improve Trailer Stability with Simple Tips

Posted by ProPride Hitch Team on 14th May 2025

How to Improve Trailer Stability with Simple Tips

The ordeal of hauling a travel trailer down the road should not leave you with white knuckles. The better your set-up is, the more relaxed and safe your ride. Fortunately, You don’t always need complicated tools or extensive modifications to help your trailer become more stable – just a better understanding of the fundamentals can often make all the difference.

There are simple changes everyone can make, from tire type to how you load your cargo, that will lead to better towing control. Used correctly, these gentle additions reduce sway, enhance braking and steering, and can make the difference between a white-knuckle ride and one that feels completely in command. Let’s go over some of the main factors that contribute to trailer stability and what you can do to enhance each.

Balancing your Trailer: The Key to Surging-free Towing

First is the balance of the trailer for enhanced stability. An unequally weighted trailer is more prone to sway, which leads to difficult and dangerous driving. This figure can vary but a general rule of thumb is 10–15% of your total trailer weight should sit on the hitch—that’s what’s called tongue weight. Too little tongue weight may cause the trailer to become unstable, while too much might weigh down the back of your tow vehicle, making it harder to steer.

To keep things balanced:

  • Check and adjust tongue weight before towing on the road.
  • Put heavier things right above or a little in front of the axle.
  • Do not let the workload tilt from side to side.

This method prevents your trailer from lifting and makes your vehicle more manageable.

Tires Are More Important Than You Think

The stability of your trailer is largely reliant on the tires. The right tires carry your load, maintain traction and minimize bounce or sway especially on uneven surfaces. Opt for tires that are designed for trailers. These typically have stiffer sidewalls than regular car tires to help them handle the weight and motion of towing. Also, make sure to coincide the tires with your trailer’s weight rating.

Before every trip:

  • Inspect tire pressure and inflate to manufacturer specs.
  • Examine tires for cracks, bulges, and uneven wear.
  • Replace any tires that appear to be worn or damaged.

Consider it another small investment in the health of your tires, one that can pay off with a smoother, safer ride.

Support it Like your Job Depends on It 

There are some weight distribution and anti-sway options to consider. For even greater stability add a weight distributing hitch. These systems work to shift weight more evenly onto your trailer and on your tow rig. They help to level your ride, enhancing braking, steering and visibility.

Anti-sway tools, too, are a clever addition. They reduce side-to-side trailer movement, particularly in windy conditions or when passing trucks. In combination, the implements provide a more controlled and uniform tow.

Load It Right

The way you load your trailer counts. When packing heavy things should be placed toward the bottom of the trailer and close to the axle and tire to bring the center of gravity down and to help somewhat dampen a sway. Don’t stack too high, and make sure to secure everything well. Use tie-downs or cargo straps, and monitor them during breaks to ensure that nothing has slipped.

Final Thoughts

The stable trailer set-up begins with the basics: balance, tire maintenance, safe loading and the right equipment. Thankfully, spending a little extra time to inspect each thing before you hit the road not only expands your margins of safety it also makes towing more enjoyable.

For those dudes and dudettes who want next level stability, look no further, this is it! The ProPride 3P brings you unparalleled sway control and confidence for the open road! To learn more about how we can help you with towing with confidence, visit us online.