Are you ready to hit the road with your new trailer or RV but feeling a little unsure about how to tow it safely? Or maybe you're a seasoned camper but had a scary experience with trailer sway? No matter your level of experience, it's important to understand how towing truly works and how wind and other forces can affect your trailer. At ProPride, we want to empower you with the knowledge to keep your towing experience safe and enjoyable.

Here are a few fundamental towing terms to help you better understand your trailer or RV and what your specific trailer hitch mechanism is doing to reduce sway and balance weight. Learning this basic vocabulary will not only help you grasp the core concepts of towing safety but will also allow you to communicate more effectively with other drivers, mechanics and sales staff. Let's get started, and hit the road with confidence!

Towing Terms

Amplitude - As it relates to trailer oscillation, amplitude is the degree to which an object moves back and forth between two limits.

Friction Control - Creating friction between two surfaces to inhibit trailer sway. Many towing hitches incorporate friction to help manage trailer sway.

"This method [friction sway control devices] works well in smoothing out the smaller sways and preventing some from increasing for a more comfortable trailering experience. There are limitations on the amount of sway that these hitches can control and as trailer sway intensity increases; the sway control effectiveness is diminished."
-Alan J. Hoogenakker, Consulting Engineer, Trailer Product Development

Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) - The maximum possible combined load of a vehicle and trailer. Having your towing setup weighed at a weigh station gives a truly accurate combined weight, compared to estimating your load.

Gross Trailer Weight Rating (GTWR) - The maximum possible load of a trailer, including contents and the trailer structure itself.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) - The maximum possible load of a vehicle, including passengers, contents, and the vehicle itself.

"Always keep in mind every tow vehicle has a maximum tow capacity and you must compute total RV weights including, passengers, cargo, and fluids and fuel. Also keep in mind that any weight added to the tow vehicle takes the same amount of weight from the towing capacity."
-Mark Polk, RV 101

Oscillation - A movement back and forth between two limits (from a baseline).

Overhang - On a tow vehicle, the distance between the center of the rear axle to the rear end. Essentially, how much of the vehicle "hangs over" beyond the rear axle.

Pivot Point - The point at which a towed trailer pivots in relation to the towing vehicle. Understanding where a trailer's pivot point lies is critical to understanding trailer sway and can also be a huge help when trying to back up with a trailer.

Pivot Point Projection™ - A hitch design that virtually moves the trailer's pivot point to reduce sway. The trailer still pivots at the ball when making normal turns, but the pivot point is projected when the trailer begins to move side to side.

Tongue Weight (TW) - The force exerted down onto the hitch ball by the trailer coupler when connected. It's important to mitigate tongue weight with the right hitch setup.

Tow Angle - The angle between a towed trailer and the towing vehicle, measured from the center line. A trailer perfect in line has a tow angle of 0 degrees, while higher angles (up to 90 degrees) are created when turning.

Tow Rating - The allowable weight a vehicle can tow (excluding the weight of the vehicle itself)

"The weight issue is probably the most critical and least understood issue you will confront when purchasing a towable RV. It is critical because a mismatched tow vehicle and trailer can put you and your loved ones safety in jeopardy. It can also result in expensive repair bills for damage and premature wear to major components on your tow vehicle. It is the least understood issue because the buyer is not educated on weight concerns until it is too late."
-Mark Polk, RV University

Trailer Sway - We really want drivers to understand that "trailer sway" doesn't just mean any trailer movement - it refers to oscillating tow angles. Unlike the normal tow angles created when turning with a towed trailer, sway refers to back-and-forth movement away from the center line.

Weight Distribution - Shifting the weight away from the trailer coupler and hitch ball and into the trailer and tow vehicle axles. Towing without good weight distribution creates unnecessary strain on the hitch. Evenly distributing items in your trailer helps with weight distribution, as does placing heavier items over the axles, but a weight distribution hitch is key for heavier trailers and RVs.

"Rather than the rear axle of the tow vehicle taking on all of the weight of the trailer, a weight distribution hitch transfers the weight evenly across the frame of the trailer and the frame of the tow vehicle."
-Steve Fennell, RV Life

Wheelbase - The distance between axles on the tow vehicle.

Yaw - The side-to-side movement of the trailer on the hitch ball.

Learn More About Towing Terms

Ready to take your towing knowledge to the next level? A quick course can be just what you need to master the foundations of safe trailer towing. Look for local options through RV Basic Training or RV School, or take advantage of online resources such as RV 101 With Mark Polk. But remember, the team at ProPride is always here to answer any questions you may have about towing.

By learning these terms, you'll be able to understand how your trailer behaves on the road and make informed decisions to prevent trailer sway. At ProPride, we're dedicated to helping drivers improve their towing safety. Don't hesitate to reach out to us to learn more about our solutions and talk to our team of towing experts. Join the many satisfied customers who have benefited from our experience and knowledge.