Best Way to Reduce Sway & Stabilize Travel Trailer Already Using Weight Distribution Hitch

Question:

Hello, I have a 2013 Ram 2500 SLT, crew cab, 4x4, 5.7 Hemi, 6.4’ bed I tow a Jayco 31qbds travel trailer I use a Reese Dual Cam WD hitch to tow with and have had that set up since 2016, installed by the dealer. My struggle has been trailer sway with any wind gusts over about 15 mph I’d like to inquire if you have any suggestions of things I could do to the truck or trailer to increase the stability and reduce sway? Roadmaster Active Suspension? Helper Springs? Rear sway bar on the truck? There is currently no sway bar Air Bags? Replace shocks all around? Rears are from 2016 front is original equipment from 2013. Something on the trailer? Occasionally on real bumpy highways the nose will bounce I understand some sway is part of the game with a long travel trailer— just looking to see if there are any upgrades I can do to tow safer. My truck is stock, aside from some Bilstein shocks I installed in 2016 on the rear and Timbren bump stops, also installed in 2016. The set up does just fine around Ohio and even up into Michigan. I get in trouble when I go out west— Iowa, Colorado, Wyoming, etc.

asked by: Eric B

Expert Reply:

There is a good way for you to further stabilize your travel trailer and reduce sway. And since you already use a weight distribution hitch, and your Ram has Timbrens, the best option is going to be adding helper springs to your trailer. First, let's talk about the right fit, which will depend on your axle's weight rating, and if you have an underslung or overslung axle.

An overslung axle means your leaf springs are over the axle; an underslung axle means the leaf springs are underneath the axle. With that in mind, here are the options, depending on the axle rating of your trailer (also keep in mind that you would need two kits for a tandem axle trailer):

- Overslung 3,000 lb to 5,000 lb Axle: SumoSprings Trailer Helper Springs # TSS-107-40

- Underslung 3,000 lb to 5,000 lb Axle: SumoSprings Trailer Helper Springs # TSS-106-40

- Overslung 5,000 lb to 8,000 lb Axle: SumoSprings Trailer Helper Springs # SS26MV

- Underslung 5,000 lb to 8,000 lb Axle: SumoSprings Trailer Helper Springs # SS33HR

These SumoSprings work in much the same manner as SumoSprings for a vehicle, or even your Timbrens. When there is a load on the springs - such as when there are wind gusts - the SumoSprings are going to engage, stabilizing the trailer and helping limit the amount of sway you would otherwise experience.