Travel trailers are popular among RV enthusiasts due to them being available in a wide variety of different models. One possible danger that comes with towing around a travel trailer is that the trailer will tip over. This guide from Mid America RV has some information about how you can prevent your travel trailer from tipping over.
Travel Trailer Tipping Risk Factors
There are numerous risk factors that can make it more likely that your travel trailer will tip over. The better you understand these risk factors, the easier it will be to avoid tipping your travel trailer.
Issue 1 – Trailer Sway
The Cause:
- Travel trailers can experience swaying as you tow them due to improper weight distribution, unsafe driving behaviors, or a broken hitch.
How To Prevent:
- Always practice safe towing strategies. This includes using proper weight distribution and exercising caution whenever you operate the tow vehicle.
- Inspect your travel trailer’s hitch before each time you use it.
Issue 2 – Tire Blow Out
The Cause:
- Worn down, overinflated, or underinflated can blow out while in use.
How To Prevent:
- Inspect your travel trailer’s tires before each trip. Be ready to repair, replace, and maintain your tires as needed.
Issue 3 – A Sudden Stop
The Cause:
- Not giving yourself enough time to slow down and stop while towing your travel trailer.
How To Prevent:
- Find a safe place like an empty lot and practice braking with your travel trailer hitched up and loaded.
- Always give yourself some extra following distance while towing your travel trailer, and avoid slamming on your brakes.
Issue 4 – Taking A Corner Too Fast
The Cause:
- Not slowing down before executing a turn.
How To Prevent:
- While the turn itself should be executed at an even speed, turns are generally easier if you slow down first.
Issue 5 – Ice Patch
The Cause:
- Snow and ice results in a slippery road, making your travel trailer more vulnerable to tipping.
How To Prevent:
- Avoid travel during and immediately after bad weather. Check reports to see which routes have been plowed.
- If you’re left with no choice but to tow your travel trailer in icy conditions, be extra careful and give yourself more following distance than usual.
Issue 6 – Excessive Wind
The Cause:
- Wind speeds of 55 MPH or more can cause your travel trailer to tip.
How To Prevent:
- Check the weather forecast before leaving for your trip. Avoid traveling on windy days if possible, and be ready to pull over if conditions get too bad.
Shop travel trailers at Mid America RV in Carthage, MO. We also offer parts, service, financing, and trade-ins. We hope to see you soon!
