How to Prevent Trailer Sway: Towing Safety Tips for Oregon Drivers

Trailer sway — also called fishtailing — is one of the most dangerous situations a driver can face while towing. It happens when the trailer begins to oscillate side to side, and if not corrected quickly, it can cause a rollover. The good news: trailer sway is almost always preventable.

What Causes Trailer Sway?

1. Too much weight in the rear of the trailer — this is the number one cause
2. Driving too fast — sway becomes uncontrollable above 65 mph
3. Crosswinds — common on I-5 through the Willamette Valley
4. Passing or being passed by large trucks — air displacement can trigger sway
5. Overloaded trailer — exceeding the GVWR

The 60/40 Loading Rule

The single most effective way to prevent trailer sway is correct weight distribution:

• 60% of the load weight should be in the front half of the trailer (ahead of the axle)
• 40% in the rear half

This keeps the tongue weight positive, which stabilizes the trailer.

How to Load a Flatbed or Utility Trailer Correctly

1. Load the heaviest items first, placing them over or slightly ahead of the axle
2. Distribute weight evenly left to right
3. Stack lighter items on top and toward the rear
4. Secure everything with ratchet straps — at least two per large item
5. Cover loose materials with a tarp

What to Do If Your Trailer Starts to Sway

1. Do NOT brake suddenly — this makes sway worse
2. Ease off the accelerator — reduce speed gradually
3. Hold the steering wheel firmly — do not overcorrect
4. Allow the trailer to stabilize as speed drops
5. Pull over safely and check your load

Towing Safely in the Willamette Valley

• Crosswinds on I-5 between Salem and Albany are common in fall and winter
• Grades on Highway 22 east of Stayton require lower speeds when loaded
• Rain and wet roads increase stopping distances significantly

Drive defensively, keep your speed below 65 mph, and check your load before every trip. Questions? Call Cascade Valley Rentals at 503-586-3098.