When a trailer becomes unstable due to incorrect loading or crosswinds its important to know how to react.  Many people still believes the old wives tale that you can “jerk a trailer out of a sway” by gearing down and “flooring it”.  This is very bad advice and extremely dangerous.  When you tow a trailer and it starts to sway, do the following:

• Remove your foot from the accelerator
• Keep the steering wheel straight, or if you are busy rounding a corner, corner as usual, do NOT try and counter steer
• Gently start to apply your brakes.  Do not brake hard,  try to fade it in slowly and evenly
• The trailer sway will slowly recede and stop.
• Stop your vehicle and check the trailer, tow hitch and your towing vehicle for damage.  If weight distribution is a problem, move more of the weight to the front of the axle.  Continue your travels at a reduced speed.