(Colorado)—If your trailer gets what troopers coin as “the wobbles,” it can be extremely hard to recover the vehicle and avoid a devastating crash. Many factors contribute to the wobbles, including wind, terrain and road damage, but the primary ingredient is an improperly loaded and mounted trailer.
One of the biggest errors people make is not paying enough attention to the weight distribution of what they are towing. “You want to see a flat plane between your vehicle and your trailer or camper,” stated Major Brett Williams, District 5 Commander of the Colorado State Patrol. If what you are towing is tipping forward toward the hitch or back away from the hitch, you have less traction and, therefore, more swaying. You need to balance your load.”
You should place more weight before the trailer axle (or closer to the vehicle). Front loading helps evenly distribute the weight between the tow vehicle and the trailer.
If you are pulling a camper, place heavier items lower to the ground in the camper. Only light things should go in the overhead cabinets to help keep a lower center of gravity and make the trailer more stable going down the road.
Remember, the bigger the trailer, the more sensitive it will be to the wind, and the faster you go, the more you sway. Be prepared to drive slower and allow others to pass safely.
Watch this helpful video on how to properly load your trailer: Preventing the Wobbles
In addition to checking weight distribution, you will need to ensure the vehicle is hitched correctly. The truck and trailer need the same size and style of tow and hitch; the hitch needs to be locked in and the cables properly attached. Check your electrical connections and ensure all the trailer lights are in working order. If your trailer has brakes, ensure your vehicle’s tow package also includes braking and don’t try to tow the trailer if it doesn’t. Check visibility through your side mirrors to ensure you can see all the way to the rear of the trailer or camper. If you can’t, side mirror extensions may be needed.
The Colorado State Patrol has created a web resource to help prepare you for the scenic byways and mountain roadways throughout Colorado and the common traits of two-lane roads. Visit Super Cruising in Colorado.
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ABOUT THE COLORADO STATE PATROL
Since our origin in 1935, the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) has focused on preserving human life and protecting property within our communities. Our 1,100 members embody the core values of Honor, Duty, and Respect in their daily jobs. In addition to our expertise in motor vehicle safety on the state’s roadways, the CSP is responsible for the Governor and other dignitaries’ protection, commercial motor vehicle enforcement, hazardous materials, homeland security, communications, investigative services, criminal interdiction, community education, aviation operations, and more.