Snaking

Snaking is a dangerous side-to-side oscillation of a caravan or trailer that grows in amplitude. It is triggered by excessive speed, poor load distribution (tongue weight too low), strong crosswinds, or sharp steering. Uncontrolled snaking can roll the trailer or jackknife the rig.

What to do: do NOT brake the tow vehicle — it makes it worse. Lift off the throttle smoothly, hold the wheel straight, and if the trailer has electric brakes, apply the trailer brakes only via the manual override on the brake controller. Prevention: tongue weight 5–7 % of trailer mass, load over the axles, speed ≤ 90 km/h, correct tyre pressures, a sway-control hitch or AL-KO AKS stabiliser. Modern tow vehicles with Trailer Sway Control (TSC) damp snaking automatically through the brakes.