THE CARRIER STANDARD
TRAILER SWAY — SYMPTOM AND SAFETY CHECKLIST
For conventional towing combinations. Printable reference; not a safety certification.

STOP FIRST
If sway is happening, ease off the accelerator, avoid sudden steering and
hard braking, and stop when safe per your vehicle manual. Never collect data
while driving. Do not tow with continuing sway or an unresolved safety defect.

1. WHAT HAPPENED? (fill this in only once safely stopped)
Date / time: __________________    Location: ______________________
Tow vehicle make / model / year: _________________________________
Trailer make / model / type: _____________________________________
Conditions (wind, rain, traffic, grade): _________________________
Road/speed at first movement (if safely known): _________________
Motion: [ ] one-time side push  [ ] repeated sway  [ ] increasing sway
Warning message / indicator displayed: __________________________
Anything changed since last stable trip? ________________________

2. LOADING & MEASUREMENTS — NEVER GUESS UNKNOWN VALUES
Cargo description and last repositioning: ________________________
Cargo secured against movement? [ ] verified [ ] not yet [ ] issue
Actual trailer weight AS LOADED: ______ lb  [ ] not measured
Measured tongue weight: ______ lb         [ ] not measured
Trailer-specific tongue guidance checked?  [ ] yes [ ] no
Truck payload and GVWR checked?            [ ] yes [ ] no
Truck front/rear GAWR and combination GCWR checked? [ ] yes [ ] no
Receiver/ball mount/coupler ratings checked?       [ ] yes [ ] no
Scale receipt/reference: ________________________________________

3. SAFETY INSPECTION (follow manufacturer procedures)
Trailer tire cold pressure, damage, ratings: [ ] OK [ ] issue [ ] unknown
Vehicle tires, wheels and visible damage:   [ ] OK [ ] issue [ ] unknown
Coupler locked; safety chains; breakaway:  [ ] OK [ ] issue [ ] unknown
Trailer brakes / lights:                   [ ] OK [ ] issue [ ] unknown
Hitch setup, alignment, rated equipment:  [ ] OK [ ] issue [ ] unknown
Weight distribution / sway-control setup (if fitted): ___________
Other noises, heat, wheel concerns, defects: _____________________

4. ACTION / DO NOT ASSUME THE TRAILER IS SAFE
Suspected contributors (not a diagnosis): ________________________
Actions taken while parked: ______________________________________
Independent measurement / qualified inspection needed: ___________
Outstanding questions or defects: _______________________________
Next step: [ ] remain parked / do not tow
           [ ] roadside help or professional inspection
           [ ] documented checks completed — follow all manuals and ratings

DO NOT mark 'safe' solely because the swaying stopped, a percentage looks
right, or an anti-sway product is fitted. If you are unsure, do not tow.

References: Chevrolet vehicle support; Chevrolet Colorado owner's manual;
Ford trailer sway owner's manual; CURT towing safety and terminology.
Read full guidance: TheCarrierStandard.com