Towing wobble

[steveoe]

Hmmm… I would expect some sway with that setup, but not white-knuckle levels of it.

I pull a 32’ camper that weighs around 7200 lbs with our 2012 Yukon XL Denali. It pulls like it’s welded together, even in gusty winds. I also know of people who tow with shortys and for some it’s very stable, while for others less so. My guess is that the difference lies in either the hitch’s sway control, the way the trailer is loaded, or both.

If your sway control is adjustable, crank it up. You can also take it to any truckstop with a CAT scale and use the scales. Weigh it 3 ways: just the tow vehicle, tow vehicle and trailer without the weight distribution bars hooked up, and tow vehicle and trailer *with* the bars hooked up. From this you can get your tongue weight and how well your hitch is distributing the weight. You want 10-15% of the trailer’s total weight on the hitch.

I use a Recurve R3 hitch and the sway control is adjustable. Once setup right, it’s very effective at controlling sway.

I am wondering if I have too much weight on the hitch. My wdh is a trunion style curt hitch. I’m gonna go get it weighed in my town. This week before I go on my other trip

 

[Geotrash]

I am wondering if I have too much weight on the hitch. My wdh is a trunion style curt hitch. I’m gonna go get it weighed in my town. This week before I go on my other trip

Too much tongue weight would actually reduce sway, instead of increase it.

 

[OR VietVet]

Sorry I meant the whole trailer is taller and is higher than the 21’ not when I am towing it is pretty level when I have it hooked up.

I would still try the nose lower to see what happens.

 

[YukonRog]

I agree with the above suggestions. If you have the tension type sway control arm, tighten it up for the high straight roads where you get the sway. And then if that doesn't work get a 2" lower drop hitch.

 

[swathdiver]

If the weight distribution hitch cannot improve the ride any further, maybe it's time for a Hensley Arrow or Pro-Pride hitch. With one of those, 18-wheelers won't push you around anymore and you won't have to go out and buy a new car.

 

[intheburbs]

If the weight distribution hitch cannot improve the ride any further, maybe it's time for a Hensley Arrow or Pro-Pride hitch. With one of those, 18-wheelers won't push you around anymore and you won't have to go out and buy a new car.

Wheelbase of the tow vehicle plays a HUGE part in stability of the rig. I got to experience that firsthand with the two GMT900 vehicles in my sig.

I have a 6x12 enclosed single-axle cargo trailer that weighs about 4000 lbs. Guess which of my trucks tows it better?

The Suburban is 1000 lbs heavier
The Suburban is a 2500 (Denali is a 1500)

But the Denali is better - more stable and more comfortable with less jerkiness. One reason - longer wheelbase.

Also, your new trailer is taller, so it's going to be affected more by wind and passing big rigs.

I agree with Swathdiver - ProPride/Arrow are best for shorter-wheelbase vehicles.

I also agree with weighing your rig. My experience is that 13% or more tongue weight is best for maximum stability. But keep an eye on that rear axle weight. That's your weak link of the powertrain. Ask me how I know...

 

[steveoe]

Well thanks for all the advice. I am gonna weigh it before we leave this weekend. I was watching those videos about weight on a trailer. They are very informative. But thanks everyone for the help.

 

[YukonRog]

Classic case of too much tail, not enough dog!

 

[Foggy]

Just by looking at your pic of the rig hooked up, it looks to me like your vehicle
is not level... I'd try either going UP one adjustment on the trailer hitch at the vehicle
or load your WD hitch harder...
You will always get buffeting effect when the semi's pass you up... it's part of the deal

I tow a 34 ft travel trailer thats 8000 UVW... So it's about 9500 with everything...
Remember, the DRY weight from the factory does Not include: battery, propane tanks,
water, or ANYTHING that you put inside the camper..
General idea is about 1000+ lbs just for very minimal "stuff"

 

[steveoe]

Just by looking at your pic of the rig hooked up, it looks to me like your vehicle
is not level... I'd try either going UP one adjustment on the trailer hitch at the vehicle
or load your WD hitch harder...
You will always get buffeting effect when the semi's pass you up... it's part of the deal

I tow a 34 ft travel trailer thats 8000 UVW... So it's about 9500 with everything...
Remember, the DRY weight from the factory does Not include: battery, propane tanks,
water, or ANYTHING that you put inside the camper..
General idea is about 1000+ lbs just for very minimal "stuff"

Just by looking at your pic of the rig hooked up, it looks to me like your vehicle
is not level... I'd try either going UP one adjustment on the trailer hitch at the vehicle
or load your WD hitch harder...
You will always get buffeting effect when the semi's pass you up... it's part of the deal

I tow a 34 ft travel trailer thats 8000 UVW... So it's about 9500 with everything...
Remember, the DRY weight from the factory does Not include: battery, propane tanks,
water, or ANYTHING that you put inside the camper..
General idea is about 1000+ lbs just for very minimal "stuff"

I remembered in that picture my airbags wher completely empty. I didn’t take it out on the interstate but I was on two lane highways going about 60 and I really didn’t notice it. The last couple of times I air up my bags more to 125 psi. I used to have the z55 air ride but just put air shocks on. I’m gonna go weigh it tomorrow too. What vehicle do u use to tow ur trailer?