Sway when towing an RV? Watch this!
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 30 сен 2024
- Equalizer 10k Weight Distribution Sway Control Hitch
www.etrailer.c...
Equalizer 12k Weight Distribution Sway Control Hitch
www.etrailer.c...
www.equalizerh...
www.etrailer.com?etam=a0001 is my go to source for all things Truck, Trailer, and RV related!
RV and Trailer
*Goodyear Endurance Tires 15":
www.etrailer.c...
*Goodyear Endurance Tires 16":
www.etrailer.c...
*RV Suspension Upgrade (travel trailer, Cargo Trailer):
www.etrailer.c...
*RV Suspension Upgrade (Fifth Wheel):
www.etrailer.c...
*Lippert Smart Jack:
www.etrailer.c...
*LevelUp Auto Leveling System:
www.etrailer.c...
*2 5/16 Trailer Coupler Lock:
www.etrailer.c...
*Equalizer Weight Distribution Hitch:
www.etrailer.c...
*B&W Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch:
www.etrailer.c...
*B&W Tow and Stow Hitch:
www.etrailer.c...
*E Track Cargo Management: www.etrailer.c...
*Sewer Hose: www.etrailer.c...
*Cut off Valve: www.etrailer.c...
*Hose Support: www.etrailer.c...
*Water Hose: www.etrailer.c...
*Water Pressure Regulator: www.etrailer.c...
*6000 Watt Generator Kit: www.etrailer.c...
*3200 Watt Inverter Generator: www.etrailer.c...
*2000 Watt Inverter Generator: www.etrailer.c...
*30amp to 50amp Power Cord: www.etrailer.c...
*LED RV Replacement Taillights:
www.etrailer.c...
*Fifth Wheel G Rated 16" Tires: www.etrailer.c...
*Fastway ALBM Hitch: www.etrailer.c...
*RV Camera: www.etrailer.c...
*Trailer Alignment Helper: www.etrailer.c...
*Folding wall mounted table: www.etrailer.c...
*Trailer Rims: www.etrailer.c...
*RV Steps: www.etrailer.c...
*BlueOx Hitches: www.etrailer.c...
*A frame Bike Mount: www.etrailer.c...
*Lippert Cord Reel: www.etrailer.c...
Truck Upgrades
*Airlift 5000 Ultimate Airbags: www.etrailer.c...
*Airlift WirelessAir Kit: www.etrailer.c...
*Access Toolbox Bed Cover: www.etrailer.c...
*Bed Mat Covers: www.etrailer.c...
Channel Sponsors
Visit Road Armor: www.roadarmor.com
Visit etrailer.com: www.etrailer.com
I would also like to thank all my subscribers who give me a reasons to make these videos in the first place.
Feel free to join my Facebook page: bigtruckbigrv
Music by: Autonautix
Music by: Bensound Sponsored items may be in this video. Research all sources before making a purchasing decision. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Weight distribution is a huge Factor
Back when I was working for a motorcycle shop, I went about halfway across Texas pulling a 16 foot lowboy behind a half ton pickup with five big dressers and a side-by-side loaded on it
Coming down this one long slow Hill the trailer started wagging the truck like you wouldn't believe
Pulled over, move the side by side and two of the motorcycles further forward on the trailer, not a hint of sway the rest of the trip
That's back when I was still green enough pulling trailers to pull a load like that with a half ton with a V6 🤣
OK, if you have a PU with a single axle, get air bags! And a really good weight distribution hitch. Really, the air bags drastically reduce the bouncing. Weight distribution is so important I like the Blue Ox. Simple and works for me. Whatever you use, go slow and watch your flanks. Be very mindful of windy conditions when you are approaching a field after transit through tree lined terrain. Cross winds are hell.
Great explanation. I can personally attest to the effect of wheelbase. For all sorts of reasons we use an SUV as our TV, and a couple of years ago changed the TV from one with a 118" wheelbase to a 131". Our trailer and WD hitch (Blue-Ox Sway-Pro) remained unchanged (apart from height adjustments to fit to the new truck). With the old TV, driving in any kind of crosswind was a white knuckle affair, and I'd usually find myself dropping my speed to 80 km/h (50 mph). With the new TV, I can hold my speed at 100 km/h with no sway.
However, you missed one critical factor: Speed. Since sway is a dynamic effect caused, in large part, by the airflow over the sides of the trailer, for any setup there is a critical speed, above which the tendency to sway will be amplified with each oscillation of the trailer. Therefore, one easy (and free) means to control sway is to slow down. A side benefit is the greatly reduced fuel consumption!
Wow, easily the granddaddy of videos on sway with RVs. Great job!
Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you I would say that a million more times if I had the time. I have been trying to explain this to my sister she has a travel trailer and she just bought a pickup truck she was pulling the travel trailer with her minivan and that didn't work out too well. But now she has a pickup truck and I was trying to explain the sway bars and weight distribution hitch tour and I think this video will get it through to her so again thank you so much.
I have a Blue Ox sway max weight distribution hitch for my 35 foot tt, it helps. It does not sway so much as just pushes the whole rig slightly with a gusting cross wind. If you feel swaying coming on, 1) foot off accelerator and foot off brake if possible, 2) GENTLY squeeze the trailer brake. This will tend to stretch the trailer and truck straight. Stop sway before it starts. I have towed in some pretty nasty winds, and this helps. And go slow or stop in bad winds. I think my suspension air bladders help too. They kick down any bounce.
Very good advice. I prefer a neutral throttle or even slight acceleration rather than coasting before hitting the trailer brakes before going off throttle and on the tow vehicle brakes. Better outcomes. More control. In tow-haul mode, the downshift and compression can be just enough to lose control.
incredibly good video. I’m a newbie and this info is so helpful. thanks! subscribing now...
My travel speed is 60 mph and I have none of these problems 🙃.
I watched this video just before towing a travel trailer for the first time. Gotta be honest, thought it was a bit exaggerated but quickly learned you were spot on!!! Thanks for sharing!
Heading down in a couple hours to pick my new trailer up. I drive truck for a living. Weight distribution makes a world of difference.
Toy haulers are great, but when you strap down 2 heavy bikes in the back "garage" area of a travel trailer, counterbalancing for proper tongue weight is critical. Rear loaded trailers are the most dangerous thing on the road. They sway and wander with the slightest provocation. Losing your trailer, bikes, truck, and maybe even your life all in one fleeting moment of terror ain't why we RV.
There are hitches that measure the tongue weight, as well as control sway. Spend the money, spend the time and do it right. This is supposed to be fun.
Plus, don't Pull your Travel Trailer or 5th Wheel 75 MPH.... Slow the hell down and stay alive!
Nice video...... I spent big bucks on an EQUALIZER unit from Utah. Took some time to install but haven't had any problems
Slow the trailer, eliminate the sway. Use the brake override and feather it with experience. Do not fight physics.
If a bad sway occurs use the electric trailer break controller to slow the trailer and the tow vehicle
I've towed a TT for 10 years now, with and without a Hensley. The difference is astounding. There is ZERO sway with a Hensley or ProPride. I know it's a lot of money, but just think what you're carrying with you.
Same experience towing TTs for almost 20 years. Use Propride now towing 12k lb 33 ft Excel TT w/ F350 SWD crew cab long bed. And one other upgrade I recommend is AutoFlex rear air suspension with auto-leveling.
My point exactly!
Love my ProPride hitch. My current trailer is 33’ long, precious one was 31.5. The ProPride eliminated any worries about sway. Definitely recommend talking to Sean about how their hitch can save your life and property.
And worth every penny.
Awesome video! Can’t promote this info enough! Knowledge promotes wisdom, wisdom saves lives and money. Thank you
Thank you. I would have liked to hear more time discussing improper weight distribution on the hitch and how that causes inertial over correction between the the two body masses of the tow vehicle and the trailer. In my opinion, Wind is only a factor when it is significant. Tire alignment is a mechanical problem that occurs, but is not common. But improper weight distribution causes most of the scary and dangerous sway. That is why there are typically two systems incorporated in most camping and cargo trailer coupling systems. They are the sway control system, or braking systems that are added to weight distribution systems to limit sway, and the weight distribution system to bring the tow vehicle and the trailer into longitudinal and latitudinal alignment as a means to correct weight distribution.
I agree. Ive towed many years with both types of trailers.
How the trailer is loaded front to back which produces tongue weight is really biggest factor in sway
Very well done one of the best videos on youtube well informed. Thanks
If you experience sway you have a serious problem and a sway control hitch is just an attempt to compensate for that problem. Most sway issues stem from too much weight behind the trailer tires. Learn how to load your trailer properly. Also get a heavier truck. The factory weight rating of most pickup trucks are greatly exaggerated. I tow with a GMC 6500 diesel truck. I can tow 40k lbs and never feel my load.
an 8ft deisel 2500 made an incredible difference along with a Blue Ox WD hitch. We towed the same 30ft trailer with a capable v8 SUV but the difference in tracking and "fighting" the trailer continually was amazing. We almost bought a 1500 and are very glad we stuck to the plan. Great video. Glad I've never had to manually jam the brake controller to save lives at this point.
When I was towing a travel trailer, an 18 wheeler passing me was my biggest scare. Good input Big.
Wish i saw this before i bought a 45k travel trailer!Great vid,and if i get another rv it'll be a 5th wheel....lesson learned🇨🇱
If the axles or wheels are not aligned properly you will notice unusual wear on your tires! If you ow n and haul an RV, please read and follow your owners manual. Weights are hard for most of us to understand, but worth studying and following! A lot better than jack knifing your rig or seriously injuring yourself or family.
In addition or explanation, my brother and I have been driving professionally for over 30 years, we’ve seen and been through some interesting experiences. My brother jackknifed a set of triples on snowy road up by Idaho Falls. Not a good experience, I’ve rolled my car on the backroad to SunValley Idaho, just past Arco. Point is if you don’t follow the laws, of nature or man’s laws then there will be consequences! Some of which are very unpleasant!
Message received and understood.Thanks heaps
Also, a very essential part of the "complete" system is the Brake actuator. GOTTA have one! Can't emphasize this enough!
After using 2 different friction style say controls I switched to a Hensley Arrow. Not only did their hitched worked as advertised, they have the best Customer Service I have ever seen in the travel trailer accessory business. When I sold my travel trailer and went with a motor home, they bought my Hensley Arrow back from me.
Bruce Marcotte I bought a used Hensley in a private sale via e-trailers. Hensley Mfg treated me like a new customer throughout. Never had an issue with the hitch. When I quit camping after buying a 3500 dually diesel (loved that truck) Hensley bought back the hitch, all the accessories and spare parts (new in box, plus 2 sets of sway bars) at more $ than they said they would! They sent me the box to put it all in! Their Customer Service was simply GREAT throughout (three drawbar swaps). Zero issues towing with a 1500, but I must have weighed both rigs half a dozen times or so to assure myself that everything was within spec. I went for the diesel strictly for the torque - towing in the mountains - and never regretted any of it.
Amazing explanation. You did great
wow....this is the first time to understand right away about sway. best explanation ever.
A buddy of mine tried coming to my rescue when my Suburban broke down. He showed up with his newer Suburban and a flat bed trailer. Got my Suburban loaded up and proceeded to get on the Freeway. We got up to about 40mph when the trailer started swaying back and forth. He is an excellent driver and knew when to gas the truck and when not to along with knowing not to slam the brake pedal through the floor. From the trailer swaying back and forth we took up both southbound lanes and almost went through a guard rail before he was able to get everything under control and stopped. My Suburban and moved around enough that my driver side rear tire was hanging off of the trailer and the drain plug and the axle of my Suburban got stuck on one of the diamonds of the diamond plate deck of the trailer. His was the first time he had used his Suburban to tow a vehicle with and found out a couple of days later that the leaf springs on the driver's side of his Suburban were bad. This was a seriously scary experience that everyone learned from and grateful as hell that no one was hurt.
I've towed my 36ft travel trailer tens of thousands of miles with a Hensley hitch and have never experienced sway. If one has a travel trailer there is no safer way to tow.
Does it affect turning at all
jaime villafan Doesn't affect turning at all and you can back up with it as well. The first few times I hooked it up to my truck was challenging but with a little practice it's pretty easy now. I highly recommend it, they are expensive but I was able to get a refurbished one.
Doug Smith thank you for the help
What is your tow vehicle? I'm wanting to tow a similar size trailer with a f150 and the Hensley hitch, do you think this combination would work well?
@@MrGoodtime1301 a 150 is too small for anything but the lightest 36' trailer. Empty.
Great explanation. I'm sure a lot of people are going to benefit from it.
Excellent vid. Had no idea about the "technical" aspect but this will change the way I drive.
Thank You for this I've been towing trailers for years, and your explanation of the Weight Distribution Hitch cleared up some gray areas for me!!
I think that you slightly missed the root cause of instability.
When the hitch is behind the rear axle this creates a positive feedback system. When the trailer pushes left on the hitch it pivots on the rear axle putting a right force on the front axle which introduces a right turn, further throwing the weight of the trailer to the left, increasing the left force on the hitch etc, until the driver corrects it which then throws the whole thing over the other way, and now you have a cyclic unstable repetition.
The further behind the rear axle the hitch is, the worse the effect, so a long wheelbase vehicle with a short rear overhang is the most stable (or maybe the least unstable). I used to tow with a Peugeot 806 and if you look at the shape of them you can see why they tow so well for such a light vehicle.
When the hitch is in front of the rear axle like an artic (semi) it is a negative feedback system. A sideways force on the hitch pushes the steering axle the same way immediately damping out the turn that the trailer has started. This is why an artic tractor unit can tow a high sided trailer that's several times its own weight and not get into a sway.
Fifth wheel right over the rear axle and also "drop n drag" trailers with their own steering axle have no influence on the tow vehicle's steering and so are not unstable.
The only thing that stabilises a rear overhang positive feedback trailer system is nose weight, and ideally you are looking for 10% of the trailer weight on the hitch and 90% on the trailer wheels which is easier with a large tow vehicle that can take that kind of weight without causing other issues.
A trailer with a heavy nose will naturally want to plough straight on which is a stabilising effect, whereas a tail heavy trailer would just swap ends without the tow vehicle stopping it from doing so. A positive feedback system plus a trailer that's constantly trying to swap ends is guaranteed sway.
And this is a key reason why many European countries limit the speeds of travel trailers to 100 km/h or less. The smaller TVs in those countries cannot carry as much tongue weight, and are therefore less stable. Since stability decreases with increasing speed, they become unstable at normal highway speeds.
Good video, though you didn't mention load distribution in the trailer, if there is too much weight behind the trailers axels it can cause major sway as well.
This was excellent, thank you! I just bought a 20’ Kodiak qb travel trailer that I’m pulling with my F-150. The dealer advised a weight distribution set up (it has an integrated sway control) and I wasn’t sure because it’s an additional $700. or so. However, watching your videos has convinced me and I’ve made an appointment to get it installed. Thanks again, your videos are very informative and educational.
This is exactly why I got a 5th wheel. Super safe towing and no tail wagging the dog.
Awesome video....very well detailed.....yet simple enough.....thx for making it!
Good visual demonstration. I'd suggest maybe a 'Part 2' to explain other factors that contribute to sway issues. 1.(sort of alluded to in the video...) The SIZE of the trailer - The 23' TT that I pulled with a '97 light-duty F-250 (7-lug wheels) had virtually no sway issues with a load-equalizing hitch. If you're towing a 30' Airstream, you might have issues. 2. Overhang - Are your tandem trailer wheels closer to the middle (bad), or further back (good - rear kitchen floor plans, for instance)?
That is an excellent explanation of trailer sway. Also including the misalignment of the trailer tires cannot be overlooked. Many think it's only wind. Great video. Happy traveling, Lou.
Except it's not alignment of the he tires, it's alignment of the axel.
Great video I learned a lot.
what about weight distribution? my experience tells me that too much weight behind trailer axle creates sway, not so much wind though.. how much weight on hinge are you using in your example?
60 40 is the proper weight distribution on travel trailers. On my 5th wheel its 70 30 or better. It also depends on axle placement on your trailer itself. But making that adjustment with a fully loaded travel trailer eg, fuel water in the tanks and all your goodies. You're just trying to reduce hitch sag. Make sure you have the proper truck to tow with. Seen so many with the wrong truck, but with the right set up. Been driving HDT for 25 yrs. And towing travel trailers and 5th wheels for 35 yrs. And it always helps to talk to the camping community at events and while on the road. Peace and love my brother.
You didn’t address another cause of sway with improper weight distribution of the trailer. The weight pressing down at the hitch point should be 11-15% of the total trailer weight for best stability. Also of note is the ratio of weight between tow vehicle and the trailer. As the weight of the trailer approaches the weight of the tow vehicle (and many times surpasses it) the setup becomes less stable requiring additional equipment to abate sway. The reason for this is also physics and is in addition to the other causes you covered. Thank you for the video.
Good explanation! An interesting aspect of the sway control is that when installed properly, the tongue weight doesn't cause your back end to squat down and front to point up! It loads the weight as if it is a bridge between the trailer and truck. Your sway control adds a substantial amount of weight to your front tires. Your trailer and truck should stay level.
Do you have any videos on your old f-250? Would be interested in seeing the mods you did to it!!
Excellent job in explaining a complex problem in understandable terms.
great explanation
Keep it under 55
Nice video, you able to do a video on tire pressure when towing on truck and trailer. I only have 1 year towing a TT and this is one thing that I'm unsure of.
Weight balance is big. Not enough tongue weight and/or weight behind the axles of the trailer are a big cause of sway.
Found background music extremely distracting for your excellent instructional/technical video. Otherwise, we’ll done. Thanks.
Propride anti sway and weight distribution with airbags f150 3.5 ecoboost with Max tow package and 3.55 gear, NO SWAY and plenty of power
Great job thank you for the info!!
Never be in a hurry....stay behind that truck if it feels safer, pass when you are ready and have no high flyers coming up behind you. Over the course of any trip, you might be out 30 minutes, but you will be safer, and arrive alive
I would like to say thank you.
People tow WAY to fast. When I had my camper, I rarely drove above 60 MPH. Same with the travel trailer I had. I've had people blow by me at 75+ pulling a big hitch mounted travel trailer. Just asking for trouble.
We were on the nys thruway today I was towing our grand design travel trailer that is 27 feet long and I am towing with a 2022 ford f150. All my numbers, tow rating, payload and gvwr are within the limits. There was alot of wind and even semis were swaying, a dually passed me with a 36 foot fifth wheel so I kept up with him because I wanted to see if he was swaying we were going between 65 and 70 and guess what, he was swaying just as much as I was. So stop upsetting people about towing a bumper pull with a half ton. According to you that dually fifth wheel should not have been swaying at all. You talk alot of, well you know.
As a Forklift driver who loaded Semi trailers, I was taught to put the heaviest part of a load ahead of the rear axles. This helps to keep the trailer from swaying, (tail wag) especially with tandem towing. I found that putting the majority of the load ahead of the axles made my camper tow better, careful not to exceed the tongue weight limits. Sway bars have improved since then.
Roy Davis general rule of thumb is 10-15% of the total weight should be tongue weight. More weight really only puts more strain on the tow vehicle but airbags or a good weight distribution hitch can alleviate most of that strain
Hi Roy I hear ya as far as weight distribution goes but I drive forklift too and only deal with lumber and MDF. Most of the loads I ship out need to be above the axles with less weight above the pins. I mainly deal with B-trains and the occasional flat deck if that matters.
Roy you have it correct. The problem with only 10% of the weight on the hitch is wind hitting the front of the trailer lifts it up, reducing tongue weight. Once the trailer starts lifting the hitch, you will sway.
@@gpecaut1 No not really unless your towing ar 120 mph stick with 10 to 12 %How do I know this Im one of the engineers that wrote the trailering guide for Chevrolet
One thing to remember, DO NOT EVER use your cruise control in on a wet surface. I watched a F250 pulling a 32? Foot bumper pull end up in a ditch just outside of Junction, Texas, because he was using his cruise control. His back wheels on the truck lost traction and spun out to his left, he over corrected, truck was in the ditch, the trailer was still connected to the truck, but on it’s side.
Your explanations address some points that deal with symptoms. It's a video for persons that want to counter sway control with a secondary device, but the video does not address the causes of sway control and how sway works. Wind could be a factor in setting sway off, but sway will happen even in a no wind situation, like if you have a strong wind from the rear - in fact this no wind scenario is akin to going downhill, which we all know exacerbates sway. The answer lies in understanding trailer and towing dynamics - weight, weight distribution, higher COG's and softer suspensions are the major contributing factors. The new style independent trailing arms must be the single biggest contributor to sway prone rigs. Lifted two vehicles with upgraded shocks adds to your misery.
With a 5th wheel trailer placement of the 5th wheel back and forward will control front to rear weight distribution on the truck.. Experience from 45 years of driving semi trucks..
We have a 31 foot travel trailer and a 2010 GMC Yukon Denali. We are not over weight but the Yukon squats a bit, which is lifting the front end. We have an E2 Hitch purchased from the dealer when we bought our used trailer. What can I do to make it squat less?
This explains why a 18000 pound tractor can tow a 60000 pound semitrailer (I’m talking about 18 wheeler 🚛) with no instabilities at all
So I’m screwed trying to pull a 8.5x28 enclosed with a F150 with a 5.5 ft bed.
I can't understand why it is never explained on what the trailer brake is used for. I agree with everything your saying, but as a truck driver for 37 years, it was always taught that whenever your trailer starts to sway or slide on ice to slightly put pressure on only the trailer brakes by moving the brake lever. This creates a tug of war effect on the hitch where the truck wants to pull forward and the trailer wants to pull backwards which eliminates the slack at the hitch for the sway not to happen. This method has saved me dozens of time. You will notice by doing this it straightens the trailer immediately. NEVER apply the truck brakes during this procedure! Just my 2 cents.
Excellent video sir. I’m new to towing a toy hauler. I’ve towed a 17 foot boat but never anything heavier.
I purchased a Ram Dually and a toy hauler and was curious what your thoughts were on using an anti-sway system for this setup. I believe my travel trailer toy hauler will weigh appropriately approximately 9,000 lbs fully loaded and is 26 ft long. The Ram Laramie 3500 Dually is the 6.7 Turbo Diesel. Also I do have a Curt MV Weight Distribution System with no sway control on it.
What are your thoughts on adding sway control to my Curt weight distribution system?
Thanks.
Our little camper is only 14’ and we pull with our Pacifica mini van. We were told by the dealership as well as the company (Travel Lite), NO sway hitch can or should be used when pulling this little camper with a vehicle that is double the weight of the camper.
For the most part a 3500 duels and a 3500 single have the same weight ratings. But like for example. Washington state wants you to have a 3500 duels if your gross is over 20k. Even though the weight ratings are the same for both duels and single
I don't agree with your explanation of the effects of the axles not being perpendicular to the trailers side walls.
If the axles are askew, the trailer will dog track. This will create unequal wind pressure on the trailer sides. Even minor wheel (axle) misalignment can lead to unmanageable swaying because of the uneven wind forces.
Employing a 5th wheel system is ideal, if that is not possible, we should aim to reduce the horizontal distance from the tow vehicles rear axle to the tow-ball. This reduces the side levering force of the tow vehicle if the trailer has even minor sway movement. As far as the anti-sway mechanism, I would prefer to invest in a trailer with an independent braking system or even better an independent automatic trailer stability control system.
Ok so for people who don't have a dually and a 5th wheel... With the anti sway bars like you had mentioned along with air bags in the rear would be the best bet as long as the front end stays level? Just making sure I have it. We have an escalade SUV and I want to pull a smaller 3 or 4,000 travel trailer safely for local camping trips. Not necessarily across the country but I obviously don't want to die along the way .. lol I wasn't even aware this was a thing unless you were just towing something too big for the vehicle.
If the person towing takes the time to set up the attitude of the van to vehicle so that correct contact from all road tyres are correct then the need for suicide bars , which are nothing more than the lazy man ride levelling system, are not required.They are typical of yet another warm fuzzy after market "gotta have". These may assist with retarding the potential for sway but certainly do not eliminate sway. Guaranteed with these bars fitted, if sway occurs and the driver cannot correct the vehicle will 100% take the vehicle and van in one fell swoop. Having towed for 50 years I have used these bars in the past but realised that there is no substitute for correct setup. Inexperience is the biggest danger... drive behind a road train with 3-4 trailers in tow in outback Australia and you will notice how understanding your rig is the greatest asset you can have
DId you ever mention not loading the back of the trailer like Fred and Lucy? Keep 60% of the weight in front of the center line of the axles??
iIf you will level the trailer out you will not sway. Too much weight in the front or back will cause it to sway. Regular wind resistance is not a problem high winds that’s a different story. The hitch I use is a good 20 years old. Just level everything out and you will be fine
Thank you!! I guess I should have my truck bed weight, gear, distributed behind the cab rather than closer to the tailgate???
The big problem is the manufacturer. The axles are to centered on the frame. There for you'll need more forward weight. Simple answer, don't buy a trailer with that axles close to center. The farther back the axles are on the frame of your travel trailer the less sway you'll get.
So is it better to have a dually pulling my 38’ travel trailer instead of my F250 CC SRW?
Coming in late here but isn’t the issue really about resonances set up that one seeks to interrupt, either via a WD hitch or with a 5th wheel? You might get shoved over with a fifth wheel, but as the hinge point of a fifth wheel is, as you say, forming effectually a single unit between trailer and tow vehicle, there are no resonances that can happen between the two ends. A standard hitch, with the hinge point separating the two pieces, can turn a travel trailer and truck into a whip, with each corrective action amplifying the amplitude of the other section’s movement.
What’s the best way to get your truck and trailer under control once the trailer starts to sway. I know the obvious answer which is to prevent it in the first place, but better to speed up,slow down, break,don’t break yet get off the accelerator, just pray cause it’s too late. Thanks
I am surprized that no one knows what to do if a caravan or large trailer starts to sway, A swaying caravan or trailer will start steering the car in either direction, Do not try to fight this as you will only make things worse, Lock your arms and steer straight ahead take your foot of the accelerator, do not apply the brakes or accelerate the vehicle, You can apply the trailer brakes if you are able. I have used this method and it does work.
my truck tundra crew max only has a 5.5ft bed. the weight distribution system i was going to buy uses chains to lift the bars. will this work the same way.?
Been there done that. Always not fun watching an inexperienced driver overtaxing their vehicle trying to maintain a towed item that is swaying side to side. I’ll give them all the space I can.
Big thing forgotten is tire sidewall flex. This is something nobody talks about. The sidewall flex of one set of rear LT tires with four sidewalls and a short wheelbase truck creates an angle deflection of the towing vehicle greatly exaggerated over that of a longer wheelbase truck or a dually truck with eight sidewalls. Once those tires flex and take the rear of the truck off center line your instinct is to steer into it and then the pendulum effect begins.
Fantastic explanation of how the weight distribution hitch works. I had the basic idea but seeing the physics of it really brought the importance of setting that hitch up right
Thumbs up, but it is a confusing subject and hitch types are so varied these days. Your explanation is as good as any I've heard though.
I've read over 6000 pounds you are suppost to have 2 sway bar controls,alltho I haven't found any videos to support it most have 1 on side of trailer and connect to the little hitch ball next to the main is this true or is 1 basic for all
I find it unique the way it does it it almost reminds me of my bass boat when it starts trying to walk but in the bass boat you can go from 12 and 4 and jerked that thing about an inch to the left a couple of times and it will line out if it ever starts doing that but you can't do that with a pick up so the rules of the road versus the water seemed to be a little bit different I know it's a pain in the butt and this current camper reminds seems to be worse than the other one thought I would get on here and find a decent fix. This is an older camper a little bit older a little bit older that I chose to go with to drag back-and-forth to jobs on the road I'm sure the newer ones have fixed this problem a little bit.
So thank you for explaining that so I can understand it. But how does a wdh not fuck up the trailer A frame?
Unfortunately, some people's response to sway is to increase their speed, despite the fact that studies have shown that stability of the trailer decreases with increase in speed. You just can't fix stupid.
I know this video is a couple years old but thought it would be the best place to ask this question. So we know that a WDH transfers tongue weight to the front axel. On a tandem axle trailer, would it transfer weight to the rear axles? After going though several blowouts I put some USA made trailer tires and adjusted the hitch to not transfer as much and added tpms to the trailer tires. At the time I was thinking maybe there was heat build up in the rear tires or I was just on an unlucky streak with tires. It has been a couple years now and no blow outs. Nock on wood 😬. Just got a new truck and had to lower the hitch a bit and it got me thinking. I have thought about this every way and still not sure. Any input?
Excellent !! I added an additional length to my RVs back porch and hauled an atv and generator on it. This is definitely effecting sway! I’m gonna have to eliminate these I think to make a safer ride
I have a 2500 2 wheel drive truck I pull a 25 ft travel trailer with a 16 ft boat behind the trailer and the biggest things I have learned is you have to have a good % of nose weight to you trailer and make sure all the trailers truck and boat are as level as you can get them and I have very little trouble after that.
Proof that you don't need fancy computer graphics or modeling to teach something. You need somebody with some cardboard, a felt tipped pen, and push pins who knows what they are talking about.
Very good illustration and accurate explanation. Couldn't be better. Thanks to people like you, the internet is an incredible learning tool. Well done!
I wish they would come up with sliding tandem axles on these trailers. If you could slide your tandem to the back or a foot or two from the rear, I believe these trailers would ride alot better.
Whoever narrated this is missing a lot primarily focusing on hinge point of truck n trailer connection. Need to redo this video leaving a lot of info out
Sounds like it would be a good idea to disconnect the anti-sway bars once you get to camp or even to a McDonald's?
What would you recommend for weight distribution hitch. And how tight do you set your chains on a weight distribution hitch ?
Please make some mention of vehicle speed and how that affects the dynamics of sway ( i.e. resonance...). I find that simply slowing down can improve the stability. If your rig is prone to sway, reducing your speed might allow you to get where your going more safely until you can make improvements.
Yeah but all rv trailers are a dangerous designe ,the axils need to be moved back to the rear of the trailers with about 4 foot of rear overhang ,