Trailer Question

[rbsWELDER]

Lee is correct with the right amount of tounge weight, so the trailer will not be wagging the tail as truckers call it. If you have ever been behind a trailer loaded ass end heavy, you will do your best to pass as soon as posible or slow down so as not to get bumped by the trailer when it starts wagging the tail.

Bruce,

So rear end heavy causes trailer wagging. I, recently, pulled a trailer for a buddy that started to whip side to side at any speed above 53 mph.

So what is the impact if the front of the trailer is too heavy?

Do you agree with the tongue weight percentages noted above?

Thanks,

Mark

[Bruce Pickett]

Tounge weight is close as Lee said, but a duelly can handle more tounge weight than a standard pickup. Your tounge weight is going to change your front braking abillity of the towing vehicle. Not enough tounge weight and the trailer wags easy. Too much tounge weight and the towing vehicle becomes dependent on mainly rear brakes to stop as the front will start to slide under heavy braking. Any towing over 1000# IMO should use electric brakes on the trailer and a controller for the tow vehicle that is adjustable.

Towing is a leaning experience in it's self, just don't forget the law of physics when doing it. Stay slow to be safe until you get the hang of it. It's like parachuting, you only get one chance at surviving a crash.

Hope this helps, T-Test

[Milt Atkinson]

Well, I took the trailer to a place that services\repairs trailers and they found the problem. The right side suspension hangers were 1/4 of an inch different than the left side. These hangers are welded to the frame and have been out of alignment since the trailer was built. The manual says the tolerance is ONLY 1/16 of an inch difference and is very specific about it. The manual states anything outside of the tolerance will cause exactly the trouble I have been having.

The shop cut the right side hangers off and are rewelding them. They also found that the 5000 miles I had put on the trailer with the axles out of alignment put side stress on the wheeling bearings and they have to be replaced.

I am going to try and place a claim with the manufacturer, but I will not hold my breath until I get paid.

[Big Dog]

Let us know how you come out. If they do not stand behind it, let us know who they are so we will avoid buying their product.

[Mike Blanche]

Milt, now you know why that trailer was such a great deal when you bought it!