Trailer sway

[gototwright]

Hey all! Classic 2016 hitch weight 773# Trailer weight 7365# dry and 8420# loaded. Scary trailer sway with Equi-l-izer restribution/sway bar hitch. Previously pulled 25 CCD International 833# hitch 5612# dry same truck/hitch with absolutely no sway. How can I increase my hitch to trailer weight percentage?

[HowieE]

The first think I would check is the wheel alignment. If you are using the original hitch and TV and the problem came with the new trailer look at it first.

If you have a 8 ft florescent light bulb set it across the center line of the wheel and see how the bulb rests on the edges of the tires. if there is a gap at any of the points of contact that may be pulling the trailer off the tracking line. If no bulb 2 people and a tight string folded into the wheels slowly should contact All point at the same time.

[OTRA15]

Welcome to the forum! I can't help you but you might consider posting this in the Equalizer thread for better visibility and expertise from other similar hitch owners:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f464...ead-98886.html

There is a recent post with the same model and year trailer.

What is your tow vehicle incl. its gross vehicle combined weight rating, max. trailer weight, max. hitch weight and so forth. How about your TV tires and tire pressures? People will want to know all the factors which might be causing your new problems IMO.

Have you weighed the TV and trailer carefully, including the tongue weight?

Good luck!

Peter

PS -- Personally -- I would have the dealer, or a good hitch shop, set up your hitch for the new trailer.

Originally Posted by gototwright

Hey all! Classic 2016 hitch weight 773# Trailer weight 7365# dry and 8420# loaded. Scary trailer sway with Equi-l-izer restribution/sway bar hitch. Previously pulled 25 CCD International 833# hitch 5612# dry same truck/hitch with absolutely no sway. How can I increase my hitch to trailer weight percentage?

[AstroBruce]

Tongue weight is a little on the light side. I would try to move heavier cargo from the rear to the front. Get the tongue weight closer to 15%. Also might try adjusting the weight dist. bars.

Bruce

[aftermath]

Who set the hitch up? I would take it back to them.

If you set it up you might want to contact the Equalizer folks, they should be able to help. You can download the directions too.

You might have issues with the trailer but I would reset the hitch first. I have a 25 FB and it does tow nicely. The TW on this trailer is pretty heavy so changing to your new trailer should not be an issue.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Set up using CAT scale weights....or measurements. Proper drop stinger with level trailer.

773# TW 30' Classic?

Our 25' Classic TV & trailer loaded for camping TW 1200#

Most likely....Excess sway=improper TW/set-up.

Bob

[dkottum]

You would need to know the actual hitch weight. You might have too much stuff in the very back of the Airstream but who knows. Best to load light in back and front, heavy in middle for best stability.

Are you feeling the sway in the truck's steering, and does in increase with speed? You may not have enough weight transfer to the front of the truck at the present setting of the w.d. bars. What is the truck/tow vehicle?

[beetlebob]

Would love to see a picture of everything hooked up from the side. I have seen way to many trailers hooked up wrong. If you are level all the way from front of truck to bumper of trailer you have to much weight on the rear of the trailer or the wrong tow vehicle

[phann]

I was surprised at the low tongue weight our loaded Classic initially showed. 780lbs TW with a GVW of 8280lbs, way less than the recommended 10% minimum ratio. I moved and swapped some heavy items from the rear of the AS toward the front of the AS, and some to our truck bed. I also carried 6-8 gallons of drinking water containers in a box just in front of the front lounge. I moved/swapped anything heavy from points behind the AS axles to areas in front of the AS wheels (best) or over the wheels. We have the twin model with the two exterior side storage compartments. I swapped heavy items out of there for lighter, bulkier items that we were originally carrying in the truck. The redistributed weights brought my TW to 12% of the TT weight, and noticeably improved handling. I also will avoid letting the propane tanks get too empty as this will also decrease my TW. In addition to increasing tounge weight, you can also raise the TW/TT weight ratio into the 10-15% recommended range by lowering the TT overall loaded weight - e.g., carry less in your fresh water, grey and black tanks.

[Mrjkq]

If your using 1000 lb bars it should not sway unless not set up correctly.

[Naper]

The front of the trailer should be down slightly. If the front is too high you will have sway for sure.

[gototwright]

hey all. grateful for tips.

1. put 180# cargo boxes next to sofa rather than bed of trcuk

2. dealer raised spacers 5 to 7.

3. weighed
15,350 gross, 7630 truck hitched ( 3530 front, 4100 rear )
7720 trailer hitched. truck unhitched 6680.

4. and no more sway!

5. however sway bars not parallel with trailer bars, and shows enough wear for dealer to recommend dealer new hitch. this is my second Equal-I-zer (first one actually fractured).

6. what is experience with Reese vs Hensley?

7. and weights right at ratings for my F150 ecoboost without heavy payload package. safe?

[TheGreatleys]

Originally Posted by gototwright

6. what is experience with Reese vs Hensley?

Is money an object?

[Ag&Au]

I'd guess with a 2016 30 Classic, money can't too much of an object.

For that trailer I would recommend you look at the ProPride 3P. (an updated Hensley type hitch). I towed a 2010 31 Classic with one for 8 years, and sway was never a concern even with strong crosswinds and semis passing.

http://www.propridehitch.com/


Most of our trips involved windy I-80 through Wyoming.

Ken

[HiJoeSilver]

7. and weights right at ratings for my F150 ecoboost without heavy payload package. safe?

As long as you had the trailer tow package then Yep, just make sure your trailer brakes are good and brake controller is adjusted properly so your truck isn't having to do the majority of the braking.

[Gamehawkers]

I have the exact same trailer, a 2016 Classic. I also use an equalizer hitch. I have not had any sway issues at all. Tows like a dream. If I may suggest perhaps the load of personal items is too far back in the trailer. The load should always make the trailer front heavy. If the weight is too far back it will result in excessive sway.