Fish Tailing

[jp2code]

OK, what causes fish tailing?

It must have something to do with how the load is setup on the trailer.

I pulled the tractor to a field that needed mowing, and noticed the trailer started fish tailing if I got over a certain speed.

So, I maintained that speed. No big deal.

I finished mowing, loaded back up, and off I went.

Something was loaded differently, though. This time I wasn't able to get up nearly as fast as the first time.

So, is fish tailing caused by the load being too far forward, too far back, too much on the left or right?

It's got to be something.

 

[George2615]

Usually, fishtailing is caused by not enough tongue weight or the load on the trailer is too far back. Uneven tire pressures or a suspension problem can also cause the problem.

https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20101222183809AA1g8ZT

 

[Will_C]

George has it right. Never have I had this problem, but I have seen some scary sights on Interstate 81 with trailers fish tailing-one time, my fiancé insisting we get off the highway when the truck and trailer in front of us was swaying at least a foot back and forth while they going 65-evidently scared us more than them!

Will

 

[aczlan]

Usually, fishtailing is caused by not enough tongue weight or the load on the trailer is too far back. Uneven tire pressures or a suspension problem can also cause the problem.

https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20101222183809AA1g8ZT

Ayep.
See if you can find a scale that will let you roll across a couple of times to compare tow vehicle rear axle weights and trailer tongue weights.
You want around 10% of the trailer weight on the tongue.

Aaron Z

 

[Rustyiron]

Usually, fishtailing is caused by not enough tongue weight or the load on the trailer is too far back.
https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20101222183809AA1g8ZT

George said it! Squat that truck a little, It make's all the difference in the world.

 

[jp2code]

That's what I was thinking, but I wanted to verify. I try not to drive the tractor too far up, because it can put too much load on the truck's suspension. The trailer's axles are 3500 each, which is way more than what the truck can take.

I noticed when going down the road that the tractor was scooted over more towards the driver's side than the passenger's side, so I thought that might have had something to do with it.

The tires were checked this morning before heading out.

Freaky as **** when it starts, too. I've got a little play in my truck's steering and one brake already grabs before the other. I'm glad I wasn't going fast.

 

[farm boy00]

That's what I was thinking, but I wanted to verify. I try not to drive the tractor too far up, because it can put too much load on the truck's suspension. The trailer's axles are 3500 each, which is way more than what the truck can take.

I noticed when going down the road that the tractor was scooted over more towards the driver's side than the passenger's side, so I thought that might have had something to do with it.

The tires were checked this morning before heading out.

Freaky as **** when it starts, too. I've got a little play in my truck's steering and one brake already grabs before the other. I'm glad I wasn't going fast.

What type of truck you using?? A s10?? A ranger can even take a good 3,000 lb load. We have had ranger bumpers to the ground and no suspension problems

 

[jp2code]

What type of truck you using?? A s10?? A ranger can even take a good 3,000 lb load. We have had ranger bumpers to the ground and no suspension problems

Remember when Toyota and Nissan used to make those little 1-ton trucks in the '80s? Think about those little U-Haul trucks or the Toyota Dolphin/Nissan Sunrader motorhomes.

From 1993 to 1995, Nissan made a 3/4-ton. GVRW rating on it is 5600-lbs, but just about all hitches state not to put more than 500-lbs of weight on them.

 

[Pepsiboy]

Remember when Toyota and Nissan used to make those little 1-ton trucks in the '80s? Think about those little U-Haul trucks or the Toyota Dolphin/Nissan Sunrader motorhomes.

From 1993 to 1995, Nissan made a 3/4-ton. GVRW rating on it is 5600-lbs, but just about all hitches state not to put more than 500-lbs of weight on them.

jp2code,

Looking at your picture, I, as a RETIRED truck driver, would suggest that you first tip the bucket down a bit to be level with the deck. Then move the tractor FORWARD so the bucket touches the front frame of the trailer. I can not tell from the picture how you have it secured to the trailer, but I would suggest using 2 attach points on the front axle and 2 points from the rear axle OR draw bar hitch. Check out how that setup handles. IF it improves you are going the right direction. You MAY have to raise the bucket a bit and set it ON TOP of the front trailer frame to get the right placement for a good ride.

Good luck.

Dave

 

[George2615]

Remember when Toyota and Nissan used to make those little 1-ton trucks in the '80s? Think about those little U-Haul trucks or the Toyota Dolphin/Nissan Sunrader motorhomes.

From 1993 to 1995, Nissan made a 3/4-ton. GVRW rating on it is 5600-lbs, but just about all hitches state not to put more than 500-lbs of weight on them.

Your L4400 w/loader is probably close to maxing out your 7K trailer, especially if the tires are loaded.
At 500# max tongue weight the hitch needs to be upgraded.
That Nissan pickup looks more like an S10 than a 3/4T truck.
I'd say neither the truck or trailer is capable hauling that load safely.