Trailer sway

Duffster · May 27, 2009

There is your problem right there then.

Diamondpilot · May 27, 2009

After reading you comment of your axles being 50/50 I do not think any type of hitch will solve your problems. As a minimum you need 60/40 with the 60 being 60% of the deck area before the 2 axles center. With 40% of the deck after the axles center. When making these measurements do not include undecked area such as the 4-6 feet of tongue area.

You really need to move your axles back first and make sure you have 10-15% of the load on the tongue. Like others have said if you would have had to swerve to miss a deer or something you would be flipped.

Do not try to fix this issue with a hitch. Get the trailer right first then see what you have.

Chris

Diamondpilot · May 27, 2009

Just so we are clear here is a picture of a WD Hitch. These are great for many things but I really do not think it will solve your issues. Just wanted to show you what we are talking about.

This picture shows the hitch, bars, and sway system. The sway bar usually mounts on the right side of the hitch and right side of the trailer.

Again, fix the axle location first. Then if needed add the hitch to take the sag of the truck you are towing with.

Chris

radman1 · May 27, 2009

I agree, your axles are in the middle of the trailer - not good. With th load you had, your tongue weight is too light and that is only compounded by the axles placed in the middle of the trailer. Can you reposition the axels back a couple of feet?

Reg · May 27, 2009

Huhh ?
You seem to have found a PERFECT formula for disaster;
Increasing speed to compete with heavier traffic when it starts raining ?

I think I am unable to help you.
I certainly want to NOT help you go any faster in heavier traffic on slicker roads.
Just in case I'm coming the other way at the same time on the same road.

brianMO · May 27, 2009

I have room for more tongue weight. I can move the tractor another 3 foot forward, I am not really sure if this is a huge problem. But I would have't to agree that typically the axles are further back. Lessons can be learned in a hard way sometimes. If I reach the 10-15% tongue weigh recommended is this really a problem?

firemanpat2910 · May 27, 2009

move the axles or get some "Fat Boys" thats what we use on a boat to fill with water for more weight so we have more wake.

Duffster · May 27, 2009

brianMO said:
I have room for more tongue weight. I can move the tractor another 3 foot forward, I am not really sure if this is a huge problem. But I would have't to agree that typically the axles are further back. Lessons can be learned in a hard way sometimes. If I reach the 10-15% tongue weigh recommended is this really a problem?

No it is not that big of a deal if you have room to pull it forward yet.

10-15% is a guideline and not gospel.

wkpoor · May 27, 2009

My axles are measured exactly in the middle of the trailer. Not including the tongue.

Bingo! Thats your problem. I personally have never experienced the sway but I can see where a set up like yours would be prone to wiggle regardless of loading. 60/40 is a more tradition placement for axles. With 50/50 I would think it might actually need more than the 10% to keep sway at bay.

Hematite · May 27, 2009

brianMO said:
My axles are measured exactly in the middle of the trailer. Not including the tongue.

I've never seen a trailer like that! The ones that I've seen all have the axles towards the rear of the deck. You can get the balance forward by detaching the bucket on the trailer, turning it around and driving the tractor forward so that the arms are now inside the bucket. You would need to weld hooks to the bucket so that you could secure it to the trailer.

Alternatively, you could have brackets welded to the front side of the trailer to mount the front bucket on upside down. Cam is one manufacturer that offers this type of mount.