Stallion pulling a bushtech trailer

[ODDOMAN]

TRAVELING ON INTERSTATE AT SPEEDS OF 75-80 MY TRAILER IS SWAYING SIDE TO SIDE....i CAN'T SEE THE TRAILER AND i DIDN'T NOTICE THE PROBLEM UNTIL A BUDDY OF ME WAS FOLLOWING AND POINTED THE PROBLEM OUT...ANYONE ELSE HAVING THIS PROBLEM OF A SWAY? WHAT CAN BE DONE TO CORRECT IT?


ODDOMAN #667
EFFINGHAM, SC

[ricle41]

Several things to check: <br />
(1) check pressure in tires<br />
(2) Weight of trailer<br />
(3) Trailer loaded heavier on front than rear.<br />
(4) Length of tongue (If you can't see the trailer in your mirrors your tongue may be too short) also I wouldn't tow anything with any vehicle that I couldn't see from the drivers seat.<br />
(5) Alignment of trailer axle<br />
<br />
I have not pulled a trailer with my trike, but have pulled one for thousands of miles behind my old two wheeler. If the trailer, hitch and load are within parameters, towing is no problem at all. My two wheeler pulled a 340 lb loaded trailer for over 2300 miles through the Colorado Rockies from South to North, and crossed 12 passes above 10,000 ft. and never had a hint of any sway.<br />
<br />
Sometimes, at those speeds, the trailer may not be design for high speed travel. Things such as suspension, size of tires, and areodynamics of the trailer can affect the towing.

[Carbon_One]

Some things that comes to mind to me causing your trailer to sway is to do a check list on the trailer.
Check to be sure wheels a both aligned evenly, tires inflated even, weight distrubition is good. Was trailer tongue level? It may help to lengthen the tongue as well.

[ThirdWheel]

What is the rule for tongue weight? 10% of trailer weigth on tongue? (can't remember for sure) I know if there is not enough weigth on the tongue it will cause the trailer to wiggle-waggle above certain speeds.

[skuuter]

Small amount of toe-in helps em' track also.....

[djones47]

I pull a Bushtec and have not had a problem...are you sure the air suspension is set correctly. This will cause a Bushtec to track incorrectly. You need a little forward weight to give the trailer direction. You could call Bushtec and ask them what the tongue weight should be. Good luck.

[champsman97045]

after building trailers for many years the tongue weight is very important, 10% of gross weight, when loading always make sure load is heavyer to the front, you might also check the axle alignment with a tape measure from coupler to axle centers at each wheel, tongue length is not that important , but I personally believe it needs to be long enough to clear trike fenders with trailer box

[Lunchbox1983]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>champsman97045</strong>
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<div class="message">after building trailers for many years the tongue weight is very important, 10% of gross weight, when loading always make sure load is heavyer to the front, you might also check the axle alignment with a tape measure from coupler to axle centers at each wheel, tongue length is not that important , but I personally believe it needs to be long enough to clear trike fenders with trailer box</div>

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</div>^^^^ Solid Advice<br />
<br />
Use 10 to 15% for tounge weight (no Less), my guess is you are too light. Use a scale to check it don't guess. You want the trailer to be level or even an inch low front to back, so adjust your hitch , tounge high will also cause problems. A wagging trailer can be very dangerous especially in ice, rain, high wind or emergency stopping.

[tomg]

I have followed Adventurer on the interstate and his trailer pulled straight with no side movement.
Tomg

[ODDOMAN]

Thanks guys for all suggestions....i pulled this trailer with my 2 wheel wing at high speeds with no problems.....a little swaying is what a buddy told me...matter for the fact, i couldn't tell in the handling of the stallion....i will take all this info into consideration though...thanks guys

oddoman (dave)
effingham, sc # 667

[Silver Eagle]

You might look at your tongue, it should be level. I had to raise the coupler on mine to get the tongue level. I've towed mine many miles with no problem.