05 forest river sierra sport swaying

[bennieben1]

Hello, we took our first trip with our 05 FOREST RIVER SIERRA SPORT this past weekend. We are towing with a 2013 DODGE RAM 2500 4X4 DIESEL. It swayed a lot and almost threw us into other lanes. I had the trucks tires at 80 psi, the rear airbags inflated to 50 lbs, chains were tensioned good, and the truck and trailer were level. it was scary for the whole family. I noticed that the tongue on the trailer has been reworked. It looks like it has been lengthened about 6 or seven inches. I am thinking that this might be the cause of the problems. Now it makes sense why my normal hitch's stabilizer bars would not reach past the propane bottles. I ended up buying a Blue Ox tow hitch with the side bolted clamps. What do you guys think? Would a longer than normal tongue cause this swaying? I don't know how to upload pics or else I would.

[Rich70]

Besides stabilizer bars, you should have anti sway control mounted. The stabilizer is good for proper steering control. The sway control reduces the side to side motion. By the way, why are your tires pumped so high? Read the tags for both the trailer and the truck for proper tire inflation and follow them. Also, you need to check your weights for both the truck and trailer. Weight distribution in the trailer is also important. There are other forums to find this info. You will also have to check how to handle the airbags when used with stabilizers. They may not be inflated correctly.
Rich

[Sgt. Schultz]

Without any other info it sounds like a weight distribution issue - the modified tongue may have moved the weight around incorrectly for your set up - time to hit the scales get your numbers.
You will want between 10 -15 % tongue weight (vs. weight of trailer) 12-13% being a good # to start with setting up your WDH.
Once you get your numbers other option or opinions may present themselves.

[shorthorn]

Load the front heavy... If u have too light a tongue any trailer will sway

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