Dealing with Trucks

[Terier]

Does the size of the trailer factor into this? I have a smaller size (20ft) and I have never felt simi trucks passing even while using a Yukon to tow with.

[mtnguy]

Originally Posted by Terier

Does the size of the trailer factor into this? I have a smaller size (20ft) and I have never felt simi trucks passing even while using a Yukon to tow with.

I would say yes.

But, I could even feel the tug some when I was pulling my fold down Trailmanor......but not near as much as my present 29 footer.

[3 Happy Campers]

When we had our TT we experienced the same thing when being passed by big trucks.
My step father gave me some pretty good advice.
He told me to half open two rear windows, one on each side.
Well I hated to admit it but it worked. No more trailer sway when a tractor trailer went by.

I’m no physics major but I guess it has something to do with equalizing the pressure.

[boubou]

Happy to say we aren't feeling that! It would make me more nervous. We are pulling 25.6

[transamz9]

Run the same speed as traffic and it won't be near as bad. Have you ever heard the expression " Getting your doors blown off"?

[mtnguy]

Originally Posted by transamz9

Run the same speed as traffic and it won't be near as bad. Have you ever heard the expression " Getting your doors blown off"?

Just because the passing lane traffic is running 80, does not mean that I have to. If they want to drive that way, so be it, but this old boy is will be sitting in the right lane doing the speed limit, and dealing with a slight tug when the trucks pas....no big deal.

Besides, trailer ST tires are rated at a maximum of 65 miles per hour.

[mike54]

I tow with a 3500 Dodge Ram and an Equalizer hitch there is no suction and I don't feel like I'm getting pushed when semi's pass. I guess size makes a difference

[True Believer]

Originally Posted by mtnguy

I would say yes.

But, I could even feel the tug some when I was pulling my fold down Trailmanor......but not near as much as my present 29 footer.

I would agree yes. My last trailer was a 20' and i used no sway or weight dist. just a ball. Never ever had any sway,push,pull anything.

[BigRed]

If it continues to bother you...do as the recent post noted. Get a Hensley Arrow or a Pro Pride 3P. I mention both because I dont want the thread to turn into witch is better, they are both good ! I have the Hensley Arrow and you'll experience "NO" sway what so ever! Even the little twitch from trucks passing that you talk about! I had a Equalizer 4PT Hitch before and loved it ! Purchased the Hensley ...NIGHT AND DAY..with the Hensley Arrow you experience "NO SWAY" and you'll even forget your pulling a camper its that much better ! It IS worth every penny they charge for it around $2800, but you can't really put a price on your comfort level towing and the safety it brings. Right after purchasing the Hensley Arrow, we ran into an emergency situation that resulted in me having at 64mph to jerk the wheel to the left almost all the way, then back to the right, then straight again. I know if I had the Equalizer on we would have jack-knifed the camper and most likely rolled it. With the Hensley our 35' camper just followed the TV as if it were one. At the time I completely forgot I was pulling the camper, I just need to get out of the way ! Quick ! Even the State-Police couldn't believe the camper stayed up right! They even took a picture of the hitch! Anyway if it continues to cause problems purchase a Hensley Arrow you won't be sorry you did ! - Dave k.

[Sean Woodruff]

I won't get into which hitch, the ProPride 3P or the Hensley Arrow, is better either. It is fairly obvious if you do some research and speak to customers who have owned both hitches.

I'll just explain WHY they both work. They move the effective pivot point of the trailer forward to near the rear axle of the tow vehicle. This eliminates the leverage that the trailer has on the tow vehicle.

With the conventional hitch designs the pivot point is at a distance behind the rear axle. This distance provides a lever arm for the trailer to act on the tow vehicle when the truck passes. Once that leverage is felt most people will attempt to correct it by steering the tow vehicle in the opposite direction. Of course, this changes the direction of the trailer and the leverage then is applied to the tow vehicle in the other direction. That said, it is best to NOT correct, or correct as little as possible, when passed.