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Old 06-09-2016, 03:25 PM   #1
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Porpoising

Hi, we just purchased a 2014 Rockwood Ultra Lite 2904SS travel trailer and whilst it is well within the weight of our 1500 Chevy Silverado (with tow package) the trailer is porposing, according to the expert at the Hitch shop. We have a blue ox hitch on and wonder if this par for the course or if anyone has any advice or experience with this issue.
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Old 06-09-2016, 03:40 PM   #2
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Porposing

Install air bags on the truck.
Also if you have p rated tires remove those and go to LT tires.


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Old 06-09-2016, 04:22 PM   #3
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It may be within the tow rating but you may be over on payload - that's what most 1500's run out of first. If you weigh the rig ready-to-camp and you're not over payload, then maybe tightening up the WD bars a link or two might help.

Does it happen on all roads or just in a specific area?

I had a <5,000lb GVWR TT I pulled with my GMC 2500 (waaayyy under all ratings) and it porpoised like to launch me out of the seat into the headliner - but only in one specific section of I-90 between I-190 and US-219 in Buffalo. I figured it had to be some weird resonance between the wheelbases and the way the concrete slabs were laid.
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Old 06-09-2016, 04:48 PM   #4
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Thanks for the replies.

Hitch shop made some adjustments, however we will take it on a short trip this weekend to test, I guess that will determine how bad it is.

Hmm I hear you about the 1500 truck. In a few weeks we may have an opportunity to test the towing with a 2500 Cummins Diesel, which will put us at about 50% of its towing capacity.

Kind of disappointed as we love the floorplan and everything about the Trailer...
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Old 06-09-2016, 08:34 PM   #5
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Over the years I have found:

People greatly underestimate their tongue weight -and- people buy too little weight WD setups.

Make sure your WD setup is big/strong enough for your tongue weight. Ignore the "trailer weight" rating of the WD, follow the "tongue weight" rating of the WD. Next, don't be afraid to "crank it up". If your WD is strong enough to get your front end back down (or back level/equal squat... which is what I prefer, however some disagree), it should tow better.


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Old 06-09-2016, 10:49 PM   #6
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Your payload may not increase as much as you think.
That cummins weighs a lot.


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Old 06-10-2016, 09:21 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kenny kustom View Post
Your payload may not increase as much as you think.
That cummins weighs a lot.


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Everything else being equal, payload goes down with a diesel. The diesel weighs more and takes away from the payload.

Two identical trucks: one with a diesel and one with a gasser... the gasser has more payload.


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Old 06-10-2016, 09:27 AM   #8
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Turbs is correct. If you still have P rated tires on the 1500.

I had the same problem with my old F150. When I put LT tires on, it made a world of difference in towing and very little difference in non towing driving.
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Old 06-10-2016, 09:36 AM   #9
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X2 on lt tires, plus look at a better shock system in the rear that will dampen any movement.
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Old 06-12-2016, 09:36 PM   #10
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porposing

Thanks for the advice going to look into the tires. We are in Calgary and have to deal with snow driving in winter, currently have Nokian Rotiiva AT load range SL. Not sure what your "P" OR "LT" mean..

This weekend we towed the 29ft rockwood tavel trailer with Silverado 1500 with tow package, initially we could feel the porposing, did a quick google search and discovered that it is something that occurs when the rear end of the TT is heavier than the front which is the case for us (rear living model) so tightened the WD and the ride went a lot smoother.
Driving back today we experienced 40km crosswinds, the TT was swinging side to side and at one point almost felt like the tail was wagging the dog. We pulled over and loosened the WD and it felt more stable although still swinging.

So here we are still unsure, whether to change trucks to 2500Diesel or stick with the current 1500.
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Old 06-12-2016, 10:45 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 325BH View Post
Everything else being equal, payload goes down with a diesel. The diesel weighs more and takes away from the payload.

Two identical trucks: one with a diesel and one with a gasser... the gasser has more payload.


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Yes, that is usually the case.

Although, I have found with this crowd, to answer more " liberal".
Use words like " usually, mostly, sometimes "
Saves a fight later!


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