Towing Issue?

jtintx · 08-29-2013, 12:33 PM

Is this a problem or normal? Towed the camper to the dealer to have the slide adjusted. Only my second time to tow it. I noticed that when I took my foot off the gas the truck seemed to lurch/shudder a bit. Is this normal or does something need to be adjusted?

Also, I have an Equal-i-zer hitch and it makes the most awful noises and there's a thunking feeling under the truck (Nissan Titan)...again, is this normal or is something wrong?

Thanks for helping out a first time owner.

Archicamper · 08-29-2013, 12:48 PM

Not sure about the first question but, if he TV slows faster than the trailer, not using breaks, the trailer will push against the TV which could account for that.

Equal-i-zer hitches tend to be a little noisy. Keep it lubed up and it will be a little quieter. I tend to not notice it as much anymore although you may get looks from those around you but, it does it's job.

acadianbob · 08-29-2013, 12:51 PM

You might have a sticky driveshaft yoke? Not sure if the Titan has one.

Badlands · 08-29-2013, 01:13 PM

The noise you're hearing is normal for this hitch, and as noted, you can lube it. I use a dry lube on the pivot points, as well as on the hitch ball. However . . . according to the manufacturer, lube is not necessary, and not doing so will have no adverse consequences on the hitch. The loud 'pop' or 'thud' can be unsettling when you are new to the set-up, but it's quite normal. Regardless, I love the hitch, and my set-up must be on the money. No sway in the wind (or very little), and no 'sucking' from semi's on freeway situations.

Badlands

Bryan2503S · 08-29-2013, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Badlands

The noise you're hearing is normal for this hitch, and as noted, you can lube it. I use a dry lube on the pivot points, as well as on the hitch ball. However . . . according to the manufacturer, lube is not necessary, and not doing so will have no adverse consequences on the hitch. The loud 'pop' or 'thud' can be unsettling when you are new to the set-up, but it's quite normal. Regardless, I love the hitch, and my set-up must be on the money. No sway in the wind (or very little), and no 'sucking' from semi's on freeway situations.

Badlands

X2

jim44646 · 08-29-2013, 01:26 PM

I use a little Vaseline, not really a lube but quiets the hitch down

Bryan2503S · 08-29-2013, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jim44646

I use a little Vaseline, not really a lube but quiets the hitch down

As tempting as it is, I am not going to touch that statement with a 10 foot pole.

jim44646 · 08-29-2013, 01:39 PM

A little slippy slidey never hurt anything

jtintx · 08-29-2013, 01:47 PM

Thanks everyone. I feel more at ease now.

**Platokidd** · 08-29-2013, 02:09 PM

I use mower guard graphite on the L brackets and spring bars. It embeds itself into the metal over time and there is no mess! Have to respray from time to time.
Keep the hitch head lube with a good grease or dry graphite.
I like the noise..it scares the woman and i get a kick out of that

MowerGUARD™ - Graphite Undercoating for Mower Decks and Blades

markb5900 · 08-29-2013, 05:10 PM

You just get used to how it will act when slowing down.
My 3/4 ton acts totally different when slowing down than the 1/2 ton I had before. But it is "normal".
As for the hitch, I can't really say much.
My hitch has the chains and everyone told me how they will pop and scare you to death.
We have towed ours now just about 800 miles and it popped once. Maybe I am doing something wrong? LOL

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