5th wheel trailer sway..I'm perplexed

kamper00 · 08-20-2017, 10:20 PM

Need some input on my weird issue....
2006 F250 tow rating 11,200. (5.4L 4.10's short bed)

Towed 2 5ers 2006 Flagstaff 27' and a newer 2013 Flagstaff 27', never had an issue. (both trailers loaded weighing in just inder 7000#
Now I have a 2018 Rockwood 28' (8244BS) and this puppy is giving me some trouble. I guess this trailer is weighing in at about 8000# loaded. (dry is 7200#)

Going downhill I notice it the most, give me a push and a bit of a giggle going above 60MPH, also on uneven pavement it also sloshes me around. Don't expect it from the 5er.

I do have the Castle Rock load range D's, theoretically that are within the weight range of the camper..but thinking that if I never had issues with the trick before, take a look at the variable.the new camper...was thinking a set of Maxxis load range E's might stiffin' up the wiggle

Also, this years(s) truck, well it rides like a truck..not comfy cushy like the newer ones...which now in this case when traveling thru New England's lovely well maintained roads (ya I am kidding) the bouncing of the truck can make the stability of the trailer a little finiky. Thinking of upgrading the shocks.

Hitching up the trailer is perfectly level.and about 6" from bed rail to trailer.

Thoughts? Ideas? Also the truck has just over 30K miles so she's still breakin; in so I am not thinking wear and tear on the truck is causing it although i did replace the steering damper and no change. Don't want to shot gun this issue

mwdilday · 08-20-2017, 10:23 PM

I would have it weighed each axle connected and weigh both axles of the truck disconnected. You can calculate the pin weight with those numbers. Other than that or low tire pressure I don't know.

Iggy · 08-20-2017, 10:37 PM

I would also have them check the axle alignment and suspension.
Seems something is out of alignment.

SuicideSaints · 08-20-2017, 10:38 PM

From what I understand 5ers like pin weight and on lighter 5ers it's hard to get the pin weight higher. Sway is sometimes cause by heavy loading/more weight rear of the trailer axels. If your weight is to the rear of the axles then your pin weight will be lighter. But if the trailer feels like it's pushing you this may not be true. I would guess its the tires first. Ds are not going to be as stout as Es. Someone with more experience then me will come along but I've always had Es and ran them near max when towing. This would be the first thing I would address if it was me

kamper00 · 08-20-2017, 10:53 PM

Tire pressure 65 on trailer tires truck is 70F/80R as specified by door sticker. Getting the trailer weighed is on the to do list.

NMWildcat · 08-20-2017, 11:46 PM

Determine which tank is in front of your axles, fill it, and see if the sway is better. Then you will know if it's lack of pin weight.

kamper00 · 08-21-2017, 09:25 AM

Thanks for all the replies.

Tires are on the agenda, not only to see if it helps solve the issue, but because I have the Castle Rock ones and I would like to go with a set of Maxxis (Hopefully better quality)

I would say most of what is in the trailer is in front of the axles. Very little is stored in back, if not really nothing measurable. The closet is in the nose with all my wife's clothes (which should give us a bit of weight

) This unit has a bedroom slide in which the bed itself is on the slide giving a bit more pin weight then the models with wardrobe slide, plus all our goodies in the passthru storage and front storage.

As far as the black and grey, I will have to look, I believe they too are either above or behind the axle. (All tanks empty when towing)

BTW, going downhill it does feel like the camper is pushing me, on uneven pavement it feels like it is swaying me...sometimes the sway is caused by the truck being jumpy over poor road conditions and having to constantly steer slightly right and left....almost feels like the front of the truck does does not have enough weight causing the front end to mimic being sloppy...

Might try some better shocks to help with the rough ride. (My wife has complained day 1 that this truck rides so rough...I just tell her yes..because it's a truck

)

**Bama Rambler** · 08-21-2017, 09:50 AM

I bet you're a lot closer to 9,000 lbs. than you think.

According to the FR site, that RV has a light pin weight to begin with and looks like the fresh water tank is in the rear.

I'd suggest you get it weighed soon, and see what that tells you.

W5CI · 08-21-2017, 09:52 AM

I think your problem is in the Truck not the Trailer. Maybe hitch installed to far to Rear

thebrakeman · 08-21-2017, 09:58 AM

I know TT towing wants 10-15% on the ball.
What is the desired range for 5er pin weight?

thebrakeman · 08-21-2017, 10:02 AM

I understand that the right tires can make for a better towing experience. But if you have a stability issue, and you only change the truck's tires, then you still have the same stability issue on the rig, pushing the truck side to side, and working those tires. I would want to fix the stability issue at the source, not just add more resistance to the effect.

Not saying you shouldn't consider shocks, tires, etc. But I would do that as added insurance, after you look into the potential loading issues that might be present.

kamper00 · 08-21-2017, 11:08 AM

The tires on the truck are 3 years old and have 4000 miles on them, they are Bridgestone Duelers load range e..since I had them on with the old 5er and they performed well I am thinking of getting rid of the Castle Rock range D to Maxxis 8008 load range E and start with that....also getting the trailer to the scales to see exactly the numbers. Thinking it through, the reason I was looking into shocks on the truck was because of the such a harsh bouncy ride it accentuate the sway of the trailer, but since I had no issues previous I have to concentrate on the variable. (although too the shocks are original and the truck is 12 years old)

NMWildcat · 08-21-2017, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kamper00

The tires on the truck are 3 years old and have 4000 miles on them, they are Bridgestone Duelers load range e..since I had them on with the old 5er and they performed well I am thinking of getting rid of the Castle Rock range D to Maxxis 8008 load range E and start with that....also getting the trailer to the scales to see exactly the numbers. Thinking it through, the reason I was looking into shocks on the truck was because of the such a harsh bouncy ride it accentuate the sway of the trailer, but since I had no issues previous I have to concentrate on the variable. (although too the shocks are original and the truck is 12 years old)

If your shocks are 12 years old, you need new ones. I suggest Bilstein 4600s. Also, your idea of Maxxis M8008 tires is excellent!