Fith wheel towing problem

br traveler · 08-13-2018, 03:48 PM

I have a 28' Rockwood fith wheel being towed by a 07 3/4 ton chevy duramax. Pulls just fine until I reach speeds of 60mph then it feels like the back of the p/u is getting light or squirrely. Pulled the same rig with a 1/2 ton with no issues. Tire inflation is spot on. Has anyone experienced the same issue? Thanks for your input.

bshort · 08-13-2018, 03:54 PM

Maybe your weight distribution is off. Sounds like more weight on the rear of the trailer and a light pin weight.

chaps2018 · 08-13-2018, 04:42 PM

Pin weight may have been enough for the 1/2t but insufficient for the 3/4t?

Any difference in Levelness of trailer with the 3/4t?

Kaadk · 08-13-2018, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chaps2018

...
Any difference in Levelness of trailer with the 3/4t?

That's where I'd look. My 3/4 is nearly a foot taller than my 1/2 was.

Comanchecreek · 08-15-2018, 09:36 AM

Besides tongue weight, and trailer leveling, and tail loading, check tire type, and are all tires the same make? Front end alignment, and or worn out tie rod ends or/and ball joints? Has the vehicle ever been wrecked? (Bent frame). Weak or broken leaf springs or other rear suspension damage? Bad front wheel bearings? (Common on Chevys). Trailer axle alignment and/or bent axles? Weak or broken trailer springs?

Most of these should be noticeable with simple inspection, but every one of them, or multiple ones of them, could be contributing to your problem.

kamper00 · 08-15-2018, 01:50 PM

I have similar issues with a 28' Rockwood 5er with a 06 F250. Upgraded to load range E (Maxxis)tires on trailer which helped substantially. Also due to year of the truck I replaced the shocks with Bilstein's.

I have come to the conclusion that some truck/camper combo's just work better than others...What worked before flawlessly may not work as well with different truck or camper.

Just got back from a 1900 mile trip from CT out to IN up to MI and through Canada.

I could feel a little push and pull as a semi passed and a little nudge with high wind gusts (no driver compensation needed) but other than that it towed well. I kept speeds between 62 and 65. No hurry my destination will be there when I get there.

DouglasReid · 08-17-2018, 06:35 AM

Sounds like a trip to a CAT scale is in order. My guess is the rear of camper is too heavy and lifting up on the pin.

Weigh the rig connected, loaded just as if you are leaving on a camping trip. Drop trailer, reweigh the truck and passengers.

Pin weight should be 15-20% of camper weight.

You may also like: