Highway chatter

[TreeLady]

I don't know what else to call it.
While traveling in western states, we hit some interstate stretches that
caused a lot of "jerking".
The TV would hit a seam in pavement and then when the TT hit it, caused
us a jerk. Very rapid, staccato like.
Hard to explain but I know some of you may have experienced this also.
Can anyone explain what causes this? it is very annoying. We had it happen
on a couple of highways but not all highways.
Just curious if it is the highway or something we need to fix.

We were in a 2003 F150 crew. We tow a 25 foot mini lite.

Karen

[SuicideSaints]

I think I know what you are talking about, kinda like the TT wheel hits it and the wheel tracks in the direction of the seam causing a jerk or the steering to veer slightly? I think this is normal I have had it on all my trailers but my new one has a EQ 4pt and I seem to notice it a lot less. The worst I have seen it is I70 through colorado up by Grand Junction.

[TURBS]

Chucking is what your experiencing.
Install shocks on the TT and air bags on the truck.

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded, 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "2 nights"

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by TURBS

Chucking is what your experiencing.
Install shocks on the TT and air bags on the truck.

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded, 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "2 nights"

X2

[TreeLady]

Originally Posted by TURBS

Chucking is what your experiencing.
Install shocks on the TT and air bags on the truck.

TURBS
08 duramax tuned n modded, 32bhok Sabre
2015 camping "2 nights"

Didn't know what to call it. Have a newer TV now so not sure if it will affect us or not.
What will putting shocks on the TT do for us? Less bounce I assume??

Thanks.

[rana]

The first thing I would check.. before spending a bundle.. is to make sure your trailer is traveling level (or a pinch nose down) and your TV is not nose high. After that.. you want to make sure you are not light on the pin. A heavy rear end will cause chucking 9 times out of 10.

If all that jives.. then the above.

[R&J Silverback]

I think it might be a case of concrete highway. frost heaves is what we call this condition out west. in the winter water freezes under the concrete a causes it to lift at each joint on the highway. if you don't feel it on blacktop I wouldn't worry to much.

[larryo]

Level trailer is important. If you have a good relationship with your dealer, explain your issue and ask them if you could TRY an equalizer hitch. It's not like they have to drill holes or anything. Most dealers have a few used ones kicking around their service department. If that solves the problem then purchase one. If not you may consider air bags for the tow vehicle. Also too heavy a tongue weight could do this. I'd definitely try the hitch first.
Good luck!

[Filthy Beast]

We had the same issue on one road only and that was I-80 Westbound into Colorado. It was so bad that we got off of the freeway and did some backloading all the way down to Pueblo. We actually found that to be quite an interesting ride and enjoyed ourselves.

This has not happened anywhere else to us and I think it was just that the length between the truck wheel and the trailer wheel was just right to cause this. If to is happening in numerous places this probably isn't your issue. Hope you get it sorted out.

[TreeLady]

Thanks to all. Much needed info. We have an equalizer hitch but I pack the TT and since this was a long trip, was down to minimum in packing. Have a tendency to pack everything as close to and in front of wheels as I can. Since TT is back heavy anyway with fridge, stove, bath, probably didn't have enough weight in the front.
We have a new TV so will have to adjust the hitch to level the TT. And learn to pack
differently. Only two years in this TT, learning. But, yes, only on a certain stretch of
highway. But all feedback is greatly appreciated. Will be ready for that next long trip!

Karen