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Old 08-08-2020, 08:53 PM   #1
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towing problem

Hi yall. we bought a new 2020 coachmen clipper 17bh. we had owned previously a coachmen catalina 26 bh. when towing our new camper it feels pretty busy behind us. we are still using our wdh with friction sway control. when we towed our old camper it always felt solid with no major issues. vut now our new camper feels different. would it be because its lighter and a single axle vs our old camper being heavier and having dual axles. our tow vehicle is a 2012 gmc sierra 1500 cc 4x4 truck. has anybody else had this issue or any suggestions. thanks in advance
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Old 08-08-2020, 08:59 PM   #2
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Try adding some weight on the tongue. I had a similar issue until I added more tongue weight.
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Old 08-08-2020, 08:59 PM   #3
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Pretty Busy? Sway ? You went from a double axle to a single? Anything different from one unit to the other? Fresh water tank? Full ?
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Old 08-08-2020, 08:59 PM   #4
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You may need to put more weight forward in the trailer. If you don't have enough tongue weight the trailer will be less stable.

It could also be the lighter trailer is effected by wind and road conditions more.
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Old 08-08-2020, 09:06 PM   #5
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Definitely tongue weight, I went with a larger trailer and had to much after the axel. Just moving two items to the front bedroom floor made a world of difference.
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Old 08-08-2020, 09:07 PM   #6
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no water just mainly some clothes pot/pans not really loaded. it feels like its miving around and also when a tt truck somes rollin by me going the same direction it mives the trailer some and also almostbthe same thing happens when a full size pickup comes flying by. i have tried not using the spring bars and just the friction sway bar and it didnt feel stable so i put the spring bara back on and it felt better but still feela like its moving. i know single axles are more prone to sway butbits also much more lighter too. hence why im asking for any expierences in comparison
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Old 08-08-2020, 10:30 PM   #7
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Did you re adjust your WD or just roll with the same set up. I would start by following instructions on WD. Then move on to other problems. Perhaps a trip to the scales will let you know.
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Old 08-08-2020, 10:49 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hobienick View Post
You may need to put more weight forward in the trailer. If you don't have enough tongue weight the trailer will be less stable.

It could also be the lighter trailer is effected by wind and road conditions more.
My KZ is only about 2600-2800 lbs when I tow it with my Silverado, and it tows rock steady. Being lighter shouldn't be an issue. I did switch out the China bomb tires for Goodyear Endurance tires, which have a much stiffer sidewall, so that probably helps out. I agree about tongue weight possibly being too light. I'd recommend weighing the tongue to be sure. I just bumper pull mine. No WDH needed.
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Old 08-08-2020, 10:52 PM   #9
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3x more weight forward. Make sure to readjust your WDH so everything is level.
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Old 08-09-2020, 09:10 AM   #10
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The wdh is setup and the trailer and tow vehicle look good and level.
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Old 08-12-2020, 07:05 AM   #11
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Originally Posted by moose074 View Post
Did you re adjust your WD or just roll with the same set up. I would start by following instructions on WD. Then move on to other problems. Perhaps a trip to the scales will let you know.
^^^^^^

This definitely, if you haven't already, and then follow the advice re tongue weight. I think most recommend 10% to 15% of total trailer weight.
With a single axle, I'd definitely try to avoid any excess weight behind the axle. Try and keep it forward or over the axle as much as possible after getting the tongue weight squared away.
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Old 08-12-2020, 11:23 AM   #12
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Weigh the tongue.
It can be done using a bathroom scale with lumber for a lever to allow 3 or 4 times the scale capacity, lever length ratio dependent. Utube videos on this.
My similar size rig tows like a solid unit and it did with my previous smaller TV. I went through the WDH set up like new with the TV change. I was lucky, no change was required. I read that is rare.
Single axles seem to be more sensitive to loading and winds than dual axles.
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