V Lite Towing

[Wbeckmw]

Upgraded from a Rockwood Roo 23ss to a Flagstaff V-lite 28WRBS. Towing the trailer with a 2008 Toyota Tundra Crewmax 4x4 with the 5.7 engine. The hitch is an Equalizer and was setup by the Flagstaff dealer. The first trip was to Peninsula State park in WI about a 200 mile drive. Roads are a mix of asphalt, older concrete and new concrete. The ride in the truck on concrete felt like we were rideing on a big bouncing ball. When we got to an asphalt stretch the ride smoothed out (no bouncing). I think that I need to redo the hitch, Thoughts?
Trailer GVWR is 7800lb (we were nor where near that). The truck is rated to pull about 10,000lb

[acadianbob]

I don't think it is your truck or setup. Concrete roads are notorious for regular bumps in the road. I avoid concrete roads whenever I can.

However, I HAVE found that going from P-metric tires to LT tires can reduce the chucking.

[rycej]

I found the first time out on a short test run with my setup, it seemed a bit bouncy and such. After making adjustments on how man chain links to hook the WD with, it was much much better. That and a bit of an adjustment n the brake controller settings so the trailer was pulling on me when I hit the brakes. My setup isn't as big as yours.

[acadianbob]

Originally Posted by Wbeckmw

Trailer GVWR is 7800lb (we were nor where near that). The truck is rated to pull about 10,000lb

By the way, payload is more likely the factor that you need to pay attention to. Find the payload rating of your truck on the door. Subtract anything you add to the truck; passengers, pets, kids, tools, generator, coolers, yadda. The remainder is your actual available payload. Compare that to your WET/Loaded tongue weight. It may be a lot closer to maximum than you think. That can also contribute to chucking.

[kz08h5]

If the set it up with trailer empty you need to recheck the set up. My V-Lite was set by the dealer and towed pretty good on the way home. The first trip out though was a different story. Once I got adjusted properly it towed great.

[thebrakeman]

Right. Assuming the dealer set it up correction (a big assumption), those conditions change a lot once you add your stuff. You should always check the setup per the Equil-i-zer instructions when the trailer changes, or you make significant changes to the rig.

In this case, moving from a lightweight hybrid (althought I haven't looked up yoru new specs) you likely have a lot more tongue weight. If you liked the way the Roo towed, with X amount of front wheel well height, set it up again to target that setup.

[Wbeckmw]

Went back to the equalizer manual and set up the trailer step by step. the new set up seems much better. Trip this weekend will show if tweaks are needed. Thanks to all for the various info and suggestions.

[kz08h5]

Another thing that could help is a set of quality shocks. I have put Bilstein HD shocks on 2 different tow vehicles. What a difference. Well worth the extra dollars. Most OEM shocks don't last very long.

[BDavis]

Best way is to use a Cat Scales...several threads about set up...best way I found to do it...made it much better...more stability..ensures proper distribution with trailer and TV loaded...check around on other threads for more about using Cat Scales..

[John4th]

My Tundra was like that on concrete even with our 19' foot hybrid. I just loosened a link on my springbars and it was much better. Same with current trailer. Way the dealer set me up for the trip home it was bouncy on the concrete. Loosened up a link, loaded my gear into the front storage compartments, and it now rides smooth and easy.