Scary towing
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Scary towing
I notice some wander when driving normally, especially on the highway, but today took the cake. I was pulling a 5x8 uhaul, and starting about 55-60 mph it was a constant white knuckle battle not to sway. I was continuously turning the wheel back and forth just to try and keep a strait line. From what ive read, this is a spring issue.
If I do V codes up front, should I do B codes or RAS or something else for the back?
If I do V codes up front, should I do B codes or RAS or something else for the back?
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,790
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From: Mount Royal, NJ
Sounds more like a loading issue with a 5x8 Uhaul. Them is tiny trailers. Properly loaded and hitched, Sway should not be an issue at all, even with trucks passing you at speed.
The first thing to look at is if the trailer itself is level when it is hooked up to the Ex. I have seen lots of small trailers that are sitting way nose high at the ball. This will absolutely cause a small trailer to sway back and forth.
Next, try to load the trailer so that it has about 15% of the total weight of the trailer + load on the ball.
If those things are good, then I would suggest you inspect the air pressure in the trailer tires.
Aside from that, if your Ex is in decent condition, There should be no sway.
The first thing to look at is if the trailer itself is level when it is hooked up to the Ex. I have seen lots of small trailers that are sitting way nose high at the ball. This will absolutely cause a small trailer to sway back and forth.
Next, try to load the trailer so that it has about 15% of the total weight of the trailer + load on the ball.
If those things are good, then I would suggest you inspect the air pressure in the trailer tires.
Aside from that, if your Ex is in decent condition, There should be no sway.
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,790
Likes: 24
From: Mount Royal, NJ
As far as your wander when driving normally, I highly suggest you have the front steering linkages and ball joints inspected. That is the first place to look. Any problems there will be exacerbated when towing.
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I pulled a car trailer once and I had the same problem, but not as bad. Next time I haul ill make sure to do those things.
As far as the springs, Id like to do the swap. Im pretty set on the V codes, (I am getting a ranch hand full front bumper replacement if that makes a difference), but havnt decided on rear springs
As far as the springs, Id like to do the swap. Im pretty set on the V codes, (I am getting a ranch hand full front bumper replacement if that makes a difference), but havnt decided on rear springs
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,790
Likes: 24
From: Mount Royal, NJ
Sounds good. Change the springs and it becomes another animal. But only if the steering parts are good. Add a Hewig rear sway bar is really good on the rear.
How much weight were you carrying in the 5x8 trailer?
How much weight were you carrying in the 5x8 trailer?
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It was moving stuff from a house so Im really not sure. Bunch of random stuff. I hate short trailers like that, way more pain in the *** then nice long trailers.
Things to get:
V code for the fronts, including new U Bolts
B code for the back, including new U Bolts
Heliwig Rear sway or one off a donor f250
Anything else I should do while im at it?
Things to get:
V code for the fronts, including new U Bolts
B code for the back, including new U Bolts
Heliwig Rear sway or one off a donor f250
Anything else I should do while im at it?
Cargo Master
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,790
Likes: 24
From: Mount Royal, NJ
Bilstein or Rancho shocks. I'm a Bilstein fan. I tow moderately heavy a lot, and they are a little stiffer. Either one will be fine. Lots of folks do great with Monroe for a softer ride if they don't tow heavy.
It also is a good time to inspect and replace brake pads and shoes if you need them. Good time to bleed the brakes, too. Only because you already have taken off the wheels.
It also is a good time to inspect and replace brake pads and shoes if you need them. Good time to bleed the brakes, too. Only because you already have taken off the wheels.
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sounds good. Now to just find some V and B codes near the Dallas area and someone to install them (sacrilege i know)
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Your secondary list should include a red head steering gear (if the original is loose and tightening doesn't help). If you can convince a buddy to help, try putting in the front springs yourself - plenty of photo tutorials here, plus you get to buy some tools which will help you with the rear springs and future projects.
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