Trailer Movement

[Thomv]

I had to pick up a 29 foot Powerquest with my Son using his 2003 Expedition. We noticed, whenever another car or truck, going in the same direction, passed us on the interstate, the truck and or trailer would start to move around a little bit. Is there something that could be done to eliminate this is is this normal?

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Trailer Movement

You will notice some sideways movement when larger vehicles pass, but it is tough to say how much movement you were getting.

the thing that you could do is check the tongue weight to see if it is within the sacred 5-10% of total weight range.

 

[halfmoa]

Re: Trailer Movement

That's a big load. You're being pulled to the side by the two low pressure "bubbles" passing each other. It's Bernoulli's Principle.

It can raise the "pucker factor" pulling a large load the first few times but like tpenfield said as long as you're properly balanced and you've got a sturdy, sound trailer and tow vehicle that's the nature of the beast!

 

[dmoriarty51]

Re: Trailer Movement

i would think that an expedition is proabably a little on the light side for dragging a 29 ft boat

 

[robert graham]

Re: Trailer Movement

i would think that an expedition is proabably a little on the light side for dragging a 29 ft boat

I agree...in fact a heavy duty pick-up with 4 rear tires(dually) would be a lot better and safer for a 29 foot boat...

 

[Thomv]

Re: Trailer Movement

I will be checking the tonque weight over the weekend. I bet it is too light because when I was disconnecting the trailer off the back of the Expedition there was very little upward travel of the vehicle which leads me to believe it is on the light side.

 

[glenn property of pam]

Re: Trailer Movement

touge weight is important also anti sway bars might help. when someone big goes to over take add a little gas you are well to heavy to accelerate fast so the extra gas will not realy affect your speed but it will keep the boat inline as its better to be pulling when the trailer starts to sway. do not brake or slow down when a big rig gets down the side of you as this will have the boat pushing the truck and fish tailing ive seen many caravans flip due to this. some people use there electric brakes to make the trailer brake a little while they accelerate which keeps the truck and boat in line but i have never tryed that trick.