Trailers gone wild (fishtailing)

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Re: Trailers gone wild (fishtailing)

Postby MushCreek » Fri May 04, 2012 6:12 am

An update. It turned out to be a couple things. Lowering the tongue improved it maybe 75%, and taking 200# out of the back helped also. With such a short trailer, having the hitch too high essentially shifted the center of gravity back- not good. It's still a bit squirrelly at high speed; I think radial tires would help some. The axle alignment is spot-on. There was noticeable tire wear in a 600 mile trip- I guess all that fishtailing takes a toll! Thanks to all who participated!
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Re: Trailers gone wild (fishtailing)

Postby Socal Tom » Fri May 04, 2012 10:08 am

My 2 cents,
If the tongue is raised then tongue weight measurements are incorrect as you've figured out.
If you have 3k# in the trailer and 1750# springs, when the trailer is swaying you are close to max on the springs, and they will "bounce" causing more sway unless they are dampened with shocks or trailer sway control.
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Re: Trailers gone wild (fishtailing)

Postby jeff0520 » Fri May 18, 2012 9:41 pm

Very simple rule of thumb to avoid this problem....At least 60% of the total weight should be forward of the axle. :thumbsup:
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