This May Be A DUMB Towing Question - Diesel Forum

BUBLHED · 05-23-2006, 08:33 AM

I have a 12'X 6' BRI-MAR dual axle dump trailer that has a 10,000 lbs. GTW. Last Spring I hauled 6,000 lbs. of stone from WV back to MD for a total 9,335 lbs. GTW. The whole return trip the trailer was jerking the truck every time it went over a bump. It would only happen when the trailer bounced as a result of hitting a bump. No bumps and it was smooth. So I bought a Schuck cushioned tralier hitch, thinking that would cure the problem. Well, 2 weeks ago I hauled 3 loads of stone for my Son and I still have the jerking although not a bad with the cushioned hitch. I did not exceed the GTW at any time. I load with the majority of the weight over the trailer axles and forward for tongue weight so the tail does not wag the dog. I know this constant jerking has to be hard on the drivetrain. Is there something I'm missing here? Do I need to load the trailer a different way? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

DSMMH

pabrannan · 05-23-2006, 09:15 AM

Take a look at the suspension on the trailer. I have a feeling that is where your trouble lies.

Paul B

LMJD · 05-23-2006, 09:42 AM

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Do I need to load the trailer a different way?

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I'd experiment around with that theory. I get the same thing, but not as bad as yours, with my gooseneck travel trailer. On the other hand, when I pull my gooseneck horse trailer, or flatbed, they pull so smooth I don't know they're back there. IMO wheel bases, weight distribution, etc, all enter into it and some combinations are worse than others.

cdacaraudio · 05-23-2006, 09:52 AM

sounds like maybe to much tongue weight.. when u hit a bump its lets the hitch come up so much that when it comes back down it pulls the hitch down and compresses the suspension making it bounce back up giving u that jerking bouncing.

BUBLHED · 05-23-2006, 03:52 PM

I'm thinking you might be right about tongue weight. I pulled this trailer with my old 95 K2500 Suburban 6.5L TD and it did OK except I did not pull the weight I did with the X. With the Suburban I only had about 6,000 to 8,000 lbs GTW because it worked way too hard with around 10,000 lbs. When I hauled the stone I did notice more sag at the trailer hitch then normal. I'll pay more attention to the tongue weight and see what happens.

Thanks to all for the info!

DSMMH

KML · 05-25-2006, 09:26 AM

I agree, check the tongue weight first. It can cause many of those issues,

Down South · 06-01-2006, 04:30 PM

I have a 38 ft flat bed that I haul my tractor and equipment on. I know if that I don't get that tractor just right over the axles instead of a little more forward it will jerk a crick in your neck. Like stated above, I think you have too much tongue weight.