Shuddering from a dead stop pulling a 5th Wheel - Diesel Forum

CASPER · 10-24-2007, 04:15 PM

I remember reading a thread on this subject but can't find it in a search. I have the same problem 2008 f350 dual rear wheels. Is there a service bulletin out for this problem? I seem to remember a replacement with a single drive line instead of the split. It's a late job 1 truck.

Thanks,

Dick

RNGMSTR · 10-24-2007, 07:45 PM

most likley your problem is due to the trailer sagging the rear of the truck enough to throw the angle of the rear driveshaft off. Mine does the same thing if I try to take off too fast from a dead stop. I was told air-bags would help a-lot, but dont like replacing blown bags. Many of the companies that sell lift kits have bars available that go from the axel to the frame, they solved the problem on my 2002 lifted f-350. Not sure if there available for a stock height truck, but they do take care of the problem.

firecopter · 10-24-2007, 10:23 PM

My 08 350 KR has the same problem. There was a thread a while back but no one really came out with a Ford fix. Ford is aware of this problem. I have been in 3 times - shimming the drive shaft hanger bearing didn't help. Changing the angle on the axle didn't help. My 99, 05, 06 F350's never had this problem pulling the same trailer with the same load. So the problem is in the longer leaf spring and the softer lower leaf. That is why these ride so nice empty. All the money I paid Ford for this beast, no way am I going to mod the rear on my dime. Lemon Law baby! But I'll still stay with Ford and the King Ranch F350. 2 lemons and then I'll buy a Kelderman 4 link air ride system

newbie_101 · 10-25-2007, 10:35 AM

There was one member in that thread who went the Ford route. After 2 or 3 trips and attempted shimming, airbags were installed and the problem is gone.

Many believe it is the driveline angle but I still think it might be axle wrap. Nonetheless, shimming more than likely will not help. Leveling the truck with the load is your best bet.

Huminie · 10-25-2007, 03:18 PM

CoryG...have you had this problem with your 5er? I think we basically have the same truck give or take a few options and I am concerned by this. I bought my truck for the purpose of towing a 5er sometime in the future and I went with the 350 so I wouldn't have to deal with airbags. I don't plan on a big toyhauler like yours, but I would expect something in the 32-34 foot range. Should I be worried?

CASPER · 10-25-2007, 06:03 PM

Thanks everyone for the information. I was afraid Ford does not have a fix. I will report it to the dealer, maybe if enough of us complain Ford may come up with something LOL. Huminie, my trailer is an Alpenlite 32 foot 5th wheel, so you may experience the same thing.

-Dick

Huminie · 10-25-2007, 06:10 PM

Hmmmm...well I guess I will know what to watch out for now. Not real comforting though. [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/frown.gif[/img]

cappy123 · 10-25-2007, 07:51 PM

I posted this a little while back, hope it helps.

>>The results of installing air bags were good. The shudder is GONE!! GCVW 23,380 lbs.—steering axle 5100-drive axle 6680-trailer axles 11600. With the airbags at minimum pressure of 5psi, the shudder was still there, increased to 50 psi and the shudder was almost gone, went to 70 psi, and the shudder disappeared. Drove the truck at all speeds up to 70 mph and nothing unusual was noted either with or without the trailer hooked up. I hope this helps.

2008 F350 4X4, CC, DRW, LB 6.4L

Edited by cappy123 (09/26/07 04:06 PM)

cappy123 · 10-25-2007, 07:52 PM

The results of installing air bags were good. The shudder is GONE!! GCVW 23,380 lbs.—steering axle 5100-drive axle 6680-trailer axles 11600. With the airbags at minimum pressure of 5psi, the shudder was still there, increased to 50 psi and the shudder was almost gone, went to 70 psi, and the shudder disappeared. Drove the truck at all speeds up to 70 mph and nothing unusual was noted either with or without the trailer hooked up. I hope this helps.

2008 F350 4X4, CC, DRW, LB 6.4L

Edited by cappy123 (09/26/07 04:06 PM)

The_Juice · 10-25-2007, 08:55 PM

The shim worked perfect for me...They put one shim in and no more shudder.

newbie_101 · 10-29-2007, 03:28 PM

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Huminie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">CoryG...have you had this problem with your 5er? I think we basically have the same truck give or take a few options and I am concerned by this. I bought my truck for the purpose of towing a 5er sometime in the future and I went with the 350 so I wouldn't have to deal with airbags. I don't plan on a big toyhauler like yours, but I would expect something in the 32-34 foot range. Should I be worried?</div></div>

I do have the shudder and know that it has to do with the weight in the back of the truck. I've adjusted my hitch pushing more weight to the rear of the 5'er and the shudder is much less dramatic. I have not installed the airbags yet but I am willing to bet it will elliminate the problem.

It's tough to guess how obvious the issue will be for you, if you have it at all with the trailer you're looking at. A dually with a "regular" fifth wheel should handle the weight no problem. I say regular as in not a toy hauler. My pin comes in at over 3500lbs. None the less, if you do experience the shudder, there are other solutions without having to go to airbags. Timbrens are the first thing to come to mind.

Good luck. Feel free to PM me with any other questions.

Kimminau2 · 10-29-2007, 08:37 PM

I may have missed part of this but did this shudder appear the first time you tried to tow or did it start at a later date and get worse?

I pull some pretty heavy 5th wheel loads 12-21k. At about 5k miles mine started to shudder at take off, really bad if I was turning a corner from a stop. Turned out it was the diff. Ford replaced and it has been perfect since.

BIGBEN2004 · 10-29-2007, 10:26 PM

I just always say when taking off from a dead stop try to accelerate slowly at first to help get things moving first before giving to much throttle and it will help everything last longer. My 02 Duramax Dually does the same thing. The newer trucks these days have allot of power so I choose to use it wisely. Just think of all that power and all that weight going down to that little drive shaft and little gears in the axle, kinda makes ya wonder how it all stays together doesn't it?