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Do tandem axle trailers have less tendency to sway? My single axle is riding level, and I moved the axle back an inch which increased tongue by 50# and improved overall handling. I think the set-up is as good as it get's with this trailer. When semi's pass, things get interesting.
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Bob
'92 Robalo 1820cc/'07 Evinrude Etec 150HO(new in '09)
Tandem is also a bit better if you have a blowout or a frozen / spun hub - even though it may be overloaded, the remaining tire on the blowout side should hopefully allow you to get off the road safely and with minimal damage. With a single axle and a spun hub, you can suddenly find yourself dragging the trailer frame on the asphalt at 55 mph (saw that once, don't want to ever see it again!)
I agree with hutch, I had a blowout going to Lake Ontario and didn't even know it. The tandem tire kept the trailer up for miles till I could change it. I have no sway with the tandem trailer either compared to my smaller boat I had with single axle.
OTR trucks have a way with pushing around a tow vehicle with the wave of air they push in front of them. This often transfers to trailer sway because the driver does not compensate correctly. I had a E150 van that was bad for this. My F350 with the camper on board also is sensitive to the big wave of air because it has so much side area. Once you get a fee for the wave the sway goes away.
OTR trucks have a way with pushing around a tow vehicle with the wave of air they push in front of them. This often transfers to trailer sway because the driver does not compensate correctly. I had a E150 van that was bad for this. My F350 with the camper on board also is sensitive to the big wave of air because it has so much side area. Once you get a fee for the wave the sway goes away.
Good point, I see what you mean. Any tips to compensate for this? I try to keep corrections small, so as not too induce sway. I brought the tongue weight up from 6.3% to 7.7%.
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Bob
'92 Robalo 1820cc/'07 Evinrude Etec 150HO(new in '09)
I run a bit heavier tongue weight, and tandem axels--no significant sway. Although boats are "acceptable" at 7% tongue weight--If the truck will handle it, go on up to 10%, but the tandem axel will make it better.
I have always heard that the tongue should weigh 10% of the entire load. Sway control will help on a travel trailer. Moving that axle back will help as well as just some plain old seat time.
Here is some useful info:
WIND FROM PASSING TRUCKS
An interesting thing happens when being passed by faster moving buses or large trucks. Large vehicles develop a high pressure wave of air in front of them and low pressure area to their rear as they go down the highway. This is variable and is dependent on the shape of the truck and the existing wind conditions. The effect is such that as the truck comes up to pass on your left, first your trailer and then your tow vehicle will be pushed to your right by the truck's "bow wave". As the truck passes, the low pressure zone will then pull you back to the left. You must steer first left and then right to counter the effect. It's not particularly dangerous, but it does keep you on your toes.
OTR trucks have a way with pushing around a tow vehicle with the wave of air they push in front of them. This often transfers to trailer sway because the driver does not compensate correctly. I had a E150 van that was bad for this. My F350 with the camper on board also is sensitive to the big wave of air because it has so much side area. Once you get a fee for the wave the sway goes away.
Good point, I see what you mean. Any tips to compensate for this? I try to keep corrections small, so as not too induce sway. I brought the tongue weight up from 6.3% to 7.7%.
Your tongue weight is where it should be for a boat trailer. Travel or utility trailers should be higher because of their height and shape.
The best way to compensate for the sensitivity to large passing trucks is to see them in the mirror as they approach and reduce speed somewhat. As they pass, begin to speed up again and any sway will go away. Any trailer will be swayed by a larger passing vehicle.
The best way to compensate for the sensitivity to large passing trucks is to see them in the mirror as they approach and reduce speed somewhat. As they pass, begin to speed up again and any sway will go away. Any trailer will be swayed by a larger passing vehicle.
rwidman gave good advice on dealing with sway. If you have trailer brakes, you can manually apply them with the controller to help stop the sway. Don't use the tow vehicle brakes to stop sway as it will make the sway worse.
What type of tires do you have on the trailer. If they are passenger car tires (such as P185/75 R 15 as an example) they will sway much more than a trailer rated tire (ST instead of P). Trailer tires have stiffer sidewalls to protect them from sway and curbs.
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*Sometimes I sound like I know more than I do. Other times I don't.
My trailer(Escort) sticker: 5-7% tongue weight(most boat trailer info. I found says 5-8%, vs. the old standard of 10% for all other trailers).
Tires:Towmaster ST225/75R15 load range D
Full fuel, I have 309# tongue weight(8.3%). I don't usually keep it full when traveling long distance, typically around 1/2 tank. When I moved the axle back an inch, there was only 6 out of 49 gal. tank(7.7% TW).
Thanks for the tips, I never ran into a swaying issue with my snowmobile or utility trailers(which are lighter).
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Bob
'92 Robalo 1820cc/'07 Evinrude Etec 150HO(new in '09)
Single axle trailers are always going to sway a little or a lot if its not set up. I didnt hear anyone mention the position of the hitch. If the hitch is too high and the trailer is inclined up towards the hitch it will sway more then if its level. Dual axle traliers also track better in higher speed curves on the highway. I'll never have a single axle again!
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pastaman1234 - 8/14/2007 4:51 PM
........ I didnt hear anyone mention the position of the hitch. If the hitch is too high and the trailer is inclined up towards the hitch it will sway more then if its level.
pastaman1234 - 8/14/2007 4:51 PM
........ I didnt hear anyone mention the position of the hitch. If the hitch is too high and the trailer is inclined up towards the hitch it will sway more then if its level.
Yes, that's important also.
The trailer should be level.
I am level, see my original post.
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Bob
'92 Robalo 1820cc/'07 Evinrude Etec 150HO(new in '09)
Trailers- single vs. tandem axle
