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Post by swirlygirls on Sept 10, 2012 6:44:50 GMT -5
A friend has a friend (yes, really) who has a vintage 15 ft. trailer. I've not seen it, don't know the brand, and know nothing about it. Apparently they took it for a spin and there was so much sway they ended up buying a pop-up and are using that. I've encouraged my friend to point them to this forum but meanwhile I'm curious. What are the factors that determine sway? Is it inherent in the trailer or the trailer/tow vehicle combo?
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Gone Kayaking
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long live the Vintage Shasta Trailer Forum....we're gone but you are not forgotten!
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Post by Gone Kayaking on Sept 10, 2012 9:44:22 GMT -5
in a small trailer the factors that determine sway have a lot to do with how it's loaded. To minimize sway the load should be weighted to the front of the trailer, ahead of the axle. It's also important that the tow vehicle and trailer be level with each other as much as possible. A tow vehicle with a short wheel base will also increase sway--think jeeps. One can add a anti sway bar to remedy some of this. Driving habits can also influence sway (braking fast, etc...) www.timberman.com/RIG/sway.htmwww.etrailer.com/faq-trailertowtips.aspx |
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soup
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Post by soup on Sept 10, 2012 13:30:16 GMT -5
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vikx
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Post by vikx on Sept 11, 2012 1:22:14 GMT -5
Sway can be caused by tire type as well. Tires should be ST (special trailer) and firmer side walled than car tires. That being said, some trailers just won't accept ST sized tires.
The sway bars work very well.
If the vehicle is too small and not rated to tow the trailer weight, then the combination probably won't work. Too many these days are pushing the vehicle towing limit...
Also, the balance and height of the trailer can make a difference.
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Post by swirlygirls on Sept 11, 2012 6:04:02 GMT -5
Thanks everyone! I quickly scanned the timberman article and will study these in more detail later but I noticed it suggested having the water tank over the axle or in front. Mine is in the back under the bunk. How significant an issue have you found that to be? I don't see how that could be easily moved and I don't see how it could always be filled at the destination since there may not be water. (And now I'm off on vacation and will look forward to catching up on the forum when I return.)
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Gone Kayaking
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long live the Vintage Shasta Trailer Forum....we're gone but you are not forgotten!
Posts: 1,600
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Post by Gone Kayaking on Sept 11, 2012 13:53:39 GMT -5
Always better to have the heaviest stuff in front, but think you probably just need to account for it when packing. For instance, I have 2 AGM batteries up front street side and try to balance that off with heavier stuff on the curbside front. You could also wait to fill your water tank to the time you are closer to your destination....an empty tank won't weigh very much.
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Hamlet
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Post by Hamlet on Sept 11, 2012 14:38:06 GMT -5
GOne Kayaking is right. If we know we will be at a dry campground, we will do one of two things. First is if we're going to be on dicey roads: carry several 2.5 gallon refillable jugs, loaded forward of the axle in the camper )a good place for this in the Compact is the little "hallway" in front of the stove. The other way is to fill the tank as close to the campground as possible and just drive slowly.
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