Trailer sway

[tac911t]

I am looking for suggestions and advice to reduce the amount of trailer sway and push.

My tow rig is a 1999 Chevy Tahoe (4WD), with an 18ft open trailer. Total weight of the trailer and car is
about 4500lbs, with probably another 1000 lbs in the back of the Tahoe (tires, tools, people).

On the prior tow rig that I used (1995 Jeep GC), I installed air bags in the rear to raise the rear when towing, this did help reduce the sway and push.

Instead of air bags on the Tahoe or helper springs, would weight distribution hitch be a better
solution?

Air bags or helper springs would be about $300.

I found Curt Round hitches for about $160 plus shipping, and Curt Trunnion for about $286. Are there dramatic differences between the styles and prices of these hitches?

Thanks,

[TomL]

Most of the problems I've seen with trailer sway were the result of inadequate tongue weight. Have you eliminated that as a possible cause? I haven't heard of "push" as a trailer problem - what are you referring to?

On a completely OT subject, I dismantled a 200 SX and have a 2.0 engine sitting around that I need to get rid of. Would you be interested? (I also have a complete IRS set up for the car if you are interested, and you have the mounting points needed to make the conversion).

[joeg]

Tom is correct--Make sure the tongue weight is correct. This is very much dependent on where you tie down the race car. Find the correct spots and mark them so you can repeat at every tow.

If it is not improved, time for a stouter tow vehicle or lighter trailer.

[tac911t]

Not sure how to describe the push, maybe it occurs when the trailer sways.

I am thinking I need to get the rear higher when towing, helper springs or air bags.
I do remember after I got the air bags on the Jeep, the sway decreased, but at times it would occur.

Tom, I can always use engine parts, I have no need for the suspension parts. I will be at VIR for the National (working), and probably driving at VIR for the Double in May, you planning to attend one of those?
I am sure we have meet and talked at Road Atlanta and at the Runoffs (Topeka?).

[TomL]

I'll be at SARRC/MARRS, so I'll bring the engine to you there. I've talked to you before at VIR, at least. My parents are from Monroe, and I know I mentioned that, if that helps the recollection.

See you there!

[JLawton]

You should have no problem pulling an open trailer with the Tahoe, even without air bags. As everyone said, my first thought is you don't have it sitting on the trailer corretly.

I think they say 10% of the trailer weight should be on the tongue? Sportscar just did a trailer segment where they showed how to weigh the tongue with home scales. Do that before you spend a dime on anything else.

yes, if the rear of the truck is REALLY sagging maybe you have too much tongue weight. I think most of my race cars have had the middle directley over the front axle of the trailer. (as a rough estimate on where to position it)

[jimbbski]

As said placement of the car is critical to get the trailer to tow correctly. Since I shorten my 2 axel open trailer by cutting off about 8 inches from the rear and then beaver tailing it I have more trailer length in front of the center point of the two axels. On longer cars I have to load the car backwards to get the weight balanced with not to much or to little tongue weight.

AS far as hitch ball height i like to have the trailer only slightly higher in the front when empty then get the car position on the trailer so the trail is then level. Your results may vary.

[240zdave]

Get a load-distributing hitch and an anti-sway bar. I have used them on my enclosed trailer for years. The load-distributing hitch transfers weight to the front of the truck, and the anti-sway bar absolutely eliminates any side-to-side movement.

Hitch - http://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Distr...e/RP66542.html

Anti-sway bar as Paul mentioned in the previous post.

[240zdave]

Sorry, as Dave mentioned.

[Charles Perry]

Same here, use a load distribution hitch and have never had an issue. One key which you have read is make sure the trailer is level, with the load as centered to slightly forward on the trailer wheels as you can get it. That is the way the trailer was designed and you will get good even tire wear.
Once you load up, step back from the truck and trailer and put an eyeball to the entire rig. You can be tail heavy on the truck, but make sure the trailer is level. If you now have a good leveling hitch, you will never have issues.

[tac911t]

What I am going to try is confirm the position of the car on the trailer to set good tong weight. I know that there is a sweet spot, since in the past when the car was too far back, there also would be sway.

Additionally I am going to get a weight distribution hitch. Since they do include a height adjustable receiver, that may help prevent the rear of the Tahoe from drooping.