trailer waging

[ekap1200]

I am getting the trailer wagging , begining at 80 mph. Do I have too much weight or not enough weight on the tounge ? ekap

[debron]

Generically speaking, not enough weight on tongue in relation to weight behind the axle. It's an easy fix, though, just don't ride over 80!

[Turbo4x4]

I am getting the trailer wagging , begining at 80 mph. Do I have too much weight or not enough weight on the tounge ? ekap

ekap,

Just quit towing on the dragon and that problem will most likely solve itself :-)

[kjsett]

Weight on the tongue, coupled with distribution and geometry of the trailer length, center of gravity and width of wheelbase is what matters. of course, i just throw it on and hope for the best .
Actually, I now have over 4k on my 03 XII pulling a 4x5 trailer and have experienced the wag over 70 usually. The worst time is downhill cornering while other than accelerating (usually not doing that downhill, in corners at over 70 ).
I finally bought a fish-scale at "Big 5" sporting goods for less than $10 and try to keep it (as recommended here) between 30 and 50lbs. best between 40 and 45, but i usually can't be that precise. We just did a prep camping trip last weekend of 1 night in tent (as we will be at Kanab, wish I had gone with a cabin - too late) and I was loaded way to much, but still had only an occasional waggle (3 nights in friends cabin so carried more than usually needed). I do plan to lengthen the hitch to enable an installation of a cooler tray (50qt size) which should improve even more. I will say, the tires are only 8" so I don't go over 75 (I cruise about 72 when on 75 freeways, only exceed 80 if passing and only briefly). I even installed a spare in front of the axle (underneath) and I think it helps with weight distribution.
I will be heading up to Colorado Springs, but as I will be there over a week before heading to Kanab (Ministry and Leadership Conference at Andrew Wommack Ministries), my wife has me just about talked into driving up, then back in her car, then bike 6 hrs to Kanab. Saves on the backside (1850 miles round trip otherwise) and trying to do Business clothing and laptops, and camping is a bit much for this trailer. Of course, as some may know, I could just pull the wheelbarrow behind the trailer as my CDL does allow for triples.
I suggested, leave the trailer at home, bring everything in her car, and I will just enjoy the bike across Colorado and Utah riding into Kanab (about $100 more in fuel ish). Works for me, no trailer to slow me down. I'll just get there when I get there (whooo hoooo).
I expect still to make another trip to the North West this August, but she is questioning the length of time gone.
We will see,
have fun, Ken

PS. just see my last trip post to see the trailer and set up with wheelbarrow.

[Mr Jensee]

Best answer, drive slower.

[debron]

Gene, How's it going with your trailer? Another option is to lengthen the tongue. A friend of mine used to drive a gravel truck. I noticed all of their trailers had hydraulically adjustable tongue lengths and asked him why. He said they could drive faster on the road with the longer tongues, then "suck them up" to be shorter in town. I don't know the physics of this but apparently it works.

[ekap1200]

Well All, after talking with a few who have firsthand knowledge of this, simply putting more weight forward solved the problem. thanks See ya'll in Utah. Gene Kap