I bought new tires for the Ford 250 and now both the LQ and flatbed trailers slightly fishtail at times when I pull them. The tires are Goodyear Wrangler AT/D2. I am assuming that the tires are the reason because I never had this happen before. It's slight, but scary and I'm not the only one who has noticed it. It seems to happen mostly when turning a corner, more at higher speeds and also when changing lanes. It just sort of feels slippery or something. Not a major, black ice sort of fishtail, but enough to make me want to fix it! Any suggestions?
Posted 2008-06-02 9:37 PM (#85098 - in reply to #85092) Subject: RE: Truck tires making trailer fishtail?
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
If you weren't pulling a LQ trailer, I would say that the trailer has too much weight on the back. However with the only change being the tires and having no previous bad experiences, I too, would assume the tires are to blame.
I would jack the truck's rear axle and while slowly spinning each tire, check the run out of each. You may have a tire with an off set belt, that while it looks good statically, may in fact wobble (side to side) when it is rolling under a load. I've had a similar handling experience, when I broke a belt in the sidewall of a radial tire.
You might also check your rear shocks. Even if only one is worn or damaged, it will give you the handling problems you describe, when the load shifts from one side to the other while turning. A new tire will react faster to suspension changes than your old ones did, and you can notice a difference in handling.
You probably already have checked the air pressures, but don't take it for granted that the tire store aired the proper tire inflations for your circumstances.
If everything checks out, about the only other consideration is the difference in tires between the front and rear axles. On some vehicles, a different brand, or even a different model of the same brand tire, will adversly affect a vehicle's handling. You may have to replace the front tires with the same type as were placed on the rear.
Posted 2008-06-03 7:50 AM (#85112 - in reply to #85092) Subject: RE: Truck tires making trailer fishtail?
New User
Posts: 3
Location: Austin, TX
Great thoughts guys. No, the tires are an "E" rated Goodyear Wrangler LT's. I did a runout view and they are not exactly true but don't know what is allowable as it appears minor. I will swap to the front and check the difference in ride. Probably a good idea to change the shocks too, as I did put new ones on the front recently.
Thanks for your help!
Posted 2008-06-04 3:17 PM (#85207 - in reply to #85092) Subject: RE: Truck tires making trailer fishtail?
Veteran
Posts: 192
Location: Hutto, TX
Now that the tires are in front, the problem has gone away. I WOULD NOT recommend these tires for a truck that is going to be used to pull any kind of trailer!! Now, what to do. . . I won't be able to rotate the tires with those in front. I hope Sam's will take them back. Any suggestions on tire to replace them? The others are Firestone Steeltex Radial R4S.
Posted 2008-06-04 3:41 PM (#85208 - in reply to #85092) Subject: RE: Truck tires making trailer fishtail?
Expert
Posts: 3802
Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
Are they Wrangler LT's or Wrangler AT/D2's? Are you and fireflyer743 talking about the same truck/tire?
(quote) The others are Firestone Steeltex Radial R4S.
Is this what's on the back now? Are they load range E? Are the new Goodyear Wranglers, load range E?..... If not make them take them back and put a set of load range E's on there to match the Firestones. Look inside your door panel and read what was installed on the truck when it was now. Then take the truck to your "SAM's CLUB" and show the %^$#%&^ a$$'s what the should have put on the truck..... If they're not 10 ply, load range E!!!
NOTE: Tread patterns must often be tuned to accommodate different tire widths. While tires shipped will match your order's specifications, photos used only represent typical sizes.
Posted 2008-06-04 4:30 PM (#85212 - in reply to #85092) Subject: RE: Truck tires making trailer fishtail?
Veteran
Posts: 192
Location: Hutto, TX
Yes, Fireflyer did my tires - I didn't know that he had a "handle" on this page - surprised me! But, same tires, same truck. I'll go double check the exact tire, but he seems to think they are the E rated tires. Whatever they are, I don't like them! Now to find the receipt. . .
Posted 2009-07-26 12:50 AM (#108553 - in reply to #85092) Subject: RE: Truck tires making trailer fishtail?
New User
Posts: 1
Did you ever find a solution to this problem? I am having the EXACT same issue with a Ford F350 Dually. We got new tires on the back, and all the sudden, our trailer just felt slippery, just like you said, on curves, changing lanes, etc. It run's OK, but not really that great. I work for a major company, and I am just having them replace the tires. We tried getting new ones in the front to match, but the problem kept happening. We got a new hitch ball, and hit weight in the front of the thing. Nothing has helped. Monday I am getting the top of the line treaded tire with the most grip possible, and making sure the toe in alignment is set properly. Any other thoughts or advice? You can email me at kevindurkin251@yahoo.com Thanks!!
Posted 2009-07-26 5:23 PM (#108568 - in reply to #108553) Subject: RE: Truck tires making trailer fishtail?
Member
Posts: 8
Location: Oregon Coast
First, check your air pressure. If they put the new tires on at a low pressure it would cause this. Also the tires you got, are they off-road traction tires? Some traction tires (especially when new) have such high tread blocks that you can experience tread squib while going down the road. This feeling would be compounded by changing from highway or all season tires to a more aggressive tread pattern as well as the fact that you were used to your old tires being worn down and not having such tall tread blocks that can move slightly when cornering. Differences between tires can vary alot when you get used to the performance of a particular set and then get new ones, hope this helps.