Posted 2008-03-12 8:16 AM (#79332) Subject: BP trailer swaying
Member
Posts: 13
Location: Ohio
I have hauled a GN for years and have recently downsized. The new BP trailer seems to sway alot and almost feel out of control when you get to about 50-55 mph. I am hauling with a 3/4 ton Dodge 4x4 short bed 4 door truck so I definately have enough truck for the trailer. I have checked tire pressure in the truck and made sure all tires were filled to proper pressure. Pressure in trailer tires also checked. The folks I bought the trailer from gave me the Reese hitch with the weight distribution bars that they used with it but the trailer still seems to sway alot. I just bought a hitch with a 5" drop last night as the hitch they gave me seemed to really set the nose up and definately needed to be dropped. My truck sat up higher than theirs. Any ideas what else to try or if the lower dropped hitch is the answer. Haven't gotten to give it a test run yet.
Posted 2008-03-12 8:27 AM (#79334 - in reply to #79332) Subject: RE: BP trailer swaying
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Do you have the proper tongue weight? Is the trailer setting level or slightly nose high when hitched? Is your truck squatting under load? A BP will load the back of a truck more than a GN will.
The axles of a BH trailer sit further forward under the frame than those of a GN, so its possible to unload the hitch weight by placing a horse in the rear most stall. This will make a trailer sway.
Posted 2008-03-12 8:40 AM (#79340 - in reply to #79332) Subject: RE: BP trailer swaying
Member
Posts: 13
Location: Ohio
The trailer is nosed high when hooked up with the current hitch. I will see how it sits with the 5" drop hitch to see if it sits more level. I have proper tongue weight. The trailer doesn't squat the truck at all.
Posted 2008-03-12 2:08 PM (#79375 - in reply to #79340) Subject: RE: BP trailer swaying
Expert
Posts: 1416 Location: sc
Originally written by 7skeeter on 2008-03-12 9:40 AM
The trailer is nosed high when hooked up with the current hitch. I will see how it sits with the 5" drop hitch to see if it sits more level. I have proper tongue weight. The trailer doesn't squat the truck at all.
Have you verified the tongue weight? Doesnt sound like proper tongue weight to me, 600-800# should squat the truck some. 800# squats my 05 Dmax 3" at the hitch.
Posted 2008-03-13 9:08 PM (#79525 - in reply to #79332) Subject: RE: BP trailer swaying
Member
Posts: 8
Location: San Luis Obispo, CA
I'd second that emotion that you don't have enough tongue weight. Also, if your trailer doesn't weigh the amount to require the load distributing hitch, you can try towing without it.
I know some folks load the front compartment with hay and goodies and put the horse(s) in the back compartments for logistics. Probably better to haul the light stuff in the truck bed. Load in the front compartments first and leave the rear ones empty if not filling them all.
Posted 2008-03-14 8:49 AM (#79554 - in reply to #79332) Subject: RE: BP trailer swaying
Member
Posts: 13
Location: Ohio
I am happy to report that using the 5 1/4" drop hitch made a world of difference. Trailer squats the truck just slightly and trailer pulls great. Leveling the trailer out and getting it nosed down made a world of difference. Thanks for all of the information.
BP trailer swaying
