Just pulled my new/used Jamco home with the F-450 (80) mile trip and after 40 miles and getting on the interstate there was noticeable jerky movements. Is this the brake controller, ( I had it set at 2.5 then 2.0 and it is a digital one) or what is going on? Also, running lights didn't work--which is probably unrelated ? I appreciate the input.
Posted 2010-06-28 7:32 PM (#121677 - in reply to #121638) Subject: RE: truck feels jerky going at higher speed
Regular
Posts: 72 Location: Hoosierville
Thanks for responding. Yes, I think it was a bit rhythmic. It was a pronounced 'feeling'. I did look at the hitch, while travelling on a country road to see how it was on the ball and did not detect any movement there. So, what do I need to have done to make it not tongue heavy?
Posted 2010-06-28 7:44 PM (#121678 - in reply to #121677) Subject: RE: truck feels jerky going at higher speed
Regular
Posts: 72 Location: Hoosierville
I forgot to answer your question on the size of the trailer. It is a 13 foot shortwall with a 3 horse. So it is 27 on the floor. The weight unladen is 9000 #. It looked nice and level when we hooked it up.
Posted 2010-06-29 11:00 AM (#121699 - in reply to #121632) Subject: RE: truck feels jerky going at higher speed
Member
Posts: 14
Location: peyton, colorado
Since it is constant I would think since it is an unloaded trailer it may be just the lack of weight in the trailer. It also may be just barily hitting the overloads on the truck, than may explain the bounce your feeling. I had a f-250 with overloads and when the stock trailer was empty the bounce from the torsin axles and bairly sitting on the overloads it bounced, once it was loaded it went away.
Posted 2010-06-29 11:32 AM (#121701 - in reply to #121632) Subject: RE: truck feels jerky going at higher speed
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
With a 13' short wall, LQ or not, you're going to have about 35% of the trailer weight on the pin. You should not need any more weight to have a smooth pulling trailer. Have you checked the trailer's tire pessures? If they are underinflated, they can pull on the tow vehicle and sometimes cause a porpoising condition.
It sounds as if the trailer's wiring and possibly plug will need some attention. If the blue wire were disconnected and the jerking went away, then the brakes could be involved. But if the movements are regular and rhythmical, then it's probably the inter action of the two vehicles.
As was noted, the springs could be a cause, and the installation of Timbrens or air bags would eliminate any vertical oscillations over the rear axle. They work on light and heavy loads as well.
Posted 2010-07-19 8:44 AM (#122532 - in reply to #121707) Subject: RE: truck feels jerky going at higher speed
New User
Posts: 1
Location: TX
If you EVER have a suspicious vibration in your trailer, get your hub bearings checked out. I have a brand new trailer that I ended up having to get the whole axle replaced because the spindle got damaged. It seems that the nut keeper may not have been put on correctly from the factory. I was fortunate enough the wheel fell off when I was at a stop and the trailer and no one else around us was hurt. With the trailer being new and new to me, I would have some "hmm that sounded weird or that felt weird" moments, but I assumed since it was new it was just me not knowing what was normal.
truck feels jerky going at higher speed
