I have a '95 GMC 3500 diesel truck and a '93 Hart 2 horse, slant, bumper pull, FRP trailer. It feels as though the trailer really pulls and jerks on the hitch - can anyone tell me why that would be? I used to have a GMC S-15 4.3 L with a little steel, two horse, straight load trailer and it pulled as smooth as silk - I couldn't even tell it was back there. Is it the heaviness of this trailer? It weighs 3060# empty. Is it the stiffness of the springs on this truck? I don't know anything about what sort of springs or whatever this truck has but is there something that can be changed to smooth out the ride/haul? The hitch sits pretty level so I don't think it's in the hitch but if there is anything I can check there please let me know! This rig is not fun to drive and I imagine not too fun for the horse(s) either.
Posted 2006-07-20 8:18 PM (#45158 - in reply to #45157) Subject: RE: Bumpy, jerky hauling
Expert
Posts: 1719 Location: PA
Sounds like your trailer's braking system or your brake controller. A 3500 should make it feel like your trailer almost isn't even back there, no jerking or pulling.
Posted 2006-07-21 3:35 AM (#45171 - in reply to #45157) Subject: RE: Bumpy, jerky hauling
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
I got a 14' bumper pull stock that we use from time to time and it does the same thing with me. Not alot of tongue weight an the stiff springs of a 3500 equal some rough ride. I've pulled the same trailer with a ton of feed in the bed of the truck and it was as smooth as glass.
Posted 2006-07-21 8:35 AM (#45177 - in reply to #45157) Subject: RE: Bumpy, jerky hauling
Elite Veteran
Posts: 671 Location: THE GREAT NORTHWET, OREGON(THE REAL GODS COUNTRY)
Try this....drive to a spot were you can safely unplug your trailer from the truck check speed etc to confirm trailer is jerking,disconnect trailer wire from truck...check again...trailer still jerks...not brakes....trailer stops jerk...Brakes.
Could be if not brakes the angle of the drive shaft may be changing just enough to cause a slight binding and transfering to truck frame.Some motor homes had to shim the bearing in the driveshaft to align the shaft better and eniminate jerk and vibration.
Bumpy, jerky hauling
