trailer bucking

[FB1965]

There is no reason a 08 F-150 rated for 10,000 lb towing shouldn't do the job.The old F-150 ain't the same as the new one's.Granted if it has a problem pulling up grades there is an issue,but with the 5.4 liter (assumeing that is the motor in the 08 and a 355 or lower rear end) it's got power for the weight of a cruiser.As for stopping,that's why trailers have brakes, so the two stop together.If the 08 F-150 has a smaller engine or a higher gear rear end there is an issue.Again this is MHO.

[Hunter11]

Post DeletedEdited by: Hunter11

[cwit]

This is getting like the other forum nothing was asked about weight lets try to keep on subject.

[HEH458]

The question asked was about bucking/jerking. Weight has a lot to do with bucking and jerking, especially if it is not distributed correctly. A F150 may be rated to tow 10,000 lbs but it is for conventional towing provided the Heavy Duty Payload Package is on the truck. Ford's web site does not even mention fifth wheel towing for a F150. I would guess because the payload in most instances would be exceeded.

[br549]

Our truck pulls the 5er just fine. I'm confussed about what the brake controler has to do with this problem. We have never had a problem stopping this unit.The truck drops less than 4 inches when the 5er is attached. NoI haven't had the entire unit across any scales as of yet.Our Ford dealer asurred us the truck can handle the unit. It's a 5.4 /373 gears Super crew. Thanks guys it's alot to think about.

[mwebber78]

Iam not telling you one way or the other but a dealer (any kind of dealer) offering you advice on RV towing is just as bad as a sales person at a RV dealer offering you advice.



Both have little to no actual knowledge beyond A) making a sale and B) giving you the answer that keeps you loyal to that brand.

[KHUNLINDA2003]

Just two add my two cents, I agree with the statement not to take your Ford dealers advice on towing. Â*The 10K lbs sounds a bit too heavy for a F150. Â*We haul a 16K with our F550, and have standard springs on the trailer and just a regular 5vr hitch and have very little chucking. Â*One thought on how you might see how well your truck is handling the weight, Â*hook up your truck and 5vr and have the wife get in your car and follow you down the freeway. Â*If the front of your truck seems a bit higher than the back you have a weight distribution and control problem. Â*At the very least you need air bags. Â*But stopping and control is still an issue with an undersized truck. Â*The issue is not just pulling or stopping but controlling the trailer in a crosswind, or having to steer sharply to avoid and accident etc. Â*Your life is worth making sure you are safe. Â*Large trucks are on sale now and you'll get a better price for a F150. Â*Trade up and stay safe.

[cwit]

Your brake controller helps on the stopping and starting chucking. Do you feel your camper when you stop or when you take off. This to me was more annoying then the chucking on the road.

[FB1965]

Originally Posted by cwit

This is getting like the other forum nothing was asked about weight lets try to keep on subject.

No way ,the other forums have more people and many more responses per question.

[Chrisnan23]

We have a 29RK as well and had a chucking problem that ended up being too light on the pin weight. Once we got the weight distributed better we do just fine.

[markbet]

How would one re-distribute the weight on the pin? By raising or lowering the hitch or the pin box? Does it matter which one you move?

[Hunter11]

Move weight around insidethe trailer and the storage areasfront to back.

[cwit]

Some of your crossroads make it easy the freshwater tank is behind the wheels, just add water to lessen pin weight.

[riverotter55]

Originally Posted by cwit

Some of your crossroads make it easy the freshwater tank is behind the wheels, just add water to lessen pin weight.

That's how ours is CF29RK, the water tank is the furthest thing back (except the bumper). Also with the rear kitchen most of the weight from appliances etc.. is in the rear. Thus a lot less pin weight.

[cwit]

My Zinger has the tank way in the back also

[Chrisnan23]

Mark,

As Keith said you pack the front differant. Once you figure it out you'll always remeber... even with my CRS,

[wsc01q]

I'm not an expert here but the first thing I do is swap out the stock shocks on the truck. I prefer something that's rated for off-road. It sure doesn't help the ride when not towing but it makes a big difference in sway and bucking. Also, I usually up-grade the tires to something rated for 80 PSI or more. Again no improvement in non-towing ride but a big improvement in all things related to stability. Heavier springs are also worth consideration. Of course you get all that when you move up to a heavier grade tow vehicle.

[BipeFlier]

There have been volumes written about this in the magazines for years. As I remember, the "chucking" is actually an oscillation that is determined by the ratio of the wheel base of the truck vs. the wheel base of the trailer and location of the hitch which is exaggerated by the humps in a road, such as concrete formed by the "slip form" process.



Whatever you can do the change the amount the suspension moves (stiffer springs, etc.) can help. Changing anything in the equation will change the frequency of the oscillation, but will not eliminate it.

You might try searching in magazine archives such as Trailer Life, etc.



Good Luck

[mwebber78]

PS - to your signature, real airplanes have 2 big round engines - I agree, my favorite are the P&W 112" PW4000

[mwebber78]