Towing, Surge, Chucking?

I have noticed that my new WC "Surges" or I think the correct term is Chucking. It is basically a forward to back motion. Anyone know the cause or have any suggestions on how to correct this? I have read some articles on the subject but no real solutions. I have made sure all connections and tire pressures are correct. Thanks for any advice.
Mmiller

Ours did that when we first got it. It happened on bumps - any size. The little change in pavement at each end of a bridge would shake us up real bad. We changed to a different kind of hitch and that took the bucking out a lot - but it still does it a little. We just got air bags installed on the truck to help keep it level when we're pulling the trailer. Some people say that helps with the bucking - others say it doesn't help a bit. It would be a nice little bonus if it helps.

Tater

Ours would do it on certain roads in certain states, mostly it seems
worse on those roads built with concrete slabs which take a dip as you
drive onto them and then lauch you off the other end. I've read
on line about it from other folks. Talked to a couple of truck
drivers about it, their rigs do it too. Heard people say to lower
the nose of the 5th Wheel. I went out and bought a Demco pinbox
when I couldn't take it anymore. There are other designs out
there. Take you choice, I'm happy with mine, wished I done it 2
years before. Even my wife said we should have spent the money
earlier.

Tater/Bill,
Thanks. I have a Reese 16K hitch (new). I have called camping world and we are looking at it. I may ask them to replace the hitch. I don't mind spending the money if it solves the problem. I have friends that put the air shocks on there tow vehicle and said it stopped the chucking.I will let you know.
As always, thanks,
Mmiller

Mmiller,

My Cat beat me to death when I brought it home from the dealer. It was bad enough I had someone ride in the back seat to see if the hitch was moving (thinking it was not installed properly). The next weekend, we loaded up the Cat and took it on its maiden voyage. I had forewarned my DW what to expect. Much to both of our surprise, the ride was relatively smooth. In my case, I believe I didn't have enough pin weight with the camper empty.

You could go to your friendly neighborhood truck stop and weigh the TV and camper and see what kind of pin weight you have. It it isn't in the 10-20% range of the Cat's weight, you may want to move some of your gear forward.

Good luck and let us know how this turns out.

No problem here.

My '09 Cat came with the Trailair pinbox. I'm very happy with it, but if I ever have to replace it, I'll go with the Demco. But even with the Trailair, I had some pretty bad bucking. Believe it or not these little babies took care of my problem ... http://www.truckspring.com/category.aspx?categoryID=285 ... one of best purchases I made.

MrZss,
Thanks. I thought something like that would help. Seems I could feel my truck suspension "bottoming out". I will try these. Thanks,

Mmiller
Vidalia, GA

I have been experiencing some 'chucking' since we bought the trailer. Our 2008 29RLBS came with the Trailair Roto Flex pin box and I have an entry level Husky 16K hitch in a Ford F250 XLT long box. I have been looking at the Trailer Saver TS3 hitch$$$. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Basslaked,
I've had the Demco hitch now for a couple of months now and I have no more "chucking" problems. Amazing the difference it has made....worth every penny. I know the Airborne's are excellent also. I would highly advise anyone to make the change....they should come as standard equipment!! Good luck
Mmiller

basslakeed wrote:I have been experiencing some 'chucking' since we bought the trailer. Our 2008 29RLBS came with the Trailair Roto Flex pin box and I have an entry level Husky 16K hitch in a Ford F250 XLT long box. I have been looking at the Trailer Saver TS3 hitch$$$. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Basslakeed,

I've had a Husky 16K w/slide in two trucks since 2000 and have not had a problem with it. I tend to believe the "chucking" is the product of two forces. The first would be inadequate weight on the kingpin. The second would be our own feet. There is no way that we can keep a constant, even pressure on the accelerator pedal of our vehicles. I believe that the minute changes as we unintentionally accelrate/decelerate cause the trailer to take up slack in the hitch and then pay it our again as the TV accelerates. JMHO for what it's worth.

I also have the Husky w/slide. Our WC came with a MOR/ryde pinbox, and this spring we added EquaFlex, all which help the ride. We have the rear kitchen model that has lots of weight in the back including all the kitchen things as well as a receiver and bike rack on the outside. I try to counter that weight by running with the fresh water tank full, and as much of the heavier gear stowed as forward as possible either in the basement or under the bed. Still get some chucking, but it's not as bad.

Thanks for the comments and advice. Mike, I agree with you about the feet. It sure is hard to maintain a steady pressure on the gas pedal and that would definitely cause some movement. I also read that the highways are not smooth but actually contain small waves and this causes the TV and trailer to conflict. I was concerned about the size of the jaws on the Husky hitch as the jaws on the Trailer Saver are over 1" thick and the jaws on the Husky are maybe 1/2" thick. However, I think if I make any changes I may install the Trail Air Air Ride Pin Box with the shock and the air bag. First though, I'm going to try to load the front of the trailer and see if that helps.

We are pleased with our set up and have no issues with this. We have the factory roto flex pin box and equa flex suspension so I expect this is an improvement over the standard. When hitched up our trailer is very close to level. I think a lot has to do with axle spacings between the TV and trailer and also how the weight is distributed. Every set up is going to be different.

KH

We had chucking problems as well. Then our chassis rail broke. We replaced it with a heavier frame. No more chucking. The chucking was the result of the pinbox flexing an inordinate amount. Once the flexing stopped - new chassis rail - the chucking stopped. You might want to look at your area behind the pinbox. Have your screws loosened or the heads popped off? You are seeing the result of the flex.