16 wiggles while 14 didn't
07-23-2017, 08:27 PM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
16 wiggles while 14 didn't
OK, for some reason using the exact same setup right down to the wheels and tires that I used on my 2014 RWD Screw SB that had zero sway issues, on my 16 I get wiggle above 65 MPH.
It's a gentle sway issue, that causes the truck to wiggle, but settles down almost immediately.
I dropped the ball down close to where it was on the 14, spring bars are set correctly, parallel with the trailer frame, wheel wells drop to the proper height, weight distribution is darn near perfect. Trailer is loaded exactly the same as last time I towed with a full FWT. About the only difference is 100 pounds in the bed of the truck, I left the generator and 5 gallons gas at home, but I can't imagine that would make a difference. I have the sway bar tight, though it doesn't crack and groan like it did last year, and when I make a turn, the steering wheel is offset in the opposite direction when going straight. If I turn left, it is slightly to the right, and when I turn right, slightly to the left, though it tracks perfectly straight.
The only thing I can do now that I can think of is to maybe drop it down further, and remove a shim for less head tilt. Hard to imagine there is that much difference between the 2014 RWD and 2016 4WD that is is this sensitive to a little sway above 65 MPH. At 65 and below, not a trace of sway at all!
I would prefer not to have to spend $500 or more to replace a hitch that worked perfectly fine on the other truck if I can. It worked fine with a single sway bar too. I can't tighten the sway bar any further, yet it doesn't creak and groan like it used to, so thinking that is my issue possibly?
It's a gentle sway issue, that causes the truck to wiggle, but settles down almost immediately.
I dropped the ball down close to where it was on the 14, spring bars are set correctly, parallel with the trailer frame, wheel wells drop to the proper height, weight distribution is darn near perfect. Trailer is loaded exactly the same as last time I towed with a full FWT. About the only difference is 100 pounds in the bed of the truck, I left the generator and 5 gallons gas at home, but I can't imagine that would make a difference. I have the sway bar tight, though it doesn't crack and groan like it did last year, and when I make a turn, the steering wheel is offset in the opposite direction when going straight. If I turn left, it is slightly to the right, and when I turn right, slightly to the left, though it tracks perfectly straight.
The only thing I can do now that I can think of is to maybe drop it down further, and remove a shim for less head tilt. Hard to imagine there is that much difference between the 2014 RWD and 2016 4WD that is is this sensitive to a little sway above 65 MPH. At 65 and below, not a trace of sway at all!
I would prefer not to have to spend $500 or more to replace a hitch that worked perfectly fine on the other truck if I can. It worked fine with a single sway bar too. I can't tighten the sway bar any further, yet it doesn't creak and groan like it used to, so thinking that is my issue possibly?
07-24-2017, 12:31 PM
#3
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Yep, everything is spot on, the only real difference I can see is that I am a little heavier on the front than I was on the 14, which makes me think I may need to remove a shim to move the head forward a bit. I also tend to get more bounce than I did. Hoping that taking some of the tension off the springs helps, but since it only happens after 65 and is smooth at 80, its like when flying supersonic, just before you cross the sound barrier you get the shakes, thats what this is like. Get over 65, trailer wags its tail then smooths out.
Wondering if the sway bar needs maintenance. Do I take it apart and sand it? It is as tight as I can get it, but too quiet compared to last year.
Wondering if the sway bar needs maintenance. Do I take it apart and sand it? It is as tight as I can get it, but too quiet compared to last year.
07-24-2017, 08:23 PM
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
DOH Moment! I was talking with my friend about this after he asked how the new truck towed, and it hit me like a brick what the issue is.
Let see if any one else can figure it out.
Let see if any one else can figure it out.
07-24-2017, 09:07 PM
#5
Senior Member
I just got done pulling my 30 foot trailer for the first time with my 2017. Didn't change a thing from the 2013 set up and it was perfect. No sag and no sway and all level.
All that said OP is driving way to fast. Should be 65 max.
All that said OP is driving way to fast. Should be 65 max.
07-24-2017, 10:13 PM
#7
Senior Member
Thread Starter
My 14 was RWD, so it sat lower than the 4WD 16. That changed the entire setup of the hitch.. I overlooked one thing. Still waiting to see if anyone can figure it out.
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07-24-2017, 11:56 PM
#8
Senior Member
Well if you have the trailer level and you checked the front end drop I'm not sure what else may be different other than the center of gravity on the truck is higher. I don't think it has to do with the weight of the truck because I have the problem and my '02 Silverado weighed 100 lbs less than this one and it didn't have the problem. Out of ideas right now.
07-25-2017, 12:36 AM
#9
Senior Member
Well......, the epiphany just ain't comin'. I'm thinking it's something related to the friction (sway) bar, buts that's something of a WAG. I've set up a couple WDH's over the years but am myself a 5er man. I'm currently on my 4th, never having owned a conventional travel trailer.
07-25-2017, 09:01 AM
#10
Found On Road Dominating
Well......, the epiphany just ain't comin'. I'm thinking it's something related to the friction (sway) bar, buts that's something of a WAG. I've set up a couple WDH's over the years but am myself a 5er man. I'm currently on my 4th, never having owned a conventional travel trailer.
