Bruski

Took the new camper and truck on my first long haul trip (2,000ish miles) and made sure camper was perfectly level. So on the way up I noticed a little sway so I figure I would shift some load to the front of the TT to add tongue weight and it seemed just ok. Well on the way home I was face with 20-30 mph cross winds and the trailer was all over the place(sway control actually kicked in 2 times). Now I don’t use a weight distribution or sway control hitch, but I noticed my hitch (2 1/2 receiver with a sleeve for my 2in hitch) moves side to side for a total of 1.5 inches. Now before going and buying a high dollar sway control setup, do y’all think this hitch slop could be my issue?

fyi new truck is an f250, camper is 7k loaded and about 26ft long. Tires on truck are e rateed and inflated to 70psi.

Summers22

iTrader: (2)

30mph crosswinds and a 26' trailer will be pushed all over, no matter what is towing it, from what I have read. Not sure why you wouldn't use a WDH though.

Bruski

In all my miles of towing (60k miles at least) I’ve never towed in that strong of a cross wind so maybe that should be expected. But in my mind the slop only adds to the issue.

I don’t use a WDH because the TT doesn’t make my truck squat more than 1in and I know I’m a little light on tongue weight.

mwl001

Any chance you can drive over a CAT scale? Post a photo of your hitch?

Bowers86

Not sure if it contributes but that does sound like a lot of slop. I don’t recall having that much the last time i had a reducer for a 2” hitch. Even if it doesn’t turn out to be a factor, I’d personally try and find a 2.5” hitch or maybe a different sleeve to tighten that up.

SpencerPJ

I think that is a bit much slop as well. Anyway you can slide some metal shims in there? I also would use a wdh, with sway control. It will make the whole experience better, especially in windy conditions. What are tires on trailer like? Sometimes they are crap and barely adequate, adding to the poor experience.

Ricktwuhk

By "light on tongue weight", how light are you? If you're not between 10 and 15%, then you have inadequate weight on the rear of the truck, which would cause sway more easily.

Bruski

It’s a 16k b and w hitch

Bruski

The stock Goodyears are on it aired up to 80psi, tires say 80psi max and TT says run at 80psi. Truck tires are also e rated 10 ply


by light I’m talking 10 or 11 percent. I’m aware of the video is why I shifted weight. I had the same hitch on my f150 but there was no slop and no sway.

s1njin

From what I have read on many RV Forums that I participate in, folks that have HD trucks use a WDH for the built in sway control they provide. Any redistribution of weight is a bonus. Now, some heavier trailers may really need it regardless, but folks tend to use the WDH for the sway control.