I am having an issue with my fifth wheel that I am wondering if anyone else has experienced. When I accelerate from a stop while turning the wheel I am getting a bump-bump-bump in my truck steering wheel. Feels like an issue with wheels-brakes-suspension on trailer. It only happens when I am turning when accelerating like leaving an RV site or a gas pump. If I accelerate in straight line it does not happen. It also does not happen when moving, only when accelerating.I have four new tires on the trailer, so I don;t think I have an issue with tire balance. Any suggestions as to what this might be would be appreciated.

You did not say kind of truck. If 4wheel drive could be a drive axle joint going bad in the front.

My truck did the same thing. Come to find out, it was my sway bar on my trailer. I had it adjusted too tight. Unhook yours and move the truck while turning and see if the bump goes away.

Many long bed trucks experience drive line shudder under acceleration. Tell us about your truck. Chris

fishingbob61 wrote:You did not say kind of truck. If 4wheel drive could be a drive axle joint going bad in the front.This could be a real possibly for the problem. Hard to know much with no information on the truck. chevman

Thanks for the quick responses. I have a 2010 Chevy Silverado 2500 LTZ four wheel drive. I have not encountered this issue when not pulling the fifth wheel. Although I will say that the three of four bumps seems to be getting more pronounced over time and the whole truck shudders. I have not considered that it might be an issue with the truck. Any suggestions on how to trouble shoot that possibility since it does not seem to happen unless I am pulling the trailer.

Possible Wheel or suspension issue. | Good Sam Community

20 Replies

Pete_k
Explorer
Jul 29, 2013
Sounds like its the rear end of the truck kicking out. Limited slip rearend is doing what you think is the front end. Reason I say this my 2004 does the same thing if I turn and pull out under power at the same time. Does it without the camper. But the extra weight just makes it show up better.
One wheel is trying to turn faster then the other. And the rear ends of these trucks does make this sound at times.
Dave_H_M
Explorer II
Jul 28, 2013
Well here is some apples and oranges. :h

I had a 2WD F 250 that shuddered when accelerating (way more pronounced when turning tight). Turned out to be drive line/shaft alignment. If it was sq1uatted a little that would happen.

Installed air bags to keep it level and that cured the issue.

I don't think it should have been that way but what it was.

good luck
greatwhitenort1
Explorer
Jul 28, 2013
45Ricochet wrote:
Allworth wrote:
Transfer case locking up under load? Push button range selector on a Silverado, right?

(Sway Bar on a fiver???? Maybe you should keep track of which forum you are reading.)

That was my thinking also. They also had a "pump rub" issue but not sure of the years, easy Google search though.

Pump rub issue went away when NBS trucks came out in late 07. And would have nothing to do with OPs problem.
ghampton
Explorer
Jul 26, 2013
Thanks to everyone for all of the suggestions. I now have a number of good ideas to trouble shoot the issue.
Round_Topper
Explorer
Jul 26, 2013
What about the rear end on the truck? If your truck has a limited slip differential, it could be popping when you turn and accelerate and be amplified by the extra weight of the trailer. If your differential fluid requires the friction modifier additive or is due for a change, it could cause this.
RTer
45Ricochet
Explorer
Jul 26, 2013
Allworth wrote:
Transfer case locking up under load? Push button range selector on a Silverado, right?

(Sway Bar on a fiver???? Maybe you should keep track of which forum you are reading.)

That was my thinking also. They also had a "pump rub" issue but not sure of the years, easy Google search though.
Dtaylor
Explorer
Jul 26, 2013
Has it happened when not towing? The reason I ask is depending on the pavement and turn I pick up a little. was told it has to do with the ABS system
Allworth
Explorer II
Jul 25, 2013
Transfer case locking up under load? Push button range selector on a Silverado, right?

(Sway Bar on a fiver???? Maybe you should keep track of which forum you are reading.)
Vulcaneer
Explorer
Jul 25, 2013
What is the weight of your trailer. And what is your truck, year make and model. Sounds to me like your trailer is loading your rear wheels, and unweighting your front wheels.
45Ricochet
Explorer
Jul 25, 2013
It almost sounds like your in four wheel drive on dry pavement. I would have your front end checked out.