Hi all, new to forums, first post. Just recently picked up a 2019 Wildwood FSX 280RT. Purchased the weight distribution hitch and had all installed from dealer. I am towing the unit with a 3/4 pickup. When I towed the unit home dry I had no problems however that all changed once I loaded the toy into the back. I have a Can am Maverick X3 with a dry weight of roughly 1700 lbs. Once I hit the highway around 55 mph and attempted a lane change, the unit swayed terribly causing me to cross all 3 lanes and almost lose it. I took the trailer and truck to a cat scale and got 3 weights. Truck, truck and trailer dry and truck and loaded trailer. I then took the unit to have it looked at by a local individual who advised the tongue weight was way under what it needed to be. The problem we found was that the toy hauler garage is 136” and the rear axle sits at 127”. This means that when you put a toy in the garage, nearly all the weight falls behind the rear axle removing a good portion of tongue weight. With all the info I contacted Forest River who came and picked up the unit and took it back to Indiana for testing. That is currently where we stand. I will say that Forest River has been quick and in constant communication throughout this process. My question is, has anyone ever experienced anything like this and what can I expect?

You have to find a way to load the front of the trailer.

Fill up the fresh water tank and your propane tanks. That should add about 400# to the tongue weight. A portable generator stored in the front storage area will add another 50#.

Flute Man wrote:You have to find a way to load the front of the trailer.Yep. As heavy as you can get it in the front. As long as you have enough truck, you will never regret more tongue weight (within reason).

I'd say fill the fresh tank, propane bottles and batteries but am scared of the thought of coming back home with empty tanks and half filled propane.

I will say that so far I am impressed that Forest River seems to be taking this so seriously. The Maverick is rear engined right? Are you loading it in backwards or forward facing? It could make a huge difference.

Tongue weight issue on new toy hauler | Good Sam Community

Flute_Man
Explorer
Jun 20, 2019
You have to find a way to load the front of the trailer.
Rover_Bill
Explorer II
Jun 20, 2019
Fill up the fresh water tank and your propane tanks. That should add about 400# to the tongue weight. A portable generator stored in the front storage area will add another 50#.
twodownzero
Explorer
Jun 20, 2019
Flute Man wrote:
You have to find a way to load the front of the trailer.

Yep. As heavy as you can get it in the front. As long as you have enough truck, you will never regret more tongue weight (within reason).
1320Fastback
Explorer
Jun 20, 2019
I'd say fill the fresh tank, propane bottles and batteries but am scared of the thought of coming back home with empty tanks and half filled propane.
garysol
Explorer
Jun 20, 2019
I will say that so far I am impressed that Forest River seems to be taking this so seriously. The Maverick is rear engined right? Are you loading it in backwards or forward facing? It could make a huge difference.
eHoefler
Explorer II
Jun 20, 2019
Load your SXS backwards, the rear engine will be tail heavy.
boogie_4wheel
Explorer
Jun 20, 2019
3rd poster agreeing that you should back the toy into the trailer to get the majority of the weight to the front.
valhalla360
Navigator
Jun 20, 2019
What is the load capacity of the toy hauler and as mentioned, front or rear facing when loaded.

Most toy haulers have a high tongue weight when unloaded, so that when loaded, it's still a decent amount.

What are the weights you measured?
nayther
Explorer
Jun 20, 2019
If FR has the unit then it's pretty serious. Sounds like axles are too far forward. Of course adding water, etc. to the front will help but why should you have to do that? Proper engineering is needed
newman_fulltime
Explorer II
Jun 20, 2019
Surprised nobody said this ......put a better quality tire on the trailer will get rid of a lot of the sway