Scary Handling Problem

desertrek wrote:
TyroneandGladys,

I agree that weight distribution plays a big part in how a rig handles but in this case it has no affect. When towing 4 down (a toad) there is virtually no tongue weight at all. The amount of force it takes to turn the front of the towed vehicle is the major affect that towing a toad has on the rig. The rest is all up to how the rig handles on it's own. The side to side force can cause a tail wagging affect which is exaggerated at the steering wheel. There will be little to no change in the weight distibution with the toad connected If it is on all 4 wheels. How much is loaded to the rear inside the RV will change the front wheel weight ratio though. Which you are absolutely right, can have an adverse affect even with a toad.

IMHO Even if there virtually no tongue weight at all from the Jeep if the RV is right at the break point 20 pounds could push it over the line from almost to little to too little. Second 20 pounds that far behind the axle will take more than 20 pounds off the front because of the see saw effect. Third the RV could already have the front axle under loaded and the extra handling stresses of towing the Jeep could be more than it can handle.