Forum Discussion

Bigdog's avatar
Bigdog
Explorer
May 28, 2017

Toad wagging MH

I used to have a Chevy Trailblazer for a toad, but it kind of fell apart, so I replaced it with a 2011 Jeep Liberty 4WD. The thing that I have noticed about the change is that the MH seems to wander a bit in the front end when towing. It seemed to do that a bit with the Trailblazer, but I changed from Michelins to Toyos and the problem went away. Now, with the Liberty, it's come back again. Have checked the air pressure all the way around, checked the steering on both rigs and had one tech suggest that the liberty has a bit narrower wheel base and may be running from one freeway rut to the other. Next trip, I'm going to be trading toads with the couple going with us to see what the difference might be. It's like the tail is wagging the dog.
Class A
  • DSDP_Don's avatar
    DSDP_Don
    Explorer
    May 29, 2017
    Are you using any drop hitches or multiple hitches to reach the tow height you need? If so, they can move around quite a bit. Try a hitch lock on the tow bar and any other extensions or drops.
  • Goldencrazy's avatar
    Goldencrazy
    Explorer
    May 29, 2017
    When i put wider tires on Smart Car the wandering stopped without bungee. Now 2016 Smart has no wander. Adding a u bolt tightener to hitch took away all wander at higher speeds.
  • down_home's avatar
    down_home
    Explorer II
    May 29, 2017
    Shorter wheel base of the jeep and steering gear geometry.
    There have been post, here, I believe of this problem with some jeeps and especially the Smart Car as well as others. Some tied the steering wheel down after well centered.
    I don't remember much more than that.
  • Bill_Satellite's avatar
    Bill_Satellite
    Explorer II
    May 28, 2017
    I am currently towing a 2012 Liberty and I can't even tell it's there and I watch it in the rear view and have never seen it even wiggle. You might want to check that both arms of the tow bar are properly locking or see if there in any play in the coach hitch receiver or the base plate and/or connectors on the tow.
  • dubdub07's avatar
    dubdub07
    Explorer
    May 28, 2017
    accsys wrote:
    We have towed our Libby for 11 years now and never experienced any wandering on two different MHs. In addition to things already mentioned, you might check and see how level the tow bar is when the Libby is hooked up. You may need a drop or riser hitch to level it out.


    I would tend to agree. I have towed several behind my MH with zero wag or wander. I never have agreed with people when they say you cannot tell it is back there, but it is as close to invisible as you can get. I do feel it back there, but it has never altered my steering or wagged my MH.

    WW
  • accsys's avatar
    accsys
    Explorer
    May 28, 2017
    We have towed our Libby for 11 years now and never experienced any wandering on two different MHs. In addition to things already mentioned, you might check and see how level the tow bar is when the Libby is hooked up. You may need a drop or riser hitch to level it out.
  • georgelesley's avatar
    georgelesley
    Explorer
    May 28, 2017
    If your chassis maker allows it maybe try a bit more positive caster. It along with a rear track bar solved our tail wagging. You may not need a rear track bar. Check with your chassis maker.
  • imgoin4it's avatar
    imgoin4it
    Explorer
    May 28, 2017
    I towed a 2001 liberty for 12 years and many thousand miles and never experienced what you described. You might also have the front end allignment checked. I should be a great tow vehicle.
  • rgatijnet1's avatar
    rgatijnet1
    Explorer III
    May 28, 2017
    Check the axle weights on your MH. It could be that your front end is running a little too light. Most vehicles will handle better if the front end is loaded close to the maximum axle weight. You just may have to shift a few items in your MH to correct the load balance and correct your wandering.
  • YC_1's avatar
    YC_1
    Nomad
    May 28, 2017
    The narrower wheel width may be trying to track road ruts.

    I have considered experimenting with a sway bar to see if that takes the tug of war out.

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