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L_and_J__Waters's avatar
L_and_J__Waters
Explorer
Aug 31, 2016

Can a higher receiver cause sway?

Question for you engineers and/or physics minded persons. Can a higher receiver position cause unwanted sway issues. Just got a 2013 Suburban 1500 with 8100lb tow package and I now have sway issues. Previous TVs include 04 Tahoe & 05 Suburban 1500 (26' TT, 6000lbs fully loaded) I did not have sway issues with 2 prior TVs. Setup has been the same with all 3 TVs. Been to the scales and all is well with about 11% tongue weight now. Only difference I can come up with is the factory receiver on the 2013 Burb is mounted on the end of the frame. Hence, about 7-8 inches higher than the others. I had to get an extended drop for my Equalizer to keep the trailer level. Just wondering if the leverage from that height could possibly contribute to sway issues? Wind and passing trucks are the primary problem.
  • Bionic_Man's avatar
    Bionic_Man
    Explorer
    Aug 31, 2016
    I'm going to follow this as well as I am a little worried about that generation as a towing platform.

    I had a 2003 2500 Burb that I used to tow my 6500 pound boat. It had a little bit of trailer sway, but it wasn't terrible. I now have a 2011 Yukon Denali XL, and in my opinion, it is a very inadequate tow vehicle for my boat.

    I have tried going from a 2" drop to a 6" drop, and I my situation is not very much improved. From other reports, I think that there is a possibility that the OEM tires are possibly too stiff, but I am not yet willing to spend the $$$ on changing tires when I am not convinced that will solve the problem.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Aug 31, 2016
    Yes, it can.
    You want the attitude of the trailer level or slightly nose low.
    Mine was ever so slightly nose high and I could induce a bit of sway at high speed.

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