Towing Shouldn't Be This Difficult - Help Needed

Hello -

We took the maiden voyage with our new rig over the weekend. Camping was great. The trip there and back left a lot to be desired.

Here's our story -
All along I have been a lot more concerned with weights and measurements than my husband. So, after many discussions we purchased a new TV - 2003 F350 Crew Cab SRW. Surely that would be able to tow our reasonable sized camper. After last weekend, I don't want to ride in it... ever! I don't know what we are doing wrong but hoping that someone, anyone, can help.

The truck and trailer were all over the road. Like we were floating, with little control at speeds only up to 55mph. I realize the problem is probably a combination of the truck and the trailer because even when not towing, the truck does tend to wander. Maybe tires will help that. Currently it has D rated tires, which I have read is a no-no. We will upgrade to E rated. I doubt that will completely fix the wander in the Ford front end. We also just had a tie rod replaced, tire rotated and aligned. Little to no improvement.

Before the weekend we had the Equalizer Hitch adjusted for the new truck. I'm not sure it's set right (based on the way it tows), but how do you know....? And, how do you change it?

We went to the scales. If anyone would care to analyze our findings, that would be great! It seems to me we are within our limits, but I'm not an expert.

The truck door sticker - GVWR is 9900;
Front Axle is 4400
Rear Axle is 6830

Rig Weights -
Gross Weight = 14480
Front Axle = 3940
Rear Axle = 4120
Trailer Axle = 6420

Unhooked and Loaded Truck Weight -
Gross Weight = 7200
Front Axle = 4200
Drive Axle = 3000

From this I believe that shows our loaded trailer weighed 7280. Beyond that, I'm not sure what it all means. Is it normal that our front end weight would drop 260 pounds with the trailer hooked up? I understand the weight on the bumper lessens the weight on the front end, but are our weights in line with what is normal?

So sorry for such a long post and all the questions, I just don't know where to start. I thought getting a heavy duty truck to replace the Expy TV would be enough. So, pretty discouraged.

Thanks in advance.
Kristy

Turtle_n_Peeps
Explorer
May 19, 2013
Thanks everyone for your help and input on our issue. I think it was this forum that enlightened me to the phrase "won't return to center". That's exactly what the problem is, which I was describing as "wander".

You need to take it to an alignment shop and tell them to put as much "castor" as they can get into the front end.

Read about positive castor here.
Ron3rd
Explorer III
May 19, 2013
Also, I have not heard if you verified your EQ hitch is set up correctly. The idea is to transfer the weight back to the front end that was removed by the application of tongue weight. Although the steering box might indeed be your problem, too light on the front end is not good either and will definitely cause bad handling. You need to check both to eliminate one or the other.
TomG2
Explorer
May 19, 2013
As you have discovered, your steering problems have everything to do with the tow vehicle. Too bad, because it would be a lot easier to adjust the hitch. Your F-350 will pull your trailer quite well without any weight distribution hitch when you get the truck operating properly. Lack of positive castor could very well be your problem. I have pulled similar trailers with F-250's and other 3/4 pickups without any of the dreaded loss of control from losing a couple hundred pounds off the front axle.
paintscando
Explorer
May 20, 2013
To answer the questions about the hitch... We haven't done anything yet to readjust. We will address that this week, or weekend. :-)
paintscando
Explorer
May 26, 2013
Yesterday my husband replaced the steering gear box with a Red Head Gear Box. WOW!!!! What a difference that made!!! For what it's worth, he also replaced the pitman arm.

The truck is still not quick to return to center BUT, once you find center, it stays there, no more "driving" to keep it going straight. What a relief! The steering wheel is now slightly cocked, so back for a THIRD alignment. Hopefully the last place we took it will adjust free of charge. We will ask them to set it to toe-in, as was recommended a few messages up. Maybe that will help with RETURN to center.

The repair gave me enough confidence to drive it thru the country to my parents yesterday, a trip that I would not have taken in it before the fix. Finally, it's like driving a normal heavy duty truck.

Today we will be addressing the hitch set up and making test pulls. Maybe even back to the scales.

Bottom line - Obviously there were some things worn out in the front end that needed to be addressed and we did need (want) the E rated tires, BUT it was the steering gear box that ultimately made the difference.

I'll post the results of the hitch work later today or tomorrow.

Have a great holiday weekend!

Kristy
Carrera_man
Explorer
May 27, 2013
Castor is what returns your steering to center, not toe.
Ron_Gratz
Explorer
May 27, 2013
Yes, caster does promote return-to-center.

But, proper toe setting also is needed for directional stability.

Ron
TomG2
Explorer
May 27, 2013
And don't forget camber. The whole front end (and frame) geometry needs to be within certain tolerances to ensure a good drive.
Carrera_man
Explorer
May 27, 2013
Ron Gratz wrote:
Yes, caster does promote return-to-center.

But, proper toe setting also is needed for directional stability.

Ron

OP is complaining about return to center which caster promotes. Toe is pretty much for stability as you pointed out.
tinner12002
Explorer
May 27, 2013
I've never used a hitch like that but I asked how does a person know how to adjust them. I was told from a couple of people that have used them to measure your space between bot of rear fender opening and the top of the tire unloaded, then adjust that when loaded to about 1 inch less. Also make sure your tires have proper air preasure, if their down some that will also give you a wandering feeling even when unloaded.