Forum Discussion

jwc99's avatar
jwc99
Explorer
Feb 17, 2016

Trailer push, pull

I know the added vehicle weight of the 3/4 ton pickup towing a travel trailer helps to eliminate the push pull you get when being passed by a big rig. Would a heavier trailer also help with the push pull? Would having a heavier trailer behind a 1/2 ton help with the push? Also would a heavier trailer be better or worse with a cross wind. Just doing a little thinking, dangerous I know.

25 Replies

  • I have a hitch and don't really have a problem. After hearing guys I work with talk about their problems with the push it got me to thinking. Some of the guys have 3/4 ton trucks and say they don't get the push, some get a little. Some with 1/2 tons do and some do not. I was just looking at the why's it may or may not happen.

    I had the same problem as you Dutchman when I had the chain setup, I don't miss it.
  • Some good answers and questions from the posters above.
    I'll also ask...what tires are on your tow vehicle? P (passenger) or LT (light truck) tires?

    There are lots of factors involved in trailer stability...
    Tow vehicle
    Trailer length
    Hitching equip
    Trailer loading and balance
    Tongue weight
    Tires
    Road and weather conditions
    etc...
  • I can only share from my own experiences. I drive a 3500 diesel duly crew cab, long bed. I tow a 35 1/2 foot Outback TT. I use an Equal-i-zer 4 point WD hitch system. And with this combination, I don't have any push-pull, suck in-out at all.

    When I owned my 18 foot Dutchmen Sport Lite TT and towed with a 1500 Chevy Suburban with a traditional Reese WD (chain style links) and a separate Reese friction sway bar. I was blown all over the road!
  • Do you have a weight distributing hitch and sway control? Towing with an Equal-i-zer hitch eliminated that push from trucks going by. Even DW was very comfortable with it at freeway speeds.