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mbrooks43's avatar
mbrooks43
Explorer
Feb 02, 2016

Jerking Feeling when Towing

I recently upgraded my light weight travel trailer to a very large 5th wheel. I have a '14 Ram 3500 LB and got a Montana 3710FL connected with a B&W Companion. It is pretty empty still around 13-14k. When towing down the road I get what feels like a jerking sensation. It does not appear to be any slop in the hitch and that looks good. My suspicion is when the much heavier trailer hits a bump and compresses the suspension it puts a bit more pull on the truck, giving the jerking feeling.

Does this make sense, and is there a solution?
Tow Vehicles

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  • Second_Chance's avatar
    Second_Chance
    Explorer II
    Feb 02, 2016
    You may be experiencing what's sometimes called "bucking." You are correct, I believe, in assuming it's caused by interaction between the truck and the fifth wheel. You didn't say what type of pin box you have on the trailer, but if it's a stock (solid/rigid) pin box, replacement with a dampened pin box of some sort may be your solution. I experienced the same thing and replaced my pin box with a Demco Glide Ride - a night-and-day difference in the ride.

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