Need Advice on Sway

Just for the heck of it I would try reducing the WD Hitch up force by reducing the number of links bending the bars.

If adding the scooter reduces the tongue weight by 100 lbs. try taking away 100 lbs. of bar lift. It does not cost anything to try it and you know what it pulls like now.

Another issue is the fact that you have changed the center of gravity effecting the weight ratio with respect to the axels. What effect this has on the handling is unknown. Again maybe it can be offset some by reducing the WD hitch lift.

Personally, I am not sure my TT bumper or frame could hold 300 lbs.

Another option is to add a front hitch to your tow vehicle. That is what I did to keep my bicycles higher of the ground. The front hitch is rated for 500 lbs. tongue weight and 5000 lbs. of pull.

Good Luck and be safe.

jerem0621 wrote:
Simple solution.

Add a receiver to the front of your Excursion and carry the scooter there.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

Funny you say that...I have thought about a front hitch for bicycles and now I'm thinking about switching my bikes to the rear and scooter up front. Just means more $$'s overall; thinking my wife is going to kill me.

Simple solution.

Add a receiver to the front of your Excursion and carry the scooter there.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

Understand, but keep in mind it is not a hitch setting, it is about weight and balance of the TT, so always when loading with no mater what, it is about the balance, 10 - 15 % of the total weight should be on the hitch.

Think about loading it for a trip (water, food, clothes, propane, wood, etc) and taking it to the scales. Ensure you have the percentage on the hitch. I took mine to a gravel yard, IMO you do not need to be so exact as to use certified scales at a truck stop.

jbjuices wrote:
I'm heart broken, but will probably have to forego the scooter. I would like to carry items on the back (i.e. wood, hose reels, etc) so I'll need to do some transferring of weight...just not sure if I can transfer that much. I'm taking the unit by the local RV place to see if my equal-I-zer hitch is at the max capacity. I'm just so bummed about this, but should've asked more questions.

Responses are spot on, but I think you're still confused. The hitch nor its capacity is not the problem.

By adding weight to the back of the TT, you actually removed weight from the hitch causing severe unbalance.

Even if you try to add 400lbs to the tongue to offset the Scooter, the excess weight being on the far extents of the trailer is no good for towing stability.

I'm heart broken, but will probably have to forego the scooter. I would like to carry items on the back (i.e. wood, hose reels, etc) so I'll need to do some transferring of weight...just not sure if I can transfer that much. I'm taking the unit by the local RV place to see if my equal-I-zer hitch is at the max capacity. I'm just so bummed about this, but should've asked more questions.

Actually it moved more than 325lbs + hitch weight to the rear, for every foot multiply that (weight x distance (FT/LBS)) So if you want to equalize it you have to put 325lb + hitch the same distance to the front or calculate it out.

325# on the back of the trailer removed that much or more from your hitch. Move some weight to the front of the trailer and that should solve your sway.