Shaking/Shuddering while towing trailer
Hi, I have a 2012 Honda Odyssey. I have a Class 3 hitch installed, and am pulling a 2800 pound, 17' Viking trailer. I use a Weight Distributing Hitch with Sway Control (550 pound rated), and also have a Tranny cooler installed. I haven't driven it loaded yet, just me, but I'd like to add in my wife, kids and some luggage, while staying under the 3500 pound tow limit, if I can crack this problem:
When I am towing I feel like the van is shuddering (from front to back, or vice versa) any time I accelerate/brake, go over small bumps, at low speeds, moderate speeds or highway speeds (-55mph). It's a "chug-a-chug-a-chug-a" type of feeling, not high/fast vibrations. Everything is properly connected, as confirmed with the dealer. Most experienced towers tell me to check the sway control: I have tried more friction, less friction, etc, but it's still there. It is NOT a side to side motion. The electric brake controller is working and I feel like the brake controller is set to the right setting. If I turn the brakes up, it creates a noticeable shudder/shock, okay, that's too high. If I turn it down, I can feel the van doing all the braking and taking forever to stop. So I don't think it's the brakes, plus it's like I said, this happens when starting to accelerate or hitting bumps in the road as well.
It feels like the trailer is really pushing/pulling and turning my van into a bucking bronco.
I'm thinking it might be the WDH shifting too much weight forward? I have it set on the third link (which makes the bars parallel with the A-frame), but maybe I should try another link?
I've driven other vehicles before (dualie pickups) while towing heavy loads, and didn't experience anything like this...I'm not an expert, but a concerned amateur!
Thanks!
EDIT: one thing i forgot: the shudder happens with just the ball on the hitch, no WDH.
When I am towing I feel like the van is shuddering (from front to back, or vice versa) any time I accelerate/brake, go over small bumps, at low speeds, moderate speeds or highway speeds (-55mph). It's a "chug-a-chug-a-chug-a" type of feeling, not high/fast vibrations. Everything is properly connected, as confirmed with the dealer. Most experienced towers tell me to check the sway control: I have tried more friction, less friction, etc, but it's still there. It is NOT a side to side motion. The electric brake controller is working and I feel like the brake controller is set to the right setting. If I turn the brakes up, it creates a noticeable shudder/shock, okay, that's too high. If I turn it down, I can feel the van doing all the braking and taking forever to stop. So I don't think it's the brakes, plus it's like I said, this happens when starting to accelerate or hitting bumps in the road as well.
It feels like the trailer is really pushing/pulling and turning my van into a bucking bronco.
I'm thinking it might be the WDH shifting too much weight forward? I have it set on the third link (which makes the bars parallel with the A-frame), but maybe I should try another link?
I've driven other vehicles before (dualie pickups) while towing heavy loads, and didn't experience anything like this...I'm not an expert, but a concerned amateur!
Thanks!
EDIT: one thing i forgot: the shudder happens with just the ball on the hitch, no WDH.
