On our 1st long trip, 16 nights, through the UP of Michigan, we experienced a few things that I'd like some experienced trailer people to chime in on. Our van pulled our trailer very well! I was pleased. Through PA with our ups and downs it was a bit slower, once 1/2 way into OHIO we were smooth sailing. At times, however, we would find ourselves on a road that would cause our van/trailer to lug back and forth. I first was wondering if this was the tires, but it went away and came back based upon what roads we were on. Is this normal? And is is a case of how the road is constructed and the distances of our axles? Also, a couple of times our A/C wouldn't come on in the evening, and only turned on in the middle of the night. This has happened only a couple of times, and other times it has worked well. The first time this happened was the very first time we turned it on. The second time was on a VERY hot day, when I was running it early in the morning, and then shut it down until later that day.

Sounds like your trans was "searching". Too slow for one gear. Too fast for a higher gear. Solution usually is to speed up or slow down to find a sweet spot. I have read that searching won't hurt, but it can cause a heat build up.

I'm not quite sure what you mean by lug back and forth. Could you describe what you were feeling more fully?

Lug is generally used to mean the engine is struggling at a low RPM. You need to describe better what you mean or all you will get is a bunch of wild guesses.

I too find the word "Lug" in the context of this post makes no sense.As to the A/C.. had that kind of problem when this coach was new.Led me to make the following joke: Many RVers have a few screws loose.Now, which screws am I talking about? I decided to start my trouble shooting at the main power distribution panel (Breaker box) Noticed wires moved fairly easily in some of the breakers.. Grabbed the #2 Square bit and started tightening screws.. One took over two full turns before it started to offer resistance,,,, Nearly 3 full turns to tight. And you thought I meant the kind of screws you DON'T use a screwdriver on.

Ok, maybe Lugging is not the right word. Basically on some parts of roadways we would feel a front to back motion, which would make us kind of bounce back and forth. Brakes are not on during this, and it seems to clear up as the surface of the roadway changes. Hope that helps a bit.

? on Lugging & A/C | Good Sam Community

Redterpos3
Explorer
Aug 01, 2013
wny_pat wrote:
Does your van have a towing package, or is it just set up as a passenger van? Maybe new shocks might help you some. And maybe a Weight Distribution hitch would help too.

Yes, the van does have the towing package from the manufacturer when purchased. I did get new shocks prior to starting towing, and I do have the WDH. I'll check the weights (just weighed the van without the trailer tonight, getting ready for heading out tomorrow on our next trip), and we'll see how we do this time.

Thanks all!
wny_pat1
Explorer
Jul 31, 2013
Does your van have a towing package, or is it just set up as a passenger van? Maybe new shocks might help you some. And maybe a Weight Distribution hitch would help too.

It does look pretty level, but looks don't tell all. For all I can tell, you could be hooked to a bumper hitch.
mlts22
Explorer
Jul 31, 2013
Some roads have waves in them that cause the roller-coaster ride feel. I know with my F-150 and TT, when I drive the toll road around Austin, I get the whoop-de-dos because how the cement is shaped and sectioned off. Speeding up or slowing down does help, because it is a resonance effect. This is with a well-adjusted WD hitch as well.
beemerphile1
Explorer
Jul 31, 2013
Porpoising is usually fixed by correct adjustment of the weight distribution hitch.

Read this;
Weight Distribution (WD) Hitch --- How it Works

and then this;
Travel Trailer Hitch Set-up Procedure

and then spend some quality time getting to know your rig and adjusting it correctly. Many rigs are NOT adjusted correctly by the selling dealer.
Farmerjon
Explorer
Jul 31, 2013
more tongue weight could help. you really need to weigh to find where you are at.
Redterpos3
Explorer
Jul 31, 2013
Yeah, this is what I was figuring. It only happens on occasion, depending on the road. Hasn't lastet too long. Thanks for confirmation that this is normal.
allen8106
Explorer
Jul 31, 2013
This lugging or rocking back and forth is fairly typical when towing a travel trailer. When I had my 32 footer I always joked that I felt like i was riding a bucking bull. The rig rocked like that from day one until the day I took it to the dealer and traded it for the 5ver.
Redterpos3
Explorer
Jul 31, 2013
Porpoising and bouncing, yes, this is what I'm talking about. I do have a WDH.
Farmerjon
Explorer
Jul 31, 2013
That's called porposing. Some hiways are really bad for it.slowing down always helps. but the way the trailer is loaded can reduce it. Also if you have a WD set up it could need adjusting or even be the wrong size.
beermanjoe
Explorer
Jul 31, 2013
I know when the road isn`t nice and smooth and my tt starts bouncing my tv. I get a lunging feeling.I think that`s what you`re talking about.

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