Do I have a sway problem?

[rctoyguy]

Sounds like a dumb question, I know... I've never pulled anything bigger/heavier than a 14' utility trailer with 3 4-wheelers on it - until now.
I've got a 33' ~7500# TT behind a Ram 1500. I've pulled it about 300 miles so far and I'm nervous as a cat every mile.
As far as I can tell, it pulls fine, but I don't know what to look/feel for. When a tractor trailer passes me, sure it moves me around a little, but once he's by it settles back pretty much immediately. I do feel quite a bit of "bounce", but it seems to all be up-down, kind of a wallowy feel - and really only when there are dips/bumps in the road.

What does sway (or sway problems) feel like from the drivers seat?

[fla-gypsy]

The push from passing vehicles is aerodynamics but you may be able to improve your current set up. If you're using P rated tires they will not perform as well as LT tires. A good quality integrated WD/SC hitch (Reese Straight line/Dual Cam, Equalizer, etc.) properly set up can improve the experience dramatically.

[Jay_Pat]

Here is one example of trailer sway.
From what you have described, doesn't sound like you have a problem.
Pat

[DanNJanice]

Everything you described sounds about normal to me. Contrary to what you might hear on forums, you will ALWAYS feel 7500+ of weight hanging off the back of your truck to some degree.
I have found that people new to towing tend to get very paranoid of any movement transferred from the trailer to the truck. Just keep the speed down, and drive it for a while. My guess is in 6 months you won't be worried to much about it.

[downtheroad]

Also...does your truck have P rated (passenger) tires or LT (light truck) tires?

[TomG2]

It would not be surprising if you experience some sway with that combination. Having said that, you will know sway when you have it. It can vary from a mildly vague feeling in the steering to an uncontrollable oscillation of the trailer as it swerves from shoulder to shoulder. Do enough stupid things and you will know what I am talking about. Not advised. I recommend test towing with a HD pickup to feel the difference.

[bobndot]

I do not think you have a sway problem, passing bow waves from trucks is normal when you recover.
If you have stock shocks with some miles on them it might be worth looking into a set of Rancho 9000 adjustable shocks or some Bilsteins .
When towing, its a more controlled pitching motion and when not towing they really ride nice. Most owners are very happy towing with either the Rancho 9000 adjustables or the Bilsteins .
I would do a little research on that and find out what model numbers work best for TT owners.

make sure you have enough spring bar load capacity on your hitch. Know your hitch weight, im guessing you need 1200# - 1400# bars for a TT that size.

[padre1944]

You'll know it when it happens - scary. Maybe you're lucky and your set up works fine. I had to upgrade hitches from my 25 footer to a 35 footer. The old friction type didn't do it. I got a Husky Centerline HD and it works great.