Towing Help at freeway speeds - new owner

[speakes]

I recently bought a new truck and travel trailer. According to the truck dealer and RV dealer both were within the specs for each other.

2014 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab 4x4 (6500 lb Towing 650 Tongue)
2014 Kodiak Express 288BHSL (4783 Unloaded 523 Hitch 6500 Max)
EZ-Lift Weight Distributing hitch system with Sway Bar

The issue I'm having is that when I reach Freeway speeds there is play in the trailer. Seems to sway some and makes for some white knuckle driving when at speeds 50+. I never go over 55-60 but still it's quite unnerving. I've been very carfeul not to put more than about 500-600 lbs pf cargo in the trailer too so my total weight isn't above about 5500 lbs which is 1000 lbs under the trucks towing capacity.

The RV dealer didn't adjust the hitch properly so I had that done and it's slightly better but still is an issue and dips slightly at the hitch. I'm thinking of adding airbags to help with this. The other thought is to add an additional sway bar control to the other side of the hitch.

After these two things the only other thought is to go to a better hitch where it makes it act more like a fifth wheel as one but then I'm out of options if nothing makes it better. I don't think it's a weight distribution problem.

This is my first travel trailer so would love others thoughts to help me understand if this is common? One person said it's expected due to the smaller pickup size and length of the trailer (28'4").

Maybe I need to just buy a smaller trailer or go buy a larger truck for this trailer size.

Thanks!
Andrew


2014 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab 4x4 (6500 lb Towing 650 Tongue)
2014 Kodiak 255BHSL (4783 Unloaded 523 Hitch 6500 Max)
EZ-Lift Weight Distributing hitch system with Sway Bar

[krobbe]

With 1000 to 1500# of weight in the trailer (4783+Cargo), the tongue weight should be (13%) between 750 to 800 lbs.
(4783+1000)*.13 = 752 (4783+1500)*.13 = 817
The Double Cab published max for the V6 4x4 shortbed is 6400# and 640# tongue weight. I would hope that 640 number is without a WDH and is higher with one.

[wrenchbender]

It sounds like you are tail heavy.A good test is to put a bag of sand on top the propane bottles and drive.

[Gale_Hawkins]

TucsonJim wrote:
The typical reason for sway is too little tongue weight. I'd suggest you try shifting your load towards the front of the trailer and see if that simmers down the sway.

This is easy to test as well. Lowes has 50 pound bags of sand for about $3.50 each so for $15 you can move the weight to different places.

You may need a more expensive option but at least you should get an idea if shifting weight will help or not.

Having any tanks empty that are rear of the trailer axles is a plus too.

There are many things that can be a factor but as TucsonJim states too little tongue weigh is a common cause.

How many inches does the rear truck bumper drop when you raise the trailer tongue jack after hitching?

[BubbaChris]

You also may not have the WD hitch adjusted so it transfers enough weight to the front of your truck.

It may be worth the expense of paying someone to help with your setup. Check for local companies that install hitches and be willing to pay for his/her time.

Good luck getting things dialed in.

[MarkTwain]

Just to experiment--- Try using a friends 3/4 ton truck to tow your trailer. Do you get the same results?

[TucsonJim]

The typical reason for sway is too little tongue weight. I'd suggest you try shifting your load towards the front of the trailer and see if that simmers down the sway.