Why is towing my little trailer so stressful?

[kimberwarden]

We have a 16' vintage trailer that weighs less than 2500 lbs. We pull it with a 2013 Toyota Prerunner (rear wheel drive) double cab V6. It doesn't have the factory tow package, just an after market hitch and electric brakes.

That setup should be all we need, right? But yet towing the trailer on the freeway feels unsafe. The back of the truck sags somewhat under the weight, and driving feels more like skating on ice. It doesn't feel like we have good control of the truck.

The trailer doesn't fishtail. Instead, it feels more like it rocks from side to side, shifting its weight from the left to the right tire and back again. It might not truly be doing that, but that's how it feels inside the truck.

We're new to trucks and towing, so maybe some of this is normal? Or does it sound like we need to inflate our rear tires (we don't currently add any extra air when we tow)? Or is a weight distribution system our likely solution? Or should we replace our shocks? If we don't get this figured out, our trailer hauling days are probably over because the idea of hitting the road fills us with dread instead of excitement.

Thanks so much for any advice you have to offer!

kimber

[Idaho_Joe]

I think heavier leaf springs or a new truck all together!

[Idaho_Joe]

Ive even tried pulling with my Sedona and same results

[Idaho_Joe]

My guess is the single axel. I have a 1971 Aladdin Car-Pet thats 18 foot with the hitch. Under 2500 pounds and I pull it with a 2001 Chevy Astro Van rated at 3500. I have anti sway bars etc...Biggest problem I have is it weighs down the hitch quit a bit and I hate the feeling of having the front end of the van feel like its floating. I dont put a ton a******in the trailer or the van. Im good to 60 MPH but it still feels loose and GOD FORBID when a semi goes past cause it throws me all over the place.

[dee74]

kimberwarden wrote:
We don't currently use a weight distribution hitch. The tech at Camping World thought it would be overkill for such a light trailer.

An rv dealer told me I did not need a WDH because I was towing with an F150. I just ignored him and put one on anyways. My truck tows straight and I never have an anxious moment, even when I had to make a panic stop on the interstate a couple of weeks ago. I would recommend looking into a WDH to get your front wheels back down.

[martipr]

kimberwarden wrote:
We don't currently use a weight distribution hitch. The tech at Camping World thought it would be overkill for such a light trailer.

Did you actually find a tech at Camping World?

[cougarfan]

Hi Kimber,
I sent you a private message.


Laura

[CavemanCharlie]

The trailer weighs 2500 pounds. If the Toyota can't handle that without a Weight Distribution Hitch I'd get rid of it. I wouldn't be the least bit afraid to tow that behind my 1984 Lincoln Mark VII car.

That being said, I agree take it to a scale and get a tongue weight. You may be loading the trailer wrong. As has been said, check the pressure and types of the tires. The right tires and the right pressures will make a big difference. And, I say again, if everything else checks out ok, then check for a bent axel. It happens quite often and if things are out of alignment it will tow like crap. Been there, done that.

[keymastr]

It may cost $5 more to really check your tongue weight also. There is a sticky on getting weighed that will tell you how, just tell the scale operator that you are going to make additional passes. Truck and trailer, then just truck, etc.

[westend]

kimberwarden wrote:
Thank you, everyone for all of your thoughts! We're taking the trailer out this weekend. Since there's no time to install anything, we're going to see what happens when we increase the tire pressure and possibly raise the ball mount. If that doesn't make a significant difference, we'll likely go with an Equalizer hitch.

Pull through a scale while you're hitched up. It will take you all of 5 minutes and $10. At least you'll know what you're dealing with rather than throwing pieces at it trying to make it better. You'll also have an idea about what hitch to buy, if needed.

Cat scale locator

[Francesca_Knowl]

As an afterthought; I see there's been discussion of tire pressure, but none about tire type. Don't know what you have on the trailer, but just in case they're P-rated:

I'll mention that when I got my littlest trailer it had passenger car tires on it, and I experienced the same kind of woogedy-woogedy side to side motion you describe in your threadstarter.

I was so alarmed that I went straight to the local RV guy asking for some sort of sway control device. He took one look at the tires and advised that they were too flexible for the trailer, and that before buying hardware I should try changing the P's for ST's, which are stiffer. It made all the difference in the world; and as I said earlier, I've never found the need to add any other kind of sway control.

[kimberwarden]

Thank you, everyone for all of your thoughts! We're taking the trailer out this weekend. Since there's no time to install anything, we're going to see what happens when we increase the tire pressure and possibly raise the ball mount. If that doesn't make a significant difference, we'll likely go with an Equalizer hitch.

[rexlion]

colliehauler wrote:
While helper springs would take the sag out of the back it would do nothing for the unloading of the front axle.

Exactly right, good point. And since this is not a cosmetic issue but one of improving handling, the WD/sway control hitch is a far better answer.

You can try shortening the shank and checking tire pressures and hitch weight first, of course. They may or may not be enough to stabilize things. If not, buying a hitch is the next step.

[colliehauler]

While helper springs would take the sag out of the back it would do nothing for the unloading of the front axle.

[CavemanCharlie]

Selkie wrote:
I had the same problem towing a MacGregor sail boat with my Tacoma. Toyota recommended installing helper springs. Had it done at an Off Road shop. End of problem. Never used Wt dist. hitch or sway bars-wasn't necessary.

That's what I'm thinking too. Ask the local Toyota dealer what he thinks.