2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Steers way better with goose neck on?

[Sageair]

My 2001 quad cab 4x4 short bed has a slight problem with following the camber of the road when empty. It steers perfectly when towing our six horse steel (heavy) trailer. I know that the gooseneck puts some weight on the front axle. Could this be the reason? If the trailer makes it steer better than I assume there are some adjustments that could be made to the steering to make it steer well when empty. What are they and which way should they go? Thanks in advanced. Steve

 

[RustyJC]

Yes, the gooseneck may put some weight on the front, but it puts more on the rear. If the rear squats more than the front with the gooseneck hitched up, caster is increased. Up to a point, increasing caster increases straight line stability.



Rusty

 

[Sageair]

Originally posted by RustyJC

Yes, the gooseneck may put some weight on the front, but it puts more on the rear. If the rear squats more than the front with the gooseneck hitched up, caster is increased. Up to a point, increasing caster increases straight line stability.



Rusty

Thankyou!!

 

[RustyJC]

By the way, I notice the same thing with our truck when I hitch up our 13,500 lb 5th wheel RV. Running empty, the truck really doesn't pull to either side (it's a 2WD), but it certainly doesn't have a good sense of straight ahead, either. With the 5th wheel hitched up, it tracks straight like it's on rails.



Rusty

 

[cjohnson]

Hey guys,



Just for the record, mine does the same thing. I pull a 3 horse slant with living quarters, about 12,000 loaded. Pulls great with that hooked up. A bit vague empty.



Craig