Sway

[BIGNASTY]

I see you have a 4x4 is it set up high or is it stock hight. I have the same size trailer you do. My hitch weight loaded ready to go is 1175 pounds. I have 4 large 6v batteries and 2 tanks of propane. On the nose. I have no problems with sway and most of the time I dont even put the sway control on unless the wind is really blowing. My truck is 4x2 and I measured the hight of the bumper empty and when I drop the trailer on the ball I set the load levelers so the bumper would be the same hight. My truck and trailer are the same level. I do have air bags on the truck but have only 10 pounds of air I dont use them for lifting the load. The reason I ask about the 4x4 hight is that I see allot of them going to the desert and they have them jacked up and even thou they have a drop ball or hitch what ever you want to call it they seem to sway. Dont know if having it that way gives the trailer more leverage over the truck in terms of sway. Just a thought

 

[AHarris]

I really appreciate the helpful tips. One other question, what's considered a good towing speed? I've seen some guys blow down the road with a rig trailer or 5er in tow going over 75 while some cruise along at 60. For my old combination (previous truck and 25' camper), the best speed was 67. This combo seems at its best around 62 but on the Interstate that can get you some middle fingers around here.

 

[HBarlow]

Preferred towing speed depends a lot on trailer frontal area and weight but it's largely a matter of personal choice.

With my heavy fifth wheel I have slowly evolved to a comfortable towing speed of about 62 to 65 mph in Tow/Haul mode. On some rare occasions on flat land interstate highway with a mild tailwind or zero headwind I sometimes shift up to drive and run the speed up to 70 but prefer around 62 to 65. Higher speed significantly increases fuel consumption and requires more driver concentration and effort.

65 mph is the towing speed limit in TX except for a long stetch of I-20 from around Odessa to El Paso where the speed limit is 80. Towing speed limit is 55 mph in CA, OR, IL, and other states I"ve forgotten.

 

[AClayton]

I really appreciate the helpful tips. One other question, what's considered a good towing speed? I've seen some guys blow down the road with a rig trailer or 5er in tow going over 75 while some cruise along at 60. For my old combination (previous truck and 25' camper), the best speed was 67. This combo seems at its best around 62 but on the Interstate that can get you some middle fingers around here.

I prefer to cruise with my 5th wheel at just under 65mph. Not because it is unsafe to tow, but because trailer tires are speed rated. Plus, an added benefit is significantly reduced fuel consumption... ..... your fuel card will tank you!



Alan

 

[BIGNASTY]

speed

I think the key word here is Recreation what ever turn's your cookie is how you should do it. Trust me I have been given the finger so many times is 30 years of truck driving I would feel strange if they didnt give me the finger. I just wave and smile it will **** them off even more than if you have some anger reaction.