Towing and shaking

[Alton]

I hope I'm not duplicating my message. I lost my server just as I submitted my problem a few minutes ago.



When towing my fifth wheel,9500-10,000 pounds, at 22-27 and 35-42mph, I get a violent front to back shake. It feels like the rear end bounces like a rubber ball. It is scary. The rear u-joints have been replaced, new tires, new shocks. I have a carrier bearing and rear transmission mount ordered( Jim Amderson's suggestion).



Any suggestions will be appreciated.



My rig is a 96, 4x4, 3/4 Hd, 5 speed. 100,400 miles. I've towed the fifth wheel from the time the truck and trailer were new. The fifth wheel and hitch have been eliminated as the source of the shaking.

 

[vc]

alton,

is this something that recently started or always been around? If its something that recently started then try to remember if you changed anything on either the trailer or the truck just prior to it starting. I have a similar problem that I have sarted a thread on - rough ride towing - and am checking into a couple things changed plus another potential problem on the trailer end as well. Please let me know if you find anything definite, because like you say it can get violent.

Thanks.

vc

 

[Roger Ledbetter]

Throttle springs

I had that problem aat one time. Replaced the two cablle return springs and it went away. You can get some sort of craxy oscilation going at it does not quit at that speed. Check the rest of your linkage at the same time.

 

[Forrest]

We are blessed with the best 12valve pump, but the lousiest linkage. That bucking is the result of those 2 side by side springs going soft. Just putting another Pepboys or Kragen return spring in parallel will fix it, but at the expense of much more pedal pressure.



The fix is a new linkage kit.



http://dodgeram.org/tech/tsb/1997/18_29_97_a.htm





Been there ... did it ... it works. Oo.

 

[vc]

alton,

I forgot to ask you. Is this happening only when you hit bumps on the road like in my case, or anytime including smooth roads?

Thanks.

vc

 

[Eric_77]

I get that with our utilty trailer when I have too much tongue weight on the 5 th wheel. The trailer axles start bouncing. For us it is easy fix just move the load, in camper you will need to look at water levels and storage placement.