Trailer bounce

[azop]

I picked up a trailer today along with my CT230 (

The dealer drove it forward onto the trailer (with the FEL and pallet forks) instead of backing it on the trailer. On my way home there was *all kinds* of bouncing, especially under 40mph. I pulled over several times thinking it was going to fall apart.

This is really my first time pulling any trailer, but I really don't think this is normal. I asked the dealer and he suggested I remove the trailer power coupler to see if the brakes were engaging incorrectly, but that didn't resolve the issue.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

It's this trailer: Bobcat of St. Louis > Inventory > Pre-Owned Inventory

 

[94BULLITT]

You dealer should have backed the tractor on th trailer look in your manual. Are the tires flat spotted on the trailer? Did you have not enough or to much tongue weight?

 

[rdln]

The first thing that comes to mind is....Is the frost coming out in the roads there like it is in michigan? our back roads are getting a lot of pavement rising right now.

Also maybe the frequency of the trailer frame flexing is in step with the trailer suspension. Sorta explained here http://www.ucfamerica.com/Flexiride...ep In Mind When You Design Your Flexiride.pdf

 

[94BULLITT]

Check your wheels on the trailer and make sure they are tight. Trailer wheels that size should be retourqued every 80-100 miles. Were the tires on the trailer and tow vehicle proplerly inflated? Make sure you do not have a tire going bad on the trailer. Check for knots in the sidewall and jack the trailer up and spin the tires and see if the tread is crooked. If all of that looks good see if the trailer does it empty.

 

[boggen]

it is spooky huh? more so when the trailer bounces around and you can feel it, as you make small adjustments to steering wheel to keep things on the road.

when the trailer is empty, and i go through a rough patch of road. i can hear it and feel it through the steering wheel. as the trailer bounces around.

when i get a heavier load, the little s-10 blazer of mine will wobble some with the trailer, as the trailer bounces some as it hits a pot hole or large crack in the road.

some times there is more play in the ball that gives you some extra bouncy-ness and jerky-ness of the trailer.

my problem is more of me blazer is small. while the trailer is full size car hauler. (widths) so i am constantly checking/looking out a mirror to make sure i am on the correct side of the yellow line. the bouncy jerkyness of the trailer is otherwise forgotten.

i wouldn't put to much wait on my own comments. i would be a beginner novice myself as far as pulling a trailer. compared to some of the folks here.

 

[azop]

It was very spooky. I have a Chevy Silverado 1500 Z71 so it should have plenty of weight to pull the car hauler and tractor.....

 

[azop]

You dealer should have backed the tractor on th trailer look in your manual. Are the tires flat spotted on the trailer? Did you have not enough or to much tongue weight?

I asked him about it, and he said he always drives tractors on instead of backing them on. As far as I could tell yesterday during my inspection before I got it the tires looked fine, but I'll take another look today

 

[azop]

it is spooky huh? more so when the trailer bounces around and you can feel it, as you make small adjustments to steering wheel to keep things on the road.

I guess I would describe it more as "surging". It felt like the trailer was pulling me back slightly as I was driving (not a constant feeling, more like a boat rocking)

 

[94BULLITT]

I guess I would describe it more as "surging". It felt like the trailer was pulling me back slightly as I was driving (not a constant feeling, more like a boat rocking)

Was the truck bouncing up and down in the back? Was the truck sagging, setting up high or normal in the back?

 

[azop]

It was squatting pretty good in the back. I don't recall the back jumping