Question about trailer "tugging".

[boltonranger]

Vehicle: 95 Ranger 4x4 auto<br />Trailer: Cox superloader.<br />Tongue weight 220/230lbs.<br />Boat: 1926 lb. - 17 ft bowrider<br />Frame hitch: rated for 3500 lbs; angle when hitched is only slightly off level.<br />Here's my question:<br />While towing this rig home for the first time; When I went over small bumps and dips in the road the truck "porpoised" and seemed like it was playing "tug of war" with the trailer. Above 35 mph this diminishes. But is it "normal"? ( It reminds me of pulling against the family dog when he's got a sock in his mouth. You pull some; he pulls some etc..)<br /><br />Some factors that may contribute were a slightly loose tiedown; and rear shocks that are not new but are by no means "shot".<br /><br />I really could use some feedback with this; I've never towed this big a boat so I've nothing to compare to.<br />Thanks.<br />-br

 

[snowshoe]

Re: Question about trailer "tugging".

It has been my experience that single axle trailers do bonce the truck noticeable at low speeds. This is because the weight of the load is thrown forward more so at low speeds causing an increase of weight onto the hitch of the truck. As the speed increases, the weigh shift is reduced as the springs absorb the impact.<br />Tandem trailers tend not to be so severe. Hope this helps.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Question about trailer "tugging".

Too much tongue wieght in my opinion, is it posible on your trailer to move the axle forward some. 75#s would be much better on a boat of that size, you should be able to pick it up if you have too. My 18' Bass Boat propably has about 50#s with full tank of fuel. I also tow with a Ranger 4X4 and I have Zero problems.

 

[boltonranger]

Re: Question about trailer "tugging".

I thought I was in the 10% range on the tongue...No?<br />1,926 boat wt. plus the weight of the trailer?<br />(200-300 guesssing)<br />Or should I exclude the trailer wt?<br />-br

 

[djvan]

Re: Question about trailer "tugging".

Does your trailer by chance have surge brakes?<br /><br />DougV>

 

[rc581]

Re: Question about trailer "tugging".

just went to an 03 ranger 4x4 and am pulling a 19ft weighing 2560 lbs. i also noticed a difference. but was used to the full size f150, and i think the shorter wheelbase comes into play here. scared me at first till i pulled a few times, and now am comfortable with it. but i agree with lubedude, i think you have a little too much tongue weight. just my thought on it.....bob