Towing phenomena

[abbby]

I have had the same 17.5 boat and trailer for quite a few years. Have towed it with two different vehicles. Have always been amazed at how well items in the boat travel. Everything pretty much stays where it is even on very long trips. This past spring my buddy bought a new truck so he insisted he drive. when we got to our destination everthing had shimmied ahead in the boat including the battery which was strapped down in a case. Pliers, poles, tackle etc. I also noticed some fasteners had come loose on tail lights and also the ones holding the engine on. I monitor this stuff frequently and this has never happneed before. Is this related to a height issue on the hitch or stiff suspension? Any ideas? I think next time I will just drive my truck. Not worth the risk of something shaking loose.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Towing phenomena

there isn't even close to enough info here to give a definitive answer.... could be all sorts of causes....

I can say this much... my dually has about as stiff of a suspension as any pickup and I don't have any issues with things falling apart when towed behind it....... a good bump in the road while braking will move things forward tho

 

[frantically relaxing]

Re: Towing phenomena

did your buddy drive over ANY rumble strips, or just plain rough road? I lost the whole right trailer guide on our Chap trailer via 15 miles of rough road. And over the 4th this summer rumble strips I hit in the MIDDLE of the road (love those) unscrewed the right side thumbscrew that holds the bimini to the windshield. Rough roads, good stiff tires and boat trailer suspension just don't go well together!

 

[robert graham]

Re: Towing phenomena

Maybe his hitch ball is mounted a bit lower than yours causing your rig to be angled more down in the front?....

 

[dwco5051]

Re: Towing phenomena

Next trip take his truck but you drive. If he drives like my youngest daughter that may be the difference.

There are two pedals on the floor of her van and she alternates between trying to place them all the way to the floor.

 

[Grandad]

Re: Towing phenomena

I wonder if there is/was an imbalance in one of the wheels on either the trailer or the truck. Did you happen to notice any "pulsing" when your buddy touched the brakes? That, plus forward momentum could cause stuff to walk forward after a few stops. - Grandad

 

[etracer68]

Re: Towing phenomena

The engine bolts came loose? If they did, they werent tight to start with. I would be not towing, or boating until you make sure everything is tight, with proper fasteners. Towing on any road, use of any truck, should cause bolts to come loose, if they correct to start with. I would say you have other issues. Just like I learned in race car (Drag racing). If it isnt lock tighted, lock washers, plus nylocks, it WILL, come loose.