Hey JohnB, Any suggestions.

[jim44646]

I'm using a Reese Dual Cam setup with 800 lb bars. Adjusted so trailer is sitting level.
Can't get a good feel over 50 mph. Starts to feel squirrelly. Running with 5 links tight.
In photo cam isn't sitting square as I just got finished backing into site.
Here are some Cat scale #s

Tongue weight 700 lb

Loaded truck
Steer axle 3460
Drive Axel 2680

Weights with 4 links tight.
Steer Axel 3700
Drive axel 2840
Trailer Axel 5700

Weights with 5 links tight.
Steer Axel 3580
Drive Axel 3040
Trailer Axel 5640

Weights with 6 links tight.
Steer Axel 3440
Drive Axel 3240
Trailer Axel 5560

[RGar]

What is your trailer weight? Your tongue weight should be 12 to 15% of trailer weight.Maybe you don't have enough weight on the tongue or have too much weight on the rear of the trailer or are taking too much weight off the tongue with the spring bar adjustment.

[jim44646]

trailer weight is 6120lb. 12 - 15% is 734 - 918lb. So I need to add tongue weight or go to 6 links tight? If I went with the 6 links I would be taking weight off steer axel.

[Jim-Bev-2363]

Jim, would stronger bars help? Maybe the tongue weight is over-riding the bars.

[Gene]

Jim, where did you get the 700# for tongue?

The bars seem to have a slight bend which would indicate 800# bars just below capacity, but when I add up each of the 3 sets of numbers I see less than 550# that could represent tongue weight.

Truck = 6140#
Total = 12240# or 12260# for 5 links under tension
Trailer = 6100# or 6120# for 5 links under tension
20# difference is probably minor scale error.

I agree, you don't want to remove weight from the steer axle ... IMHO ... but you don't want to add much either.

My opinion is that the tongue weight is below the minimum 12% / 732# ideal.

I am sure John will be able to give a clearer picture to those numbers.

[jim44646]

2000lb sherline tongue weight scale

[JohnB]

Originally Posted by jim44646

trailer weight is 6120lb. 12 - 15% is 734 - 918lb. So I need to add tongue weight or go to 6 links tight? If I went with the 6 links I would be taking weight off steer axel.

Jim, need some more info.

Did you by chance weigh the truck and camper hitched but no WD engaged? If so what are those axle weights on truck and camper? Can work without it, but if you have it, it helps.

Truck tires, are they LT's or P? what pressure are you towing at on the front and rear? Are they the orginal width for the tire rims?

What tire pressure are you running on the Sunline?

Your comment "Can't get a good feel over 50 mph. Starts to feel squirrelly." Tell us what the "feel" is like. Describe waht it "feels" like the truck front and or back end are doing? Also decribe what is going on outside the truck when this happens? Is the wind blowing, big rigs passing or nice perfect interstate and the thing is going squirelly with no one around you when it hit 50mph?

Has this truck and camper ,allways done this or has it just started? and since it has started, what is different in the truck and or camper? Tires, loading, more bed weight in the truck etc


There are 3 areas we need to ring out and all 3 need to be in align.

1. TT tonge weight balance. If your Sherline is correct with 700# on a 6,120# TT that is 11.4%, while less then ideal there is more to this than that.

2. WD hitch setup. need to drill into this one more

3. Tire pressures. Need to know these

Need to hear back your repsones to the above if possible before we type a bunch that may not apply.

Thanks

John

[JohnB]

Also, what are the axle ratings on the Dodge? front and rear. and what size tires and load range are on the truck?