What Stops Porpoising on Tow Vehicle that is Using Weight Distribution with Trailer

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Question:

We own a 2016 Silverado LTZ, 4x4 crew-cab short box, with factory Max Trailering Packageinch and big 6.2 liter V-8 rated to pull 12,000 lbs. Just purchased a 2017 Keystone Outlook 32 ft travel trailer 8,615 lbs weight with 1,075 lbs hitch weight. We use an Equalizer Weight Distribution System with 4-point sway control. When towing the trailer it feels like it is porpoisinginch as we go along the road or highway. Would the Timbren Rubber Springs reduce this? Thank you.

asked by: William S

0

Expert Reply:

Most of the time when a tow setup is porpoising with a weight distribution system all you have to do is add a bit more spring bar tension to minimize the porpoising. With an Equalizer system you would need to angle the spring bars down further to add the additional tension.

Suspension enhancement like the Timbren part # TGMRCK15S would help but you should be able to solve the problem with the WD system.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

Leland M.

7/28/2020

Hello.I have a problem when towing my trailer that over bumps and dips in the road. my truck bounces or floats in the front end. I have a f-150 Lariat with 7600# towing capacity. my trailer is a 26ft ultralite dry weight of 4585#. i have equalizer bars and i have air bags on the rear set at 75#. the whole unit seems to be level. any suggestions? thank you

Reply

Jon G.

8/5/2020

There are a couple of things you can check to make sure that everything it setup correctly. First make sure that your trailer suspension is in good working order as a worn out suspension could cause more play. Second is to look at the tongue weight of your trailer and shoot for it to be 10-15% of the loaded weight. You can also double check that your weight distribution system is rated properly because anything that is rated too low won't be effective.

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Jay F.

12/4/2021

We have a 2021 F-350 long bed with Airlift 7500 air bags and we pull a 2021 Gatormade 24.9k, 35+5 flatbed with mega ramps. We have a Shocker Hitch on the trailer and we’re getting porpoising on the highway. What can be done to prevent this? I’ve heard that with this setup, load lifters would help. What’s you recommendation?@JonG

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Les D.

12/6/2021

@JayF Our Comment system strips out some punctuation. Are you saying that you have a 35 foot plus 5 foot trailer that can weigh up to 24,900 pounds fully loaded? What kind of hitch are we using? Fifth wheel, Gooseneck, or conventional bumper pull? Having the load properly distributed will have the most affect on how it rides. What are you hauling?

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Ed F.

2/2/2020

I have the exact situation with my 2019 F150. Airstream with 1050 tongue weight I added the Timbren springs which helped immensely. However, not completely. Ive spoken to Equalizer, been to Cat scale multiple times, and my setup is correct. Im now waiting for the Roadmaster RAS3611-YHD that I have on order. Had those on a F250 towing a 5th wheel and know they worked great. Was trying to save a little money but now will have bought both! It looks as though the bottom plate on the Timbren springs may interfere with the RAS attachment pieces. Any experience with people having both on their truck? Thanks!

Reply

Jason S.

2/3/2020

On your 2019 Ford F-150, the RAS # RAS3611-YHD install around your leaf springs to give additional support and stability by mechanically enhancing the factory suspension. I haven't seen anyone try the Timbren # TFR1504E in conjunction with the RAS, but I do believe the bottom bracket would interfere so you will likely need to choose between them. The benefit of the RAS is adjustability so you can adjust your ride to your preference.

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Answer 1

Weight distribution spring bar tension can be increased by tilting the head toward the trailer so that the ends of the spring bars are closer to the ground. Once connected to the lift brackets this increased angle translates into more tension, which…

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Answer 2

Great question! Proposing, or the back and forth movement, typically occurs when the trailer isn't loaded properly so you have either too much or too little tongue weight, or your trailer simply isn't level. This doesn't allow the trailer…

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Answer 3

Yes, you will because as you said the RoadActive Suspension Custom Leaf Spring Enhancement Kit item #RAS54FR won't let your rear suspension flex as much when your trailer is hooked up. This kit is confirmed to fit your 4WD 2022 GMC Sierra 1500.

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Answer 4

The main difference between the RoadActive Suspension #RAS54FR and #RAS4611, will be the weight capacities. Both of these will install and function the exact same way, but the #RAS54FR will have a maximum capacity of 3,000 pounds and should be used…

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Answer 5

Congrats on the new trailer! However you need to know the loaded tongue weight of your trailer, as the dry weight is not a useful figure. With your trailer fully loaded like you'll be towing it use either the scale method in the below help…

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Answer 6

It sounds like you have done everything possible on the tow vehicle side to reduce the up-and-down porpoising you noted, so I suggest checking out the trailer's suspension. Leaf springs do wear out and lose their weight-carrying capacity and this…

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Answer 7

The hitch ball angle adjustment on weight distribution systems is designed to provide more or less distribution of the tongue weight on your trailer hitch to the trailer and vehicle axles. If you adjust the ball angle farther away from the towing…

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Answer 8

Thank you for providing a photo of your trailer coupler. Trailers should always be level when hitched. If a trailer is out of level when towed it will tend to have more sway. I notice you have weight distribution (WD) lift brackets on your trailer…

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Answer 9

The bucking you're experiencing on the highway could simply be due to the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System #EQ37120ET being a bit too tight or maybe over-rated for your setup. If the bucking is more of a severe jerking type action (like…

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Answer 10

I would be happy to help you clear up the confusion. The RoadActive Suspension item #RAS94FR is the correct part number for your 2WD 2018 Ford F-150. The item #RAS3611-YHD you referenced only fits the 4WD models. The RoadActive Suspension item…

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Answer 11

There are a couple things that come to mind that may help with the bounce that you are experiencing when towing the 24 ft pull behind trailer with your 2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. I would start by checking to make sure that your trailer isn't…

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Answer 12

For your 2021 Ram 2500 towing a camper trailer, the best option is the 2,800 lb capacity SumoSprings: - SumoSprings Solo Custom Helper Springs #SSR-312-54 The 2,800 lb capacity SumoSprings #SSR-312-54 will ensure your Ram's suspension has the…

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What Stops Porpoising on Tow Vehicle that is Using Weight Distribution with Trailer

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