Troubleshooting Trailer that is Bucking with 2003 Dodge 2500 Flat Bed

Question:

I have a 27 Ft Laredo 5th wheel. I purchased a convert a ball hitch from you about 2 years ago. On some situations like hitting rail road tracks I get some significant bucking. My Truck is a 03 dodge 2500 with a flat bed. The hitch is 4-5inch from the trailer being level 4-5 Inches to High. If I have the bed modified, lowering the ball, and get the trailer back to level, will this solve my bucking issue. The hitch has been great no issues. Just concerned about the bucking and the stress this puts on the 5th wheel hitch assembly. Any ideas. I have a HD truck with air bag support. Usually at 25 lbs pressure. Just enough to keep the bed stable. Thanks

asked by: Dallas M

Expert Reply:

Adjusting the hitch on your Dodge Ram 2500 so that you can tow your trailer level should definitely help the bucking you are experiencing, as an unlevel trailer is a typical cause of this problem. If you are able to safely modify the truck bed to accomplish this, this is certainly recommended. Also note that your Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter # CAB-C5G does have an adjustable height, from 12 to 16 inches.

Another possible cause for your trailer bucking is the amount of weight you have at the front of the trailer. Check to make sure the tongue weight on your trailer is not too heavy, as it should normally be 10 to 15 percent of its total weight. You can try redistributing the weight to see if this also helps the issue.

expert reply by: Chris R