Cargo Trailer Pulls Up On Ball and Makes a Lot of Noise Over Bumps at highway Speed
Question:
Just got a new 7x14 dual axle trailer 7000gvw and on the way home it was pulling up on the ball and clunking on large bumps. Below 30 mph it was fine but at highway speeds I had the problem. Do I not have enough tongue weight or should I look at a wd hitch? Im pulling it with a 2010 jeep cherokee.
asked by: Jim E
Expert Reply:
It does sound like the tongue weight was not high enough. If a trailer is empty, you can experience some of these symptoms. The tongue weight of a trailer should be between 10 and 15 percent of the gross trailer weight. For example if your trailer was fully loaded and weight 7,000 pounds, the tongue weight should be between 700 and 1,050 pounds.
Proper loading of the trailer will also help. Heavier items should be centered at the bottom and you would not want one side carrying more weight than the other.
Also, make sure that the ball you are using is the right size for the coupler for a secure fit. Have your safety chains crossed beneath the trailer tongue so they can catch the tongue, should it come off the ball.
You may also need to look at the rise or drop of your ball mount because you want it to be as level as possible. I have included a link to an FAQ article that covers how to measure for rise or drop.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese Weight Distribution w/out Shank - Trunnion Bar - 8,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD Only
- No Sway
- Shank Not Included
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 500 lbs
- 600 lbs
- 700 lbs
- Reese
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Q&A: Can Ball Mounts Be Turned Upside Down To Increase Height
- Shop: Timbren Silent Ride Suspension for Tandem Axle Trailers w/ 3" Round Axles - 7,000 lbs
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque for 16 Inch 8-lug Wheels
- Q&A: Eliminating Trailer Bounce When Towing And Using Weight Distribution System
- Q&A: How to Match Different Heights of Hitch Ball and Trailer Coupler for Safe Level Towing
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Q&A: What Is The Recommended Lug Nut Torque On 7,000lb Axles?
- Shop: Square Direct Weld Jack - Foot Lever - Drop Leg w/ Spring Return - Sidewind - 26-1/2" Lift -12K
- Shop: Square 2-Speed Jack w/ Crank - Drop Leg w/ Spring Return - Sidewind - 25-7/8" Lift - 10K
- Search Results: high rise hitch ball
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Video: Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension System Installation
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Search Results: 25580
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: Trailer Valet JXS Trailer Jack Review
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: dust cap
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller - Dash Knob - 1 to 2 Axles - Proportional
- Search Results: trailer jack
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: 44649
- Article: Trailer Tire Sizing
- Shop: etrailer Electric Trailer Brakes - 12" - Left/Right Hand Assemblies - 5,200 lbs to 7,000 lbs
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller