How To Reduce Chucking On a 5th Wheel Camper Using a Goose Neck Hitch

Question:

Hi, We have a gooseneck attached to our 5th wheel and Ford F150. We are experiencing severe chucking when driving down the road over 25 MPH. How can we fix this? The service department at our dealer just suggested checking tire pressure. Thanks!

asked by: Linda

Expert Reply:

There could be a few things that cause chucking. If extra weight has been added to the front or back of the trailer or traveling with any of your tanks full. In my experience I have not found that adding or reducing the pressure in your tires will change the chucking effect

What I have found that reduces the chucking effect is replacing the equalizers on the trailer. Chucking is usually caused by the two axles working against each other. For instance when you apply the brakes on the trailer, the front axle pushes toward the ground because of the weight of the trailer. This causes the equalizer to pull up on the rear axle putting more pressure on the front. The rise in the rear axle sends more pressure to the front axle so the weight of the trailer is not being distributed correctly between the two. Most standard equalizers on trailers are a solid steel so there is no cushion for each axle to absorb any movement on its own. The two axles working against each other cause the trailer to move forward and back because of the negative pressure caused by the other axle. To reduce the chucking each axle needs to have something to absorb its own movement without affecting the other.

I recommend Road Armor Shock Absorbing Equalizer Kit - Tandem Axle - Qty 2 item # LC696740 if the measurement center to center between each bolt that attaches your current equalizer to each spring is 6"

If it measures 7-3/4" I recommend E-Z Flex Equalizer for 1-3/4" Double Eye Springs - 7-3/4" Long - 9/16" Center Hole Item # 013-144-03

If it measures 5-1/2" I recommend Equa-Flex Cushioned Equalizers - Double Eye Springs - Tandem Axle - 3K to 6K Item # LC279687