Is Weight Distribution Hitch For Grey Wolf 23MK Causing Bouncing

Question

Question:

should the truck and trailer bounce a lot . mine really bounces 2021 chevy silverado 1500. gray wolf 23mk .5000lbs trailer scales weight 12000 total . has active suspension system also. is this a weight distribution problem

asked by: Jeff S

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Often when there is significant bouncing in can indeed be attributed to a weight distribution hitch being rated too highly for your set up as it will be too stiff. I'm not sure what system you currently have, though a Grey Wolf 23MK has a GVWR of 7,600 lbs based on my research, so your loaded tongue weight is likely going to be in the 900 lb to 1,000 lb range, though you can verify this with a scale like the etrailer Tongue Weight Scale # e99044.

So, if your system is rated higher than that it would cause the issues you are having, and you'll want to go with a different set up, one in which your loaded tongue weight is in the middle of the weight distribution's capacity. For a 900 lb - 1,000 lb loaded tongue weight, the best option is from Fastway:

- Fastway e2 Weight Distribution with 2-Point Sway Control # FA92-00-1200

This hitch is rated for loaded tongue weights between 800 lbs and 1,200 lbs so it is precisely what you'll need for your trailer and offers a great value along with excellent sway control. The only thing you will need to go with the set up is a hitch ball, the 2-5/16" Hitch Ball # C49FR.

The other thing you can do to help your trailer's suspension is to add helper springs from SumoSprings, with the right kit depending on if you have overslung axles (where your leaf springs are over your axles) or undersprung axles (where your leaf springs are under your axles).

- Overslung Axle: SumoSprings Trailer Helper Springs # TSS-107-40

- Underslung Axle: SumoSprings Trailer Helper Springs # TSS-106-40

These will mount between your leaf springs and frame, cushioning your ride and absorbing road shock to make your towing experience more comfortable and removing some of the heavy bounce you currently have. These are are a single axle, so with a tandem axle trailer like yours you would need a set of two.

I have added links below to some video reviews for you to check out as well if you'd like to take a look.

expert reply by: Kyle S

1

Answer 1

The issue with the leaf springs being too bouncy could be caused by a few different things. The first is that they are not properly rated for the weight of the trailer, they are worn down too far, or the trailer is being overloaded. Furthermore, a…

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Answer 2

For your Forest River Sandpiper 5th wheel with 6,000 lbs axles, I recommend the Roadmaster Comfort Ride Shock Absorbers for Tandem Axle Trailers item #RM-2460. This system fits tandem axle trailers with 3" diameter 5,200 lbs -7,500 lbs axles. It…

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Answer 3

Normally, the tongue weight should be somewhere between 10 and 15 percent of the loaded trailer weight. For your trailer it would mean somewhere between 780 and 1200-lbs. The #C17501 system is designed for tongue weight between 1,000 and 1,500-lbs so…

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Answer 4

What you are experiencing is quite common with a lot of homemade trailers. What I do see a lot is they will use mobile home axles and springs which have a very stiff ride. By determining what weight capacity springs are on the trailer you can…

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Answer 5

As long as your 2017 Forest River Wolf Pup 17' Toy Hauler has a overslung axle (Leaf springs mounted on top of the axle) then the SumoSprings Trailer Helper Springs #TSS-107-40 you were looking at would be a perfect option for softening the…

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Answer 6

With your trailer being so new it sounds to me like the real issue is with your weight distribution hitch. Your Husky Centerline is most likely rated too high for the tongue weight of your trailer and is giving you this rough bouncy ride. The GVWR of…

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Answer 7

The height of the SumoSprings Trailer Helper Springs w/ Line Relocation Bracket #TSS-106-40 is 4 inches for just the rubber spring portion of it. Since you have 3 inches from the axle to the frame that would indicate that there would be a compression…

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Answer 8

With a few possible exceptions (large fifth wheels that use LT or Light Truck Tires), we recommended that only trailer tires be used on trailers because they have stiffer sidewalls which do a better job dealing with the vertical load tires experience…

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Answer 9

The Timbren Trailer Suspension Enhancement System Light-Duty Trailers 1,000 lbs #TTRA1702 will be a great help in reducing body roll and helping dampen the bounce. Based on your measurements this will immediately take on load and stabilizing while…

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Answer 10

The Timbren #TTRA1032 is a great help to a trailer. For your small trailer you will want the Timbren Trailer Suspension Enhancement System Light-Duty Trailers 1,000 lbs #TTRA1702. It sounds like this is exactly what you are seeking.

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Answer 11

You'd be a good candidate for the Timbren kit part #A12RS440 which is an axle-"less" kit that attaches to the trailer frame directly. I attached a picture that shows how it attaches to a trailer frame. It wouldn't require you to…

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Answer 12

Thank you for providing the specs for the suspension components that you already have. Correct hanger spacing really depends on the components being used such as springs, hangers and equalizers. Most of the hanger spacing dimensions that we have are…

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