Re: Trailer's behavior

["Randall Howell" <rhowell@austin.rr.com>]

    Does this mean you'll would prefer me to become the "permanent trailer 
tow"?  (given that I can improve on my arrival times).  When I first offered to 
tow the trailer & continuing even after a few tows, It was commented to me 
that not many are willing to tow it (or at least it's not their first choice of club 
support).  I agree it's not the best trailer I've worked with. but not the worst 
either.  Yes our Family's 24 foot travel trailer handles better even on colorado 
mountain roads & west Texas cross winds, (all be that pretty close).   While 
the trailer is a bit of a wild spirit, It is not as bad when all the tires have full 
air.   Both the rear tires need replacing.  One side is worst at losing air in a 
day or so.  I have pulled it a number of recent times with out air in the rear 
tires.  I had to stay more attentive (less relaxing & just driving as before) and 
as a result I was more tired but was able to keep up with traffic on I35 or 183. 

   As I have not pulled it recently I can not attest to if it's getting worse or just 
low on air.   Loading configuration can make a lot of change in the handling  
only with the limited space & many items in the trailer there is no space to 
make these changes.  More effect can be applied to its handling with 
Changes in Tires, Tire Air pressure, Tire balancing,  axle & wheel placement 
(further back better for forward motion & separate the 2 axles some", & (Big 
Suggested one as it's a top heavy trailer>) a torsion bar or 2 & shocks.  Yes 
shocks, Big trailers (IE Tall get reduced "over steer" to the car when each 
side has shocks to help buffer the "tipping action created by wind from 
crosswinds & passing vehicles & trailers".  This too, when you slow down 
just a but,  you can be ok till some one passes you again, thus setting up a 
rythem of the trailer "swaying or fish-tailing".  Now your in the same boat & if 
you chose to slow down yet again with the next sway, it only gets worse.  
With a few adds to the trailers suspension It can survive the momentary push 
of the wind with out setting up a rythem. Then you an keep up with traffic 
resulting in less wind force in the first place.

All this cost money. but some less than others.
Just a thought....

Randall

On 9 Feb 04, at 7:28, Edward Weltens wrote:
> 
> I would like to have my open house Saturday, March 13th.
> I don't want to turn it into a big workday, but if we need to do something 
with the trailer that would be ok.  
> 
> Scott, did you check the air presssure in the tires?  I had to stop in San
> Marcos to add more air on the way down.  This added a lot of stability.  I
> thought I told everyone about that on Friday and Saturday.  The bad tire is 
the rear one on the drivers side.  It could explain the leaning to the left Ricky
> saw.
> 
> Ed
> 

On 9 Feb 04, at 1:50, Sbdolifka@aol.com wrote:
>  
> Scott,
> Yes, I was behind you and the trailer looked scary as hell!!!!  I bet you 
> were really exhausted by the time you got home.  I think we need another 
>cradle and put three corner mods on the other side for starters.  Ricky said 
>he thought the trailer leaned to left.  At times it seemed okay, even at 60 
>mph, but that never lasted very long.    Any imperfections in the road really 
>exacerbated the problem.  When you came to the bridge at Onion Creek, I 
>thought you were going to hit the guy next to you.  Sorry I couldn't stay 
>with you all the way, but Ricky had a meeting at Wm Cannon & Manchaca 
>at 7:00.
> 
> Rick & Ricky
> 

On 8 Feb 04, at 21:00, Scott A Smiley wrote:
> 
> I think that it was Rick behind me on the way home and I am sure he can
> attest that the trailer is a real bear to handle.  I tried to stay around
> 55 mph but still lost it several times.  The trailer starts swaying back
> and forth.  slowing down seems to let it recover.  We need to solve this
> soon.  Ideas are welcome.  We loaded some of the internal weight opposite
> the corners but maybe not enough.  Also tongue with could be an issue? 
> It can really pull the back end of a vehicle around and you just hope to
> stay in your lane.
> 
> Scott