Last Updated on October 14, 2022 by Douglas
There are many factors that contribute to trailer porpoising, but the most common is the trailer’s weight distribution. The weight should be distributed evenly for a smooth ride and for safety reasons.
It is important to make sure that your trailer’s hitch is properly connected and secured. You can also use a sway control device, which will help reduce the risk of porpoising. You can also adjust your suspension system so that it better absorbs the bumps in the road and keeps your trailer level.
What causes porpoising in a trailer?
Porpoising (bouncing like you described) and sway are both commonly caused by the same thing when towing and that is not enough tongue weight for the trailer relative to the total amount of weight the trailer weighs.[1]
What is RV Porpoising?
Porpoising is front to rear bounce; the front hits a bump, then the rear hits the bump, and they both bounce independently of each other, creating an oscillating motion. If the problem is severe enough, it can feel like you’re going to pull the wheels off the ground.[2]
What causes a 5th wheel to porpoise?
The main reason for porpoising when towing a fifth wheel trailer is too low of pin weight in the trailer. If there’s a way you could increase your pin weight by moving the weight in the trailer forward you should see the porpoising decrease.[3]
What causes sway?
Remember that trailer sway and whipping are considered combination disturbances, which also include improper handling of the trailer and tow vehicle, over-steering, and other deviations of the trailer or tow vehicle from their intended path due to causes such as improper loading, excessive speeds, cross winds, passing …[4]
How do you stop an RV from bouncing while driving?
Reduce the Tire Pressure Lowering tire pressure can make for a smoother ride. A general rule of thumb is to reduce your pressure by half to tow an empty trailer. However, the pounds per square inch needed are dependent on the tire size, trailer weight and whether the tire is a vehicle or trailer tire.[5]
How do I stop my car Porpoising?
By running a car higher off the ground you can prevent porpoising, but it also means you’ll create less downforce. With less downforce, your car will be slower.[6]
How do you reduce bounce when towing?
You can try shifting some weight in the trailer forward to add some tongue weight and that would help eliminate some of the bounce you are experiencing. Also, make sure you are towing it as level as possible. You may need a different ball mount.[7]
What is it called when a trailer starts to sway?
Trailer sway occurs when the side forces on the trailer cause the trailer to move side to side behind the tow vehicle. We call it “fishtailing.” Two factors are involved here: (1) the side forces on the travel trailer and (2) the location and type of pivot point that the trailer is linked to.[8]
Why does my travel trailer sway so much?
Wind is the most common cause of trailer sway. When there is a strong force pushing your trailer from one side or the other, it can cause it to sway from side to side. This is usually the result of strong gusts of wind or passing a high-profile vehicle such as an 18 wheeler who is traveling at high speeds.[9]
How do you reduce sway on a travel trailer?
Gradually reduce speed when experiencing trailer sway–do not slam on the brakes. Steady the steering wheel–do not make sudden turns, and do not try to steer out of a sway situation. Do not increase speed, since higher speeds make trailer sway more severe. Apply only the trailer brakes to help reduce sway.[10]
Why does my travel trailer bounce when parked?
The Ground Isn’t Solid Another reason why your travel trailer or fifth wheel might be rocking is because of the surface you are parked on. It doesn’t take much for an RV to rock around, and having your rig parked on anything other than flat, level asphalt or cement can leave much to be desired.[11]
Why does my camper shake so much?
You may be asking yourself, why is my travel trailer shaking? The answer could be many reasons, including that you aren’t parked on a level surface, your trailer is unevenly weighted, you may need wheel chocks and stabilizers, or there are simply people walking around inside the travel trailer![12]