Trailer Wobble

Andy · 29 March 2004, 20:32

I moved my boat back on the trailer by 2 feet as the nose was really heavy. Its now lots better, but the trailer now wobbles at 60mph from side to side. Very disturbing. I assume this is a direct result of moving the weight.

Do people agree that a light trailer nose causes wobble.

Richard B · 29 March 2004, 20:36

Yes, that or too many Stellas before setting out

Hightower · 29 March 2004, 20:48

In your cars handbook it should state recommended nose weights for trailers, mine is 50-80kg. Experiment within your cars recommended range to start with, maybe moving the spare futher forward would help!

Suzuki416 · 29 March 2004, 20:51

Andy,

How heavy was too heavy?

Remember this whilst towing,

The tail wags the dog!

Pete

Rogue Wave · 30 March 2004, 06:22

Quote:

Originally posted by Suzuki416

Remember this whilst towing,

The tail wags the dog!

Pete

Aint that a fact!

MeMe · 30 March 2004, 07:00

your speed the wobble WILL stop. I know that's not the answer you want however, it's a handy tip for anyone towing. I was taught and had demonstrated that this is how you stop a wobble. Most people would either brake or slow down which, only causes both the car and item being towed to lose control.

John Kennett · 30 March 2004, 09:57

Hmm. I certainly wouldn't advise that!

A correctly loaded trailer, suitable for the job, should not sway dangerously. If it does start then the best course of action is to slow down by just keeping yout feet off all the pedals. I do agree with not braking though!

If you accelerate it may (or may not) cure the sway, but you've still got to get back through the swaying speed when you decelerate. If accelerating doesn't cure the sway it can rapidly get out of control as the movements get bigger and the speed increases.

John

Nickytynick · 30 March 2004, 10:06

A light trailer nose will definitely cause 'wobble'
I would try moving the boat forward again.
Only a foot or so this time.

What car are you towing it with Andy?

Nick

Red Fox · 30 March 2004, 10:21

Agree with JK. If the caravan ever starts doing this I always reduce speed but not by braking. The nose weight must be right for the car. Get it sorted or you might live to regret it or maybe you wont!

Richard B · 30 March 2004, 10:30

I tried the "speed up" technique once.

Never again!

I ended up snaking over both lanes of the dual carriageway and nearly took the back end off the car. Lucky there was no traffic near me (certainly wasn't once they saw me snaking around!)

Problem at that point was a loose wheel on the (horsebox) trailer.

Thing is, you never really know what's caused the wobble - minor handling problem or a mechanical problem with the trailer.

Just slow down, then at least you'll have a problem at a lower speed, not a higher one.

DM · 30 March 2004, 10:36

Instead of moving the boats position on the trailer, try moving the axle back a few inches on the trailer frame.

DM

Bilge Rat · 30 March 2004, 10:39

Mathematics says there is a point where at a certain speed the hull of the boat will take on aerodymanic properties and fly, so if you can reach this speed then the boat would technically be planning behind you thus no wheels on the ground to cause a wobble

problem comes though when you come in for your landing or overtake police cars on the M3

Try explaining the physics of this one to the judge

Fast Rat

Richard B · 30 March 2004, 10:40

Chine walking along the M3?

MeMe · 30 March 2004, 11:00

comments, both my own and those after me, I decided to investigate this query in more detail.

The RAC offer decent advice as do a number of Caravan towing associations. In brief, they advise the driver should "Slow" as slowly as possible until the snaking effect disappears. However,"Do not Brake".

My advice was given many years ago whilst atending the "Fleet Show" at Silverstone, where in fact we were given a practical demonstration of a Volvo towing a caravan.

"butter and salt used to be bad for you" - Advice changes. I hope nobody crashed because mine was crap !

Graeme.

Bilge Rat · 30 March 2004, 11:09

MMMM

Quote:

Chine walking along the M3?

yep thought about this problem also, and worked out that this could be cunningly overcome with a mark 1 Capri spoiler bolted to the A frame.

Hey fastest my boat will ever go

Speed Rat

Richard B · 30 March 2004, 11:11

Quote:

Originally posted by MeMe
demonstration of a Volvo towing a caravan...

Just don't get me started...

Bilge Rat · 30 March 2004, 11:12

i also strongly suspect (though no data confirming this is available as this time) that a med style rib table might act almost as well as a mark 1 Capri spoiler if a mark 1 Capri spoiler is unatainable

Rat

Suzuki416 · 30 March 2004, 11:17

Quote:
If you accelerate it may (or may not) cure the sway, but you've still got to get back through the swaying speed when you decelerate.

This will work (tested!) but only on a very high power motorcycle whilst experiencing a 'tankslapper' - a similar effect, & not a family saloon towing something nearly the same weight behind it - you just CANNOT accelerate fast enough.

Easing off, & not touching the brakes is best. This will allow the trailer to ease back into line behind you - dropping 10-20 mph is usually enough to cure this.

Pete

Bilge Rat · 30 March 2004, 11:21

Now there's a thought.......towing a 6 metre boat behind a motor bike

Would make it a trike

Jono · 30 March 2004, 12:37

..Mmmm.. interesting concept Suzuki.. next time I experience a "tank slapper", I'll test your theory.. that's if I haven't been spit off high side as usual...normally I just clench my buttocks and pray....