Question: Towing/ Jerking.

[DC runner]

Hey,
So, haven't towed in years and I am towing a uhaul 6x12 to move. My runner is a v8 and pulls it fine, but I noticed on the way back from the uhaul that it is jerking or bucking a bit. Is this normal with an empty trailer? Should I air down the tires? Or wait till it is full?

Totally normal? Not?

Suggestions, hints? it is a longish haul. 600 miles from D.C. to TN, so any tips or suggestions? I once towed often, but it has been awhile.

 

[d2huffman]

Don't air down your tires - you will want them at or above 32psi - if D load range probably 34. The bucking is pretty normal - if the trailer has a back system built into the hitch that will cause or just from the bounce of the empty trailer. You will probably get some bucking when loaded also under certain conditions.
Recommendations:
watch your speed and give yourself extra stopping distance
do a little testing of braking effort needed when loaded so you are not surprised
watch your tach and shift down to avoid lugging or searching of 4-D
shift dn to 4 on hills - also good for slowing on down hills
have a safe move

 

[alex56]

Most larger trailers have systems where when you push on your brakes or slow speed not knowing it, the toung compresses and engages the brakes of the trailer to slow down with the vehicle.. I get the same jerk thing your talking about all the time towing our boat around

 

[shootersanks]

I used a 6x12 uhaul trailer last summer when I moved and what you are seeing with the herky-jerkyness is totally normal with the empty trailer. My trailer towed much better once I loaded it down. I saw it totally normal. Unfortunately I don't have a solution for you besides to put some weight back there. Good luck on the haul

 

[Acidmeld]

I used a 6x12 uhaul trailer last summer when I moved and what you are seeing with the herky-jerkyness is totally normal with the empty trailer. My trailer towed much better once I loaded it down. I saw it totally normal. Unfortunately I don't have a solution for you besides to put some weight back there. Good luck on the haul

+1 Trailer brakes are designed to stop the weight of a full load. The brakes will grab harder when the trailer is empty.

 

[snowbrdr033]

I towed the same trailer 6x12 a month ago with my V8, 2WD and had no issues at all. I did notice it was different when pulling it empty and it does have the shocks on the trailer which helps absorb the weight & pull when braking. I wouldn't worry about it though.
I was doing 70-80mph when driving down fully loaded and couldn't even tell that it was on there. Easy drive and you won't have any issues!

 

[DC runner]

I wanted to update this:

1. Good call on the loaded vs. unloaded. As soon as it was loaded, was much, much smoother. Guess the shocks and tongue system are all built around full weight, so it is jerky for unloaded.


2. The Truck hauled amazingly well. I managed 65-70 with 0 sway. I am sure I could have gone faster, but I erred on the side of caution. While I did get horrid MPG (11.8 average. 9.1 when hauling up some steep hills. Moving to E. TN), that engine just hauled ass. It never seemed the struggle. I don't think I even passed 3k RPM but a few times to pass on the freeway.

Great V8 and I can now attest that a fully loaded 6x12 uhaul trailer is nothing...