Empty Trailer Bouncing

Put the boat back on it!

74Wind wrote: For what it may be worth. many times I've towed the trailer for my Century empty behind our Honda Pilot and it always rode just fine. Recently towed it empty behind our Ford Ranger Edge V6 and it bounced around terribly. Rather than over-analyzing it, I just decided to not use the ranger, but have wondered why the difference might occur........

When your used to a Honda, a ford will make anybody a little bucky

Both my 79 SN trailer and my dads dual axel road king trailer for his 22foot Boston whaler bounce when unloaded. They tend to be very bounce without a couple 1000 pound boat missing.

john b wrote: 74Wind wrote: For what it may be worth. many times I've towed the trailer for my Century empty behind our Honda Pilot and it always rode just fine. Recently towed it empty behind our Ford Ranger Edge V6 and it bounced around terribly. Rather than over-analyzing it, I just decided to not use the ranger, but have wondered why the difference might occur........ Do you tow the Century with a Honda Pilot? My friend towed my willys on an aluminum trailer for me, it made it about 350 miles of a 400 mile trip before the trans blew. It was still under warranty though so no real harm. He has since sold it.

Yes. The AWD Pilot has 4500 lb. towing capacity and tows both my boats with relative ease.

8122pbrainard wrote: 74Wind wrote: For what it may be worth. many times I've towed the trailer for my Century empty behind our Honda Pilot and it always rode just fine. Recently towed it empty behind our Ford Ranger Edge V6 and it bounced around terribly. Rather than over-analyzing it, I just decided to not use the ranger, but have wondered why the difference might occur........ Are the ball heights different between the two vehicles? The level of the trailer frame may make the difference?

Me and Reidp were swaping empty trailer towing stories just yesterday yesterday. Both of us have experienced shaking apart empty trailers on long trips, guide poles can break, bunks shake loose, etc.   Perhaps lowering the air pressure would be a resonable solution to implement. Until someone proves that out.. be careful pulling a trailer long distances, I would personally consider running a strap between the guide poles if you are going a real long ways.

I've had it happen with several trailers and wondered if the tires could be out of round due to sitting on them without moving for entended periods of time. Lower air pressure sounds kike a good idea.

Although every time I have bought trailer tires I have been told that balancing them is unnecessary, I always have mine balanced. I have found that it makes a difference when the trailer is loaded, judging by the vibration that is visible on parts like guide posts and fenders, but it can really make a difference when the trailer is empty. It doesn't cure the bouncing after a big bump, but it eliminates the violent shaking at speed. If you have ever ridden in a car with bad shocks and an out of balance wheel you know what I mean. Most trailers don't have the benefit of shocks.

8122pbrainard wrote: 74Wind wrote: For what it may be worth. many times I've towed the trailer for my Century empty behind our Honda Pilot and it always rode just fine. Recently towed it empty behind our Ford Ranger Edge V6 and it bounced around terribly. Rather than over-analyzing it, I just decided to not use the ranger, but have wondered why the difference might occur........ Are the ball heights different between the two vehicles? The level of the trailer frame may make the difference?

Slight height difference but not much. Doesn't really matter, Ranger has 185,000 miles so it's not like I use it as a regular tow vehicle. In fact, I never tow my boats anywhere, so why did I join this thread anyway???

Try lowering the tyre pressure to 28 or so PSI.

Make surE ethe tyres are properly balanced.