Need an Anti-Sway Hitch or Other Solution

[ryanO]

Try the 60/40 and see if it makes a difference.
60% of load in front of axle and 40% behind. Don't exceed tongue weight.
I don't think your bike should make that much difference unless they are heavy.
Take them off and see if it makes a difference.

I'd just recommend he gets a 1/2 ton truck. That camper is too much for the Ranger.

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[crawford]

it is on the edge and maybe over for a ranger depending on what else he has in the truck. he didn't say the payload from his door jamb or give more info on what else is in the truck so we can't know.

but he also says he tried towing it with his friend's f150 and had bad sway then too. sounds like too much weight in the back of the camper and he should try to move some weight to the front of the trailer and see what happens.

 

[Trimjb]

Trailer sway is all about the trailer weight distribution and proper tires. Doesn't matter the size of the truck as long as you are within the trailer GVWR and the truck GCWR. Even a smaller trailer will have the same issue if not loaded properly. Doesn't matter travel or utility trailer
However you could loose control with a lighter truck over a heaver one if you get a nasty "tail wagging the dog" or a heavy side wind. Brake controllers also need to be set properly so the trailer kicks in slightly before tow vehicle.
I much prefer 5th. Wheels for this reason but don't think you can find one for this size truck.

 

[ryanO]

it is on the edge and maybe over for a ranger depending on what else he has in the truck. he didn't say the payload from his door jamb or give more info on what else is in the truck so we can't know.

but he also says he tried towing it with his friend's f150 and had bad sway then too. sounds like too much weight in the back of the camper and he should try to move some weight to the front of the trailer and see what happens.

That Ranger has about 1400# of payload, a GVWR of 6170 and a GCWR of 12,745 (I have nearly the same one).

I can almost guarantee that if he measures the front area of his trailer it will be more than 55 sq ft which reduces the max towing capacity and adds to the unstableness.

 

[ryanO]

Trailer sway is all about the trailer weight distribution and proper tires. Doesn't matter the size of the truck as long as you are within the trailer GVWR and the truck GCWR. Even a smaller trailer will have the same issue if not loaded properly. Doesn't matter travel or utility trailer
However you could loose control with a lighter truck over a heaver one if you get a nasty "tail wagging the dog" or a heavy side wind. Brake controllers also need to be set properly so the trailer kicks in slightly before tow vehicle.
I much prefer 5th. Wheels for this reason but don't think you can find one for this size truck.

Agree but a 22' travel trailer is just too big for a mid-size truck too IMHO.

 

[Morningpride]

Agree but a 22' travel trailer is just too big for a mid-size truck too IMHO.

In this situation, I have to agree. We tow a 20ft single axle with a gvwr of 3800. Any bigger I would consider to big for the truck.

 

[ryanO]

In this situation, I have to agree. We tow a 20ft single axle with a gvwr of 3800. Any bigger I would consider to big for the truck.

The weight is one thing, its the fact these cheap travel trailers are boxes on cheap axels and wheels.
Tow a 5500 to 6000 lb flat deck trailer all day with a Ranger and it'll be fine. Heck, even a high quality off road trailer (Patriot Campers) that weighs 5000 lbs is fine. Its the cheap boxes on wheels that become problematic.

 

[tamitchener]

Have you actually run it across a scale? It is surely a tandem axle at that weight? I will be using an Equalizer hitch with the built-in sway control for our 3000lb 19' single axle unit, with none it wags the dog, not impossible without sway bars , but uncomfortable

 

[Bear376]

A lifetime of towing has made several things extremely true.
1. Anything over 12' should have two axles.
2. Keep your load as close to the center front as possible. Even light items on the rear, is a risk.
3. Sway is a problem of weight distribution, not total weight. Any trailer can be dangerous is it has too much weight in the rear. I have a 5'x8' utility trailer that is hazardous when unloaded because it has a large tailgate ramp. If it does not have a load, I have to remove the ramp and lay it on the floor up front.
4. Tires, tires, tires........ I have seen more grief from trailers caused by cheap tires. Manufacturers use tires that are barely adequate for bare dry loads. Then they source them from budget manufacturers (China).Pick your tires carefully, maintain inflation, frequently check lug nut torque and get tires rated for more than the heaviest load you will carry.
5. Contrary to my personal experiences, the tin foil hat bureaucrats have determined that you cannot tow without 4WD. My F150 was specifically selected for its towing ability and it has performed without flaw. Yet, I cannot legally tow a rented trailer of any size with it, but I can with the Ranger. BTW, both of them has the same engine.

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