Thoughts on handling.

[truck mechanic]

Well first run with my little tent trailer. Its a scamper 111c. 8ft long box and about 600lbs. dry. It runs tiny 8" wheels. I found towing this behind the Scout that most of the time it was just fine, but coming through NY city on Sunday I found that when you hit a good size bumb it would send the camper sideways and then I had fun trying to gain control again. My plans include larger tires. saomting like a 9.50 15. on 5 x5.5 wheels to match the scout bolt pattern. would the tires alon help this problem, or shoud I upgrade tha axle also with brakes and shocks? My thoughjt with the larger tires and lees air pressure should help, but not sure it would fix it all. Any thoughts from the experts?
Yhanx Paul

 

[Deleted member 9101]

Larger tires might not cure it alone..but they will definitely help.

 

[DrMoab]

how much tongue weight does it have?

In my experience, tongue weight is the single biggest factor when it comes to how a trailer tows.

Tires could be an issue, the design of the trailer is another.

I've pulled a few tent trailers over the years and a lot of them have seemed to have the exact problem you are describing. All of them were very light on the tongue though.

 

[truck mechanic]

I hear ya on the tounge wt, but I find thats tends to be more sway than bouncing off the road surface and ending up sideways behind the truck. I used a drop hitch and trailer was level, and had weight on the hitch. I did not have the propane tanks on for the run, I have nothing working inside that I needed them for. So tounge wt might have been down, but not that much if you where running with them empty. Maby Ill try putting them back on and see if it makes a difference.
Thanx Paul

 

[Bluffin]

Through a sway bar on it. It keeps the trailer from moving side to side. Helps with the large bumps and in windy conditions/wind from passing big rigs. I believe i paid around 30 for mine.

 

[truck mechanic]

Through a sway bar on it. It keeps the trailer from moving side to side. Helps with the large bumps and in windy conditions/wind from passing big rigs. I believe i paid around 30 for mine.

Good idear, and I have one in the shed!
Thanx Paul

 

[greentruck]

Even easier, pack the trailer with more weight toward the front. That could be all it is.