Yesterday, my daughter was hauling a horse on the interstate in our Royal TC. A semi passed at a fast speed and the trailer fishtailed about 6 times. After that, even cars passing would result in sway. The horse was loaded on the left. It was raining. The trailer was being pulled by an F-150. Obviously, I do not want this to happen again. Any suggestions about what may have gone wrong? In the 5 years I’ve owned the trailer, I have never had this happen before.
Thanks,
Janina J.
My thoughts:
If this has not happened in the past it is likely that something changed about your rig (truck/trailer combination.
First guess is a low tire. Probably on the truck. I don't think one low tire on the trailer wound change much of how it trails but would increase your fuel consumption.
Second thought is worn shocks on the truck. Maybe on the trailer, but the truck would have greater affect.
Maybe something about how much weight you had in the truck bed could change something, but I doubt that.
If it had happened before I would ask you to check the height of the trailer hitch ball from the ground with 250# load in the back of the truck bed. It should be between 10 - 19" with the trailer empty. The trailer should look level, whether there is a horse in it or not. The horse weight is centered over the trailer axles. If the hitch is noticeably high or low (which could change it you had LOTS of weight in the truck, the trailer could 'wander' or swerve.
You're welcome. you could also drive the truck by its self and (not at high speed) turn the wheel side to side to see how bad the truck weaves. Maybe something in the steering is worn or loose.
Alternate: Tow a different trailer and see if there are any similar issues.
Do let me know if you find something. I have not received this question previously.
Travel safe!
Jeff Kurtz
570-401-4843
