[Codiac]

Originally Posted by tedstundra

I just towed my new 5th wheel with my 08 SR5 4X2 for the first time. It is relatively heavy, probably around 8500 lbs as towed. I installed air bags to accomodate the extra hitch weight. I have towed regular a TT before with no problems and was assured that the 5ver is a much easier tow. However, I experienced something new. A feeling the the truck was experiencing a surge from the trailer. I'm not sure how to explain. At first I thought it was the transmission shifting gears, but that proved to be not the case. It's as if the trailer is being buffeted by a regularly spaced headwind, which causes a the trailer to change its effective load on the truck. It is relatively evenly spaced phenom. Has any body had this experience, and if so, any explainations why and is there something I can do?

You sure your trailer brakes are working correctly?? Not sure what kind of brake controller you have if any but I would check this first.

Is your 5th wheel secure?? Make sure there are no loose bolts or slop in it at all.

I have had my trailer surge occasionally when the holding tanks were partially full and the water surged back and forth in them. There are no baffles in holding tanks so the water sloshing back and forth can cause a surge action. However you usually only feel this when running twisty roads or when you are slowing and speeding up due to terrain or traffic.

Just some thoughts I had. I have pulled every type of 5th wheel trailer there is and never had this issue. The air bags shouldn't be causing a surge.