26bhs unstable when towing

Discuss Autumn Ridge full-featured, yet affordable, travel trailers.
Spartus
Posts: 2
Joined: August 10th, 2021, 10:59 pm

Re: 26bhs unstable when towing

Post by Spartus » August 12th, 2021, 11:29 pm

Similar issue with my 2020 26BHS. My TV is a 2009 Silverado Crew Cab with 1000lb overload springs. The rear still squats 1.5” and the weight distribution is adjusted to bring the front back down to within 1/4” of where it was. I’m using a Curt 10k/1k setup with DUAL friction sway control. It’s a joy to haul until I get passed by a truck or Semi, or a blast of wind. Then I’m white knuckling the steering wheel while trying to recover from being pushed over by what feels like 1 foot.

I spent $1200 on some load range E Tires hoping that would help, but made no difference. So went back to factory spec Michelin’s. My next step is to install a Reese Staight Line with active sway control on my next trip in several weeks. Also, all tires on truck and trailer are at MAX psi.

If the straight line doesn’t help all I can think of next is a 3/4 ton to tow my 5800lb trailer. Kinda ridiculous if you ask me.

Spartus
Posts: 2
Joined: August 10th, 2021, 10:59 pm

Re: 26bhs unstable when towing

Post by Spartus » August 12th, 2021, 11:25 pm

Similar issue with my 2020 26BHS. My TV is a 2009 Silverado Crew Cab with 1000lb overload springs. The rear still squats 1.5” and the weight distribution is adjusted to bring the front back down to within 1/4” of where it was. I’m using a Curt 10k/1k setup with DUAL friction sway control. It’s a joy to haul until I get passed by a truck or Semi, or a blast of wind. Then I’m white knuckling the steering wheel while trying to recover from being pushed over by what feels like 1 foot.

I spent $1200 on some load range E Tires hoping that would help, but made no difference. So went back to factory spec Michelin’s. My next step is to install a Reese Staight Line with active sway control on my next trip in several weeks. Also, all tires on truck and trailer are at MAX psi.

If the straight line doesn’t help all I can think of next is a 3/4 ton to tow my 5800lb trailer. Kinda ridiculous if you ask me.

cattzap
Posts: 65
Joined: May 14th, 2018, 11:22 am

Re: 26bhs unstable when towing

Post by cattzap » May 16th, 2018, 5:21 pm

Also, every Ram 1500 I've ever seen has been squishy soft on the rear end

cattzap
Posts: 65
Joined: May 14th, 2018, 11:22 am

Re: 26bhs unstable when towing

Post by cattzap » May 16th, 2018, 5:20 pm

Any water in ant tanks can push your rug around. Try towing all empty

Dcm1379
Posts: 11
Joined: May 6th, 2018, 9:44 pm

Re: 26bhs unstable when towing

Post by Dcm1379 » May 16th, 2018, 3:15 pm

Lots of weight on the front TW is about 840lbs and the trailer is about 6500 lbs with the gear but tanks empty. FW tank is in front of axle and will add another 400# to the weight how much of that will go to the tongue not sure but I try to tow near empty tanks.
As for the tires yes they are inflated to the ratings on the tire.
2017 Ram 1500 Quad Cab 4X4 5.7 L Hemi
2018 Starcraft Autumn Ridge Outfitter 26BHS
Nothing better then an evening by the campfire.

cattzap
Posts: 65
Joined: May 14th, 2018, 11:22 am

Re: 26bhs unstable when towing

Post by cattzap » May 14th, 2018, 5:00 pm

Pay attention to how your loading it. move some weight forward. Also double check that your tires are fully inflated.

Dcm1379
Posts: 11
Joined: May 6th, 2018, 9:44 pm

Re: 26bhs unstable when towing

Post by Dcm1379 » May 11th, 2018, 9:50 pm

Just out of curiosity what kind / brand of hitch do you use? Mine is a Husky round bar with the side sway control bars.
2017 Ram 1500 Quad Cab 4X4 5.7 L Hemi
2018 Starcraft Autumn Ridge Outfitter 26BHS
Nothing better then an evening by the campfire.

User avatar
GaryG
Posts: 188
Joined: July 24th, 2016, 5:25 pm

Re: 26bhs unstable when towing

Post by GaryG » May 10th, 2018, 2:12 am

Interesting, that's about 65mph. I have had my trailer at 75mph a few times when it just creeped up on me and I had no wag what so ever. I never even thought about my factory tires not being rated for that speed. I typically drive about 65mph even when the speed limit here in Idaho on the interstate is 80mph! Hope you get it resolved. Thanks for sharing this information with the forum.
2016 Starcraft 26 BHS Launch Ultra Lite - Gary from Boise, Idaho

Dcm1379
Posts: 11
Joined: May 6th, 2018, 9:44 pm

Re: 26bhs unstable when towing

Post by Dcm1379 » May 9th, 2018, 1:47 pm

Well Gary glad to hear yours toes great, I will say since the proper WD hitch bars were put on it does tow quite a bit nicer but still has the wag in it as you go down the road.
Talked to the dealer about it and they said if it only happens over 100 km then don't drive that fast stay below that. Besides the tires are not rated for high speeds, I told him if I can't drive down the 401 at 105km with my trailer because that's to fast for the tires then maybe that's the problem.
Not like I am trying to break any speed records at 105 km
2017 Ram 1500 Quad Cab 4X4 5.7 L Hemi
2018 Starcraft Autumn Ridge Outfitter 26BHS
Nothing better then an evening by the campfire.

User avatar
GaryG
Posts: 188
Joined: July 24th, 2016, 5:25 pm

Re: 26bhs unstable when towing

Post by GaryG » May 9th, 2018, 3:03 am

Interesting. I found that my 26bhs tows better than the previous TT (Salem cruise lite about the same length but no slide out) I towed and it even has a heavier dry weight. I have the sway bars as well. I tow it with my SUV and was amazed from the get go on how easy it towed and how well it traveled. I have a Curt hitch. I tow it with my 08 Cadillac SRX with the all wheel drive and the tow package. I'm at the max weight for towing but Cadillac just said, don't get in a hurry.

Just thought I'd post this to let you know.
2016 Starcraft 26 BHS Launch Ultra Lite - Gary from Boise, Idaho

Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 7 guests