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Open Roads Forum > Travel Trailers > Small TT's

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Jack1776

oregon

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Posted: 06/30/22 02:08pm

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I bought a 2020 gulfstream vintage crusier single axle and towing it with my 2021 Ford 150. My queston is: Is it practical to upgrade the trailer suspension for a smoother ride and/or sway? and if so, what would someone recommend?

Thanks...Vincent

ford truck guy

Pennsylvania

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Posted: 06/30/22 02:33pm

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Jack1776 wrote:

Morryde - All Day Long - Morryde

Me-Her-the kids
2020 Ford F350 SD 6.7
2020 Redwood 3991RD Garnet

MFL

Midwest

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Posted: 06/30/22 02:43pm

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^Above is a good suggestion for better quality. IMO, a small single axle should tow just fine, behind a new F150.

Do you have enough tongue weight, say 12-13 percent? Are you towing the trailer level to slightly down in front? Are your trailer tires aired properly?

What is it doing, when towing, that you don't like?

Jerry

valhalla360

No paticular place.

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Posted: 06/30/22 02:53pm

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Sway is more likely about hitch weight. Try to get 12-15% of the trailer on the hitch (assuming the tow vehicle can handle it...if not you have a marginal tow vehicle)

A Weight Distributing Hitch with sway control incorporated will help if you are marginal but better to get the weight correct as sway control has limits.

As far as "smoother" ride, are you talking about the trailer bouncing up and down or side to side?

Tammy & Mike
Ford F250 V10
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ken56

Tennessee

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Posted: 06/30/22 04:11pm

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Being a single axle and not terribly heavy the most I would do is put in wet bolts with the bronze bushings. The nylon insert they put in at the spring connection bolt wear out fairly quickly and gets sloppy. Dexter has the bolts and bushings you can order online. Morryde is an excellent product but so is the price tag.

Lwiddis

Southern California :(

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Posted: 06/30/22 04:13pm

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When adjusting your tongue weight to the 12% to 15% ideal number, do not exceed your TV’s maximum hitch weight.

Winnebago 2101DS TT & 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 LTZ Z71, WindyNation 300 watt solar-Lossigy 200 AH Lithium battery. Prefer boondocking, USFS, COE, BLM, NPS, TVA, state camps. Bicyclist. 14 yr. Army -11B40 then 11A - (MOS 1542 & 1560) IOBC & IOAC grad

Jack1776

oregon

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Posted: 06/30/22 05:09pm

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I'm sorry I didn't make my self clear. I haven't experienced any significant problems, but my wife and I are planning an extended 3 to 6 month trip and wanted to be pro-active. I appreciate any feedback. Thanks again.

Lwiddis

Southern California :(

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Posted: 06/30/22 05:29pm

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IMO adjust before you leave…12 to 15% tongue weight.

JBarca

Radnor, Ohio, USA

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Posted: 06/30/22 05:58pm

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Jack1776 wrote:

Hi,

For a starter, does the camper have leaf springs, and if so, does it have shock absorbers? OR do you have a torsion (rubber ride) axle (no leaf springs)? If you do not know, post some pictures of the suspension.

Need to understand better what your camper has to start with, and what you are trying to fix and why? Smoother and sway was mentioned which seems to point to, you feel the ride is rough now, and you have some level of sway. But it seems you haven't experienced any significant problems, we need more to go on to give more practical answers.

Hope this helps

John

* This post was edited 06/30/22 06:05pm by JBarca *

John & Cindy

2005 Ford F350 Super Duty, 4x4; 6.8L V10 with 4.10
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theoldwizard1

SE MI

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Posted: 06/30/22 06:18pm

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Single axle trailers will always "buck"/"porpoise".

If you have tradition steel springs, a "twist" axle will help. Even better is a Timbren Axle-less suspension. It would likely require welding to beef up the frame. $,$$$. !!!