• If you currently own, previously owned or want to own an Avalanche, we welcome you to become a member today. Membership is FREE, register now!

Sway issues

edh19

Full Member
Joined
Jul 15, 2006
Messages
83
I have a 2006 2500 avy and I tow a keystone cougar 35 ft tt . I tend to get pushed around on highways by crosswind and big rigs I also use the Hensley arrow which I keep the sway struts tight . I just can't figure out why I'm getting moved around when rigs pass me it's like the avy is rotating on chassis . I also feel when a rig moves in front of me the front end moves side to side from his turbulent air
 
That's a pretty big trailer, have you done any modification to the 2500.

What tires are on the truck.
 
Yes a 35 footer is going to have issues no mater what's towing it. Good tires with a stiff side wall, upgrade the front sway bar and add a rear if you haven't already and last good shocks...
 
I'm not familiar with that hitch.  My trailer is a 2014 passport Ultra Lite Elite 31RE with an overall length of 35' 6200 lbs empty and i'm using a friction type sway bar.
I haven't had any issues, yet.  Driven mostly on two lane roads at 55 mph, no open areas though.
 
The week link is the factory hitch on the 2500's, mine was a Class V and I didn't have any issues but I upgraded it anyway.  Some of the them came with Class IV's so check yours you may want to upgrade it. Cost is not too bad $200-$250..

Either of these are rated for more than a 2500 is legally allowed to tow.. I have the The Reese Titan/Tow Beast and I think MS03 2500 has the same.. Way more solid than the stock hitch..

http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2006_Chevrolet_Suburban.htm?style=&furl=-pt-Class_V
 
Yep I went with the Reese 45013

http://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Chevrolet/Suburban/2003/45013.html?vehicleid=20035851
 
I upgraded the stock hitch to a curt  class v I have Michelin ms 2 lt . I also installed rear sway bar but didn't upgrade the front one yet . I installed the roadmaster active suspension. I installed new shocks but not the Bilstien 5100 I installed factory shocks
 
Sounds like you've done most all you can do..

But like I said earlier a 35 foot trailer is going to be a handful with any rig in a crosswind..



Oh and thanks for telling us all you already upgraded so we could waist our time trying to help you.. Don't mean to be harsh but, just saying..
 
I'll add a few things you may want to consider.

Consider adding a extra 10 psi to the tires when towing, I have LT265 LTX ms2 and run around 42-45 psi unloaded then I up them to 55-60 when towing . Now my max psi is 80 I newer get that high, but when towing it helps a lot with the swaying.

Now Hensley hitches, the one a had seems to try to lock the trailer to the truck(when you have 35 feet of trailer it usually wins) so I opted for a Reese 66075 it's a friction type and feels more of a progressive sway control.

Does the keystone have the ability to be lowered when being towed, I have seen some that you can do that.

As Randy said you are never stop it totally, but these are a few things I learned with my 34 footer.

 
I appreciate all advice you guys give . Sorry I didn't list all upgrades I'm just frustrated with how it tows. Love this site
 
No problem.. The other area that would cause handling issues is in the front end like tie rods, idler arm, pitman arm, ball joints control arm bushings.

If you have over 100k any or all of those can contribute to a loose front end and can amplify the movement from the rear making you have to work the steering wheel back and forth trying to keep it steady...
 
And we know how to cure that LOL Supersteer

I was trying to do baby steps
 
Spacers can probably help you too, by making the track wider.  I've been running the 2" bolt-on 6061 ones since I bought the truck in..  2009 I think?  Looks better, handles better.
 
And Hummer H2 wheels which are 8.5 inches wide helps also.
 
MS03 2500 said:
And Hummer H2 wheels which are 8.5 inches wide helps also.

yeah.  In the summer I run 20x9's with a 275/55 tire.  That helps stability quite a bit by reducing sidewall flex/sway.
 
Back
Top