Brand New Gooseneck Horse Trailer Jerks While Towing with Ford F-250 Super Duty

Published 01/22/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(6643)

$156.06

Convert-A-Ball Multi-Cushioned Gooseneck Trailer Coupler - Round - 30,000 lbs

(57)

$261.04

Question:

We just bought a brand new trailers USA trailer straight from the factory. It is a two horse straight load gooseneck. Empty weight is 4420#. we are pulling with a Ford F-250 super duty XLT SCSB. The truck 200k miles on it but has never given us any issues. When towing empty, we get a push/pull feel in the truck when we get between 40-60 miles an hour. It does not matter if you are coasting, trying to go faster, or trying to go slower, it will jerk. This is translating to a bumpy ride in the trailer which is not safe for the horses. Ive had trailer brakes checked out and all electrical checked out. It even bucks when the trailer is completely unplugged. Please help.

asked by: Tegan

Expert Reply:

It sounds like 1 of 3 things. First, you might be experiencing some sway type of issue caused by wind or wind resistance, sort of like turbulence in an airplane. One thing that can help with that somewhat (though it probably won't completely eliminate it) is to use a cushioned gooseneck coupler such as # CG. The cushioning will absorb some of that movement.

Another possibility is that something is misaligned on the trailer. But given that it is new this seems unlikely. You could have the suspension and running gear inspected to be sure.

You mentioned this happens when empty. The issue could be related to that if it only happens when empty. The trailer will have very little tongue weight at the front. This makes the trailer more susceptible to a sway event and the ride will be rougher since the suspension is not compressed at all. It could be that as soon as you get enough weight in the trailer, the problem will stop.

expert reply by: Michael H