Troubleshooting Trailer Bounce on a Fifth Wheel Trailer

Published 04/21/2015

Question:

I have a 2000 Featherlite Goose neck trailer with 7,500lb axles that has a bounce in it. The trailer will bounce between 23-30mph and then go away. Or at least what I can feel. It seems to hop or bounce as if it were on springs. I have new Gas shocks on my 2007 GMC3500HD and new 14ply radial tires on the trailer. I have pulled the trailer with a friends truck and the bounce is the same. Any ideas? Any suggestions would be wonderful. Thanks so much!

asked by: Steve H

Expert Reply:

First thing I would check is that the trailer is being towed as level as possible. Typically the problem of trailer bounce is due to a major problem with the trailer's suspension. I would recommend you go over the suspension of the trailer looking for any worn components and repair as needed.

Do the trailer's tires look to be wearing evenly? Check to see if there is any strange wear on the tires. Typically suspension problems will cause trailer tires to wear strangely.

expert reply by: Jameson C