Tips for Reducing Harmonic Bouncing While Towing with Weight Distribution

Updated 11/23/2015 | Published 11/22/2015

Question:

I tow a 5000 lb travel trailer with a Chevy trailblazer LS 2wd 5.3L v8, using weight distribution so that the trailer and the tow vehicle are level. I have towed this rig around 45,000 miles. However, when I am in, say, North Dakota with uneven concrete slab roadways, I get a very worrisome harmonic bouncing. I also get harmonic bouncing crossing long concrete bridges. By harmonic bouncing I mean regular up and down motion of the rear of the vehicle induced by the roadway. On every other type of road I have no problems. Would the installation of the GMRETB curtail this type of road-induced bounce?

asked by: Greg G

Expert Reply:

A couple things that can contribute to harmonic bouncing are improper tire type and improper tongue weight.

You will want to be using LT tires as they have stiffer sidewalls which are better for towing than P rated tires.

Also, be sure that your tongue weight is between 10-15 percent of the total trailer weight. You may need to move cargo around in your trailer to accomplish this.

Lastly you will want to verify that your WD system is setup properly.

expert reply by: Jameson C