Will Using Air Bags on a Chevy Express Van Stop a Trailer from Chucking

Published 06/14/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle

(1944)

$483.99

Blue Ox Hitch Receiver Immobilizer II - 2" Hitches

(480)

$69.08

Question:

I have a Chevy Express 2500 Extended van with Quigley 4WD. I am pulling a 8600 lb. travel trailer with a 940lb tongue weight, weight distribution hitch with 4 point anti sway. I am not experiencing sway, I am not experiencing bounce that hits the bumpstops. Rather, we get chucking which is a rapid two times per second? forward and backward oscillation that shakes the whole vehicle- this occurs without regard to speed, accelleration or braking. The RV tech suggested air bags like this. Will that take care of my chucking?

asked by: George F

Expert Reply:

Air bags like # AL57205 are not going to stop trailer chucking. They are for vertical support of a vehicle and vehicle stability. Does your trailer have a surge coupler by any chance? If so then the shock in it probably needs to be replaced.

If it is not a surge coupler then I recommend using a cushioned ball mount. I have included a link to the cushioned ball mounts we offer. These ball mounts have a polyurethane interior that acts like a shock and will help.

You also might be experiencing rattle which happens because the ball mount shank is slightly smaller than the hitch receiver opening. Using the Hitch Immobilizer # BX88224 for 2 inch hitches takes out vertical and horizontal play.

And it goes without saying but make sure the coupler is fully latched on the ball and that the ball size is the right size for the coupler.

expert reply by: Michael H