Cargo Trailer Pulls Up On Ball and Makes a Lot of Noise Over Bumps at highway Speed

Published 04/10/2012

Question:

Just got a new 7x14 dual axle trailer 7000gvw and on the way home it was pulling up on the ball and clunking on large bumps. Below 30 mph it was fine but at highway speeds I had the problem. Do I not have enough tongue weight or should I look at a wd hitch? Im pulling it with a 2010 jeep cherokee.

asked by: Jim E

Expert Reply:

It does sound like the tongue weight was not high enough. If a trailer is empty, you can experience some of these symptoms. The tongue weight of a trailer should be between 10 and 15 percent of the gross trailer weight. For example if your trailer was fully loaded and weight 7,000 pounds, the tongue weight should be between 700 and 1,050 pounds.

Proper loading of the trailer will also help. Heavier items should be centered at the bottom and you would not want one side carrying more weight than the other.

Also, make sure that the ball you are using is the right size for the coupler for a secure fit. Have your safety chains crossed beneath the trailer tongue so they can catch the tongue, should it come off the ball.

You may also need to look at the rise or drop of your ball mount because you want it to be as level as possible. I have included a link to an FAQ article that covers how to measure for rise or drop.

expert reply by: Michael H