79 trillium 4500 'bucking'

[gomerthetrillium]

Hi! I'm a newbie and just got my first trillium. On our drive home, it was 'bucking' at the hitch. We are driving a 2011 Jeep Liberty. It feels like it's going to fly off the ball. Added some weight to the front of the trailer. Helped a little. Any other recommendations? Leaving for a 4 month trip, next week.

Thanks!


Sent from my iPhone using Fiberglass RV

[DanSpeed]

Originally Posted by gomerthetrillium

It feels like it's going to fly off the ball.

Same problem for me last summer for my 1974 Trillium 1300 ...it was a frame problem ...may be not, for you.
Near the front mounting bolts.
Lots of bounce on the Hitch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEyj...ature=youtu.be

Inspect your frame.
May be it s another problem...

[Borrego Dave]

Originally Posted by gomerthetrillium

Hi! I'm a newbie and just got my first trillium. On our drive home, it was 'bucking' at the hitch. We are driving a 2011 Jeep Liberty. It feels like it's going to fly off the ball. Added some weight to the front of the trailer. Helped a little. Any other recommendations? Leaving for a 4 month trip, next week.

Thanks!


Sent from my iPhone using Fiberglass RV

Welcome to FGRV. You may have a frame crack as was noted but most bucking I've heard of is caused by a poorly loaded trailer. Is your trailer when hitched up and on level ground sitting level or a bit nose down ? You never want to have the nose up. You may have to change out the stinger to get the right height. Having the correct tongue wt is very important for a smooth tow, generally 10 -15% is what's called for. Also, is the ball size correct for the coupler or maybe the coupler may need to be tightened up a bit.
Others will be along soon with more for you.

[WildBirder]

I experienced the same thing on my first tow. The coupler needed to be loosened so the ball could be set inside properly. I then retightened the coupler.
It's a learning curve. These trailers tow pretty smooth. If it doesn't seem right, it probably isn't.

Take short test drives, pull over if there's an issue.

Oh yeah.. and welcome to the forum!
Lots of good advise here.


Sent from my iPhone using Fiberglass RV

[Martins HeirCon]

Hi, bamtech1 from IG. Glad you made it here!

I didn't even question ball size and coupler adjustment, more things to look at. If you can't find the answer here, I don't know where!


Sent from my iPhone using Fiberglass RV

[David Tilston]

I think that by the time they made the 4500's, they were putting the reinforcement plates on all trailers, so hopefully a cracked frame is not the problem.

I also suspect poor loading. Your tongue weight should be at least 200 lbs.

[Nadine Y.]

we have had experience with a Trillium 13' and a 4500. The 4500 always bucked no matter whether we loaded heavy in the front or what. We had none of those problems with our 13'. smooth ride all the way.
It seemed to us that they used the same frame for the 4500 as the 13' and it just made for a bucking good time! If the tongue was lengthened by 12" and the spare put on the front with the battery and tanks the tongue weight would be better. I really like the inside finish of the Trilliums over the other small fiberglass trailers.

[Uplander]

No one has asked if you have a weight distribution system for your rig.
If not get one....if you do have one then check adjustments on that.
New trailer plus new tow equals some trial and error adjustments.
Try all suggestions and inspections until you correct the issue....then...
Happy Camping!

[David Tilston]

Trillium recommends NOT using a weight distribution hitch. Apparently the frame is not strong enough.

[Roy in TO]

You can also check the axle to make sure it still has spring and shock capabilities left in the rubber. A torsion axle has no torsion properties if it is frozen.

[Larry Tenhage]

In addition to the frame / weight distribution problem, if the trailer tire pressure is too low / uneven, you could get swaying / other problems too.

[Paul O.]

Another cause of "bucking" could be tire pressure too low. I would make sure it is what the plate with the VIN says it should be, or to the max allowed for the tires you have. When I towed my (used) Scamp home the very first time, the tires were only 30psi and it was rough. Much better when I inflated them to what they should have been (45psi). I was a newbie, learning from scratch.
Forget about the weight distribution hitch, until you get more information.

[sharon_b]

my egg bucked the whole way home when I bought it. I got so scared I pulled over & did a walk-around to see what was wrong! filled it & the truck up with groceries & gear, took it on the first trip - it was a completely different animal. I hope your luck is same as mine!

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by Roy in TO

You can also check the axle to make sure it still has spring and shock capabilities left in the rubber. A torsion axle has no torsion properties if it is frozen.

I'm with Roy on this one. The difference between a worn out axle and a new axle on my Scamp was huge.. absolutely huge! If you try all the other suggestions from forum members and don't find a complete resolution, a new axle may be the solution.

Be safe

[gomerthetrillium]

Thanks all! I'm trying a bunch of these solutions. Will report back.

Also, the coupler is the original and is rusty and loose. I assume it should be a little loose so it can lock into place. But should I get that replaced? Could that cause this?

Steven

[Mike Magee]

Once it's locked onto the ball, it shouldn't be loose. There may be an adjustment on it. If not (or if it's too rusty to budge), a new one may be best.

[MC1]

I'm with Mike. Once you lock that coupler down it should be snug with no play.

[David Tilston]

Well, there often is some play between the receiver and the stinger. Which you can buy a clamp for.

[Martins HeirCon]

...but all of those are symptoms, not the cause. Any setup will rattle a little when unweighted, such as over bumps. Get it level and weight biased to the front first.


Sent from my iPhone using Fiberglass RV

[Larry Tenhage]

Is it possible that you're hooking up a 1 7/8" ball to a 2" receiver? I.E, is there too much play in the hitch? That would cause some rattling if not outright causing the trailer to detach itself.