1970 Trails West Campster Rocking (not trailer sway) side to side when towing - Fiberglass RV
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Old 05-01-2016, 04:51 PM   #1
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Name: Kimberly
Trailer: 1970 Trails West Campster
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1970 Trails West Campster Rocking (not trailer sway) side to side when towing

My husband and I recently bought a 1970 Trails West Campster, we spent the last month fixing it up and finally took it out this weekend. For the most part the trip went well, the only problem was that the trailer rocks side to side as we are driving down the road. If we hit a dip or bump it would rock even worse. I have found a lot of information about trailer sway, but it does not seem like this is what is happening, no fish tailing luckily. I know it has leaf springs but we aren't sure if they need replacing, or if that would even help the issue. Any advice or other similar stories would be helpful. Thank you!!
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Old 05-01-2016, 04:55 PM   #2
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Does it have shock absorbers?
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Old 05-01-2016, 05:11 PM   #3
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It does not have shock absorbers
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Old 05-01-2016, 05:19 PM   #4
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1970 Trails West Campster Rocking (not trailer sway) side to side when towing

Here are a couple of previous discussions of a similar situation:
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...r-72371-2.html
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...ing-65987.html

I'd start with tires. How old are they, are they ST trailer tires, and are they inflated to the maximum pressure indicated on the sidewall?
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Old 05-01-2016, 05:19 PM   #5
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Make sure your tire pressure is correct. I would try towing with the tire pressure set at the maximum specification listed on the tire.
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Old 05-01-2016, 08:48 PM   #6
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It sounds like the tires are passenger car tires rather than ST (Special Trailer) tires, and under inflated. Tires with low pressure and old tires are a recipe for a blow out.
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Old 05-01-2016, 09:20 PM   #7
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It wouldn't hurt to look at the spring bushings on an older trailer; also the spring shackles and other suspension hardware. Sloppy suspension, sloppy ride.

Also, keep the load low in the trailer. The Campster isn't that tall, but keeping the center of gravity low might reduce the rocking.
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Old 05-01-2016, 10:44 PM   #8
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By 'rocking from side to side', do you mean swaying (sometimes referred to as fishtailing)? If that's the problem, try to move more weight forward of the axle, to get your tongue heavier. If you have too much weight in the back such as loading up bikes on the back bumper, etc), you can get trailer sway.
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Old 05-02-2016, 09:50 AM   #9
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Your problem may be caused by the tires. Have them checked by a tire professional. It is the tires or the wheels.

Tires could have ply separation, could be wrong type of tires for your trailer. Check the date code on tires (if over 5 years old replace them).

Out of balance wheels and/or tires could be causing the rocking motion when rolling.
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Old 05-02-2016, 10:35 AM   #10
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I think Uplander is correct. Also, Could the tires be out of round? Years ago they use to true up the round of the tire and I dont think they do it any more. Is there a possibility the tires are recaps?
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Old 05-02-2016, 10:53 AM   #11
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Are you towing the trailer slightly tongue down or level? Don't tow tongue up, it lightens the tongue weight and can contribute to sway.
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Old 06-05-2016, 07:14 PM   #12
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Name: Kimberly
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Problem solved!

Thank you all for the replies. The guy we bought it from said the tires were newer and they looked pretty good to our untrained eye but come to find out after some research they were from 2008 and were passenger car tires like a few of you had suggested. We just put new ST tires on her and wow what a difference!! Thanks again
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Old 06-06-2016, 06:48 AM   #13
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Great news! We love simple solutions. Happy camping!
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