buffetting sound while trailering

[Edge180]

The past two times we've trailered our boat to the lake there is a slight buffeting sound/ feeling felt in the car while towing. At first I thought it might be a window down in the car or something. Tire pressure came to mind as well. I have a single axle Sport Boat Trailer and they were at 40 and 43 psi. Can underinflation be a cause of that wierd buffetting/ off-harmonic sound/ feeling in the car?

 

[Philster]

Re: buffetting sound while trailering

Did your car's stance/attitude change when the trailer was hitched? If she sat nose up a bit, the normal smooth flow of air over the car is going to be disrupted and prone to buffeting.

I would say that is the leading suspect right now: Vehicle's nose was pointed up a bit.

It shouldn't. Too much tongue weight on the hitch/receiver.

 

[Edge180]

Re: buffetting sound while trailering

Good thought philster. However the stance does not change when hooking up. In fact I'm pretty sure my vehicle has auto air suspension adjusting for heavier loads.

My former tow vehicle (MBZ ML430) was shorter and less towing capacity by 2k.

 

[Edge180]

Re: buffetting sound while trailering

Tire shop thinks it could be a bulging tire. Belts are prolly stretched. Looking in the rear view mirror I can see the wobble. Trying a new tire Thursday.

 

[rgballard]

Re: buffetting sound while trailering

I too have one of my trailers that does this. Only after a long trip did I figure out that the tires were "pigeon toed" /-----\ It was really slight but enough to wear the tires slightly and create a hum through the trailer frame and into the car frame.