trailer with boat sometimes jerks when moving

[daveywonder]

I have had this rig out four times or so this year, and when I'am towing her,...17 ft newman on 13" single axle trailer, she jerks at times, seemingly when I take off and hitting small bumps in the road. Is this normal? I have had outfits in the past and they did not jerk like this one does. I am worried that the 125 force is too heavy for this outfit. I am adding 6 to 8 inches to the tonque, as I slightly jack-knifed her backing her up the other day and bentt the tonque a couple of inches. When I turned the corners, the bow almost touches the corner of the truck. This is the reason I want to extend her abit. However, I'am worried this will add even more weight to the rear and make the jerking effect worse... Pls. advise me with your experience in this area...tks. daveywonder

 

[smokeonthewater]

Sounds like you need a bigger trailer.

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

What's the weight of the boat and trailer as towed and what's the tongue weight?

 

[64osby]

pictures might help.

Does the trailer have brakes, what type?

Is the tongue weight 10 - 15%

 

[tpenfield]

I would measure and adjust the tongue weight first and see how it goes.

 

[alldodge]

Agree pics are needed. With jerking from taking off and bumps my first thought it something is loose/broken with the axle, springs or hardware

 

[wrench 3]

The axle and suspension assembly of the trailer should be adjustable on the trailer frame. slide the axle back to increase the tongue weight. You should have about 10% of the total weight on the hitch.

 

[superbenk]

Does the trailer have surge brakes? If so check the brake fluid level in your master cylinder. If it's low, fill it, bleed the brakes & check for leaks.

 

[thumpar]

What are you towing with?

 

[daveywonder]

I have had this rig out four times or so this year, and when I'am towing her,...17 ft newman on 13" single axle trailer, she jerks at times, seemingly when I take off and hitting small bumps in the road. Is this normal? I have had outfits in the past and they did not jerk like this one does. I am worried that the 125 force is too heavy for this outfit. I am adding 6 to 8 inches to the tonque, as I slightly jack-knifed her backing her up the other day and bentt the tonque a couple of inches. When I turned the corners, the bow almost touches the corner of the truck. This is the reason I want to extend her abit. However, I'am worried this will add even more weight to the rear and make the jerking effect worse... Pls. advise me with your experience in this area...tks. daveywonder

Got the tonque extended 8 ", and all is riding smoother now. The jerking effect however is not as bad, but there.. suppose that's the way it is...tks. for the help..all of you...daveywonder As for the weight, I was able to move the wenching bar forward and adjust the front roller, thus putting the boat more forward on the trailer.....

 

[tpenfield]

Glad to hear you got rid of that jerk . . .