Eliminating Camper Bounce: Tips For A Smoother Ride

If you're experiencing a bumpy ride while towing a camper, there could be several factors at play. One of the biggest concerns when towing is trailer bounce, which can range from unsettling to potentially damaging for your trailer and its contents. This phenomenon can be caused by underinflated tires, worn shocks, inappropriate shocks, improper load distribution, suspension damage, and more. To get the bounce out of your camper, you can try adjusting the weight distribution, reducing tire pressure, checking suspension ratings, and inspecting the trailer for any damage or rust. Additionally, consider upgrading your shocks or investing in a weight distribution hitch for improved stability and towing capacity.

Adjust the weight distribution hitch (WDH) bars

Adjusting the weight distribution hitch (WDH) bars is a critical step in ensuring a smooth and level ride when towing a trailer. Here are some detailed instructions on how to adjust the WDH bars:

Initial Measurement and Installation:

• Find the Setup Table: Refer to the technical manual that came with your WDH to find the setup table. This table includes a formula to calculate the acceptable range of measurements for adjusting your hitch. It is crucial to follow these guidelines to ensure safe towing.
• Take Initial Measurement: With your trailer and tow vehicle disconnected, measure the distance from the ground to the center of the axle, and up to the arch of the wheel well on the driver's side front tire. Record this measurement.
• Attach Trailer and Re-Measure: Lower the tongue weight of the trailer onto the hitch and latch the coupler. Don't connect the WDH yet. Re-measure at the same spot, and you should see an increase in height due to the trailer's weight.
• Calculate Difference: The difference between the two measurements is what the WDH will correct. This step helps prevent exceeding important trailer weight ratings, such as the gross axle weight ratings (GAWR).

Adjusting the WDH:

There are two main adjustment points: the lift chains and the tilt of the ball mount head.

Adjusting Lift Chains:

• Raise the Tongue: Raise the tongue of the trailer while it is still connected to your vehicle. Refer to your manual for the recommended amount.
• Remove Pin Brackets: Use the slide handle to swing the yoke hooks down, then remove the pin brackets.
• Adjust Chain Links: Adjust the number of chain links on both sides evenly. More chain links reduce upward force, while fewer links increase it. Ensure you have at least the minimum recommended number of links (usually five) for even leveling.
• Secure and Lower Tongue: Secure the yoke hooks with pins and lower the tongue.

Adjusting Tilt of Ball Mount Head:

• Detach Trailer: Place blocks on both sides of the trailer's wheels and safely detach the spring bars and lift chains. Uncouple the trailer from the tow vehicle.
• Loosen Top Bolt: With the trailer detached, remove the pin on the hitch head and loosen the top bolt of the hitch head assembly.
• Adjust Tilt: Add or remove washers on the spacer rod to adjust the tilt. Adding washers increases the tilt, transferring more weight to the front axle. Removing washers reduces the tilt and weight transfer.
• Re-attach and Re-measure: Reconnect the trailer, reattach the spring bars and lift chains, and take new measurements. Refer to the setup table to ensure you are within the acceptable range. Repeat adjustments if needed.

Remember to always follow the instructions in your WDH manual and ensure safe chocking of your trailer's wheels during adjustments to prevent accidental rolling.

Check air pressure in tyres

Checking your tyres' air pressure is an important step in ensuring your camper is safe to drive and reducing the risk of trailer bounce. Underinflated tyres are one of the biggest causes of trailer bounce.

To check your tyres' air pressure, start by consulting your vehicle handbook or checking the inside of the driver's side door to find the standard cold tyre inflation pressure. This number is the lowest PSI your tyres should be inflated to and is suggested by the vehicle manufacturer. For most smaller cars, the recommended PSI is in the range of 27 to 32, but can reach up to 40 or even 45. Larger vehicles such as trucks and SUVs will have a higher PSI, and the front and back tyres may need different pressures.

Next, you'll need to use a tyre pressure gauge to measure the pressure of your tyres. Remove the valve stem cap from the valve stem on the tyre, which is a small, pencil-sized extension near the hubcap. Press the air pressure gauge evenly onto the valve stem and record the reading. If you hear a hissing sound, the gauge may not be tight enough, so adjust the angle until the hissing stops. If you are using a digital gauge, you may need to press a button to get a reading.

Once you have the pressure reading, compare it to the recommended pressure in the vehicle handbook. If the pressure is too low, add air to the tyre using an air compressor. If it is too high, release some air by pushing in the valve. Make sure to replace the valve stem cap when you are done.

It is recommended to check your tyre pressure at least once a month, and before long trips. Tyres naturally lose air over time, so regular checks are important to ensure safety, extend tyre life, and improve fuel efficiency. You should also check your tyre pressure before towing, as heavy loads can put extra strain on your tyres.

Check shocks

Checking your camper's shocks is a simple process that can help you identify if they need replacing. Firstly, observe your camper from the front to ensure it is sitting level on a flat surface. If one side is lower than the other, this could be a sign of a damaged shock absorber.

Next, test the shock absorbers by placing your foot on the front bumper and pushing down, then quickly removing your foot. A good shock absorber should stop the camper from bouncing more than a couple of times. If it bounces repeatedly, the shock absorbers may be weak.

Another way to test the shocks is to push down on each corner of the camper a few times and then release. If the corner continues to bounce several times, the shock absorber is likely worn out.

You can also visually inspect the shock absorbers for any signs of leaks. Look for liquid running down the shock absorber, as this indicates a bad seal. Once the seals begin leaking, the shock absorber becomes ineffective and will need to be replaced.

It is important to note that shocks will not change the carrying capacity or weight rating of your camper. They are designed to handle a wide range of weights, but if your camper is overloaded or has a worn-out suspension, new shocks will not solve the problem.

If you suspect that your camper's shocks are worn out or not performing adequately, it is recommended to consult a professional for further evaluation and repair.

Check tongue weight

Checking tongue weight is essential to ensure safe towing of your camper and to prevent trailer bounce. Tongue weight refers to the downward force exerted by the tongue of your trailer on the hitch of your tow vehicle. This force should be checked and adjusted regularly to maintain a correct range. If the tongue weight is too heavy, it can make steering and controlling the tow vehicle difficult, and if it's too light, the trailer may sway. The ideal tongue weight is between 9% and 15% of the total trailer weight.

To measure tongue weight, you can use a tongue weight scale, a bathroom scale, or a vehicle scale. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

• Park your RV on a hard, level surface, such as a parking lot or driveway, and ensure it is fully loaded with all your camping gear.
• Use a tongue weight scale: Place the tongue weight scale under the trailer jack and lower the jack until it presses on the scale. Ensure the trailer is not pushed taller than its normal towing position. Detach the trailer from the truck and read the scale.
• Use a bathroom scale: This method is recommended for trailers weighing 3,000 lbs or less. Place a brick or block about one foot away from the coupler, perpendicular to the trailer. Place a bathroom scale two feet from the coupler, on the opposite side of the tongue. Adjust the heights of the brick and scale to match, using additional bricks or stacking items if needed. Place a pipe on the brick and another on the bathroom scale, oriented in the same direction as the trailer. Lay a 3.5-foot-long 4x4 beam across the tops of the pipes. Place a shorter 4x4 on top of the longer beam for the coupler to rest on. Zero out the scale and lower the trailer coupler until it rests directly on the shorter 4x4. Read the scale and multiply the weight by 3 to get your tongue weight.
• Use a vehicle scale: Weigh your vehicle without the trailer attached at a rest stop or local dump. Then, weigh your vehicle again with the trailer hooked up, ensuring the trailer wheels don't touch the scale. Subtract the weight of your vehicle alone from the weight of your vehicle with the trailer attached. The difference is the tongue weight.

By regularly checking and adjusting your tongue weight, you can help prevent trailer bounce and ensure a safer and more comfortable towing experience.

Check suspension ratings

Checking your suspension ratings is crucial to ensure a smooth and safe ride when towing a camper. Here are some detailed steps to help you check your suspension ratings:

• Understand Gross Trailer Weight (GTW): GTW refers to the total weight of the loaded trailer, including the weight of the trailer itself and the load you are carrying. It is essential to know the GTW of your camper to ensure it does not exceed the suspension rating.
• Locate the Suspension Rating: Every trailer has a suspension rating, which indicates the maximum weight the suspension can handle. This information can usually be found in the trailer's manual or specifications.
• Compare GTW to Suspension Rating: Compare the GTW of your camper to the suspension rating. Ensure that the GTW exceeds the suspension rating. This ensures that the trailer's weight compresses the springs, keeping it balanced and reducing rebound, resulting in a smoother ride.
• Consider a Weight Distribution Hitch: If your GTW is close to or exceeds the suspension rating, consider using a weight distribution hitch. This type of hitch helps distribute the weight more evenly, reducing bounce and improving stability, towing capacity, and reducing wear and tear on your vehicle's suspension and brakes.
• Regularly Inspect and Maintain Your Suspension: It is crucial to regularly inspect and maintain your suspension system. This includes checking for wear and tear, rust, and proper torque on fasteners. Ensure to refer to your trailer's maintenance guidelines for specific recommendations.
• Upgrade Suspension if Necessary: If you consistently tow heavy loads or notice signs of strain on your suspension, consider upgrading to a heavier-duty suspension system. Consult with a specialist to determine the best suspension upgrade options for your camper.

Remember, checking your suspension ratings and ensuring your GTW is appropriate for your suspension is crucial for a safe and comfortable towing experience. Taking the time to understand and maintain your suspension system will help prevent issues like trailer bounce and ensure a smoother journey.

Frequently asked questions