Tow rig brake/steering question.

[PondSkum]

OK, on my last trip to Marble Falls, on the way home, my truck was having some issues with stopping while pulling the trailer loaded with Jeep. I've never had these issues before now, so I'm trying to figure out what is the most likely cause, probly a wear item, or something out of adjustment.

When I have to stop quickly, the front wheels start to wobble a little bit. Almost like a death wobble, but it stops when I let off the brakes. So I'm wondering if this is actually a brake issue, or maybe a steering alignment issue? It is worse when I have to stop going downhill.

So what do you think? I haven't had the alignment done in a couple years, and I tow quite often with the truck. I have recently rotated and balanced tires. Brake pads look like they have plenty of wear left. Only 43,000 miles on truck with original brakes.

2006 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab 2wd w/4.7L

[BUTTY]

Front rotors have over heated and warped. You can have them turned if its not to bad.

[Admntiumx]

Second that! I can't count the rotors I went through driving on the Autobahn. I have also found that high heat can cause this. Not necessarily having warped rotors. A couple new pairs would over heat and cause the wobble. After they cooled of they were fine.


Sent from my IPhone 5

[PondSkum]

This seems to be the consensus...

I guess I will be looking into upgrading the brake system if I am to keep this truck for a while longer and use for towing... guess I need to bump that one to the top of the upgrade list.. LOL

[texasfrog]

I would look at the trailer,the load should stop itself. If your using the truck to stop the trailer it's a jackknife waiting to happen.

[Stouttrout]

I would look at the trailer,the load should stop itself. If your using the truck to stop the trailer it's a jackknife waiting to happen.

True to. Do you have brakes on the trailer? I had a car hauler once with no brakes. Was in the Ozarks and had a 17 year old girl pull out from a side road. I hit hard and looked back to see the trailer passing me up on her side. I was clear of her the trailer was not. I had to gas it and head towards a ditch and just missed her. I now have brakes on any trailer with 3500# tandems or more. Only to help with the jack knife.

[texasfrog]

I think the smart rule is;
If you tow a total weight of anything more than what you would haul in the bed of your truck, put some brakes on it.

[PondSkum]

I have brakes on the trailer, but my controller slowly applies the juice to them.. so in a quick stop, the truck takes the initial force...

regardless, it never did this before even pulling a trailer without brakes.. so something has changed on the truck for sure..

[texasfrog]

you have a time based controller then, the do make a Inertia type also.

[Stouttrout]

I have the Tekonsha P3. I have had it in 3 trucks now. Love it. It is very programmable. http://www.tekonsha.com/content/default.aspx