Camper towing

[rwreuter]

Surface area?

 

[Gero]

Surface area?

Yes. The larger the trailer, the larger surface area of the side of the trailer and this can pick up huge gusts of wind causing a light duty truck to sway. You either need more truck (more mass) to handle that sway or a fifth wheel that puts 20-25% of the weight on the rear axle of the truck.

 

[2003F350]

Yes. The larger the trailer, the larger surface area of the side of the trailer and this can pick up huge gusts of wind causing a light duty truck to sway. You either need more truck (more mass) to handle that sway or a fifth wheel that puts 20-25% of the weight on the rear axle of the truck.

This right here is something a lot of people don't think about. It's not just about the weight.

Remember that when you hitch up to a trailer, especially a camper or enclosed trailer, you just basically added a massive sail behind you. It's going to catch wind from all directions, and if you don't have enough truck, it's going to push you around.

 

[Russell44]

This right here is something a lot of people don't think about. It's not just about the weight.

Remember that when you hitch up to a trailer, especially a camper or enclosed trailer, you just basically added a massive sail behind you. It's going to catch wind from all directions, and if you don't have enough truck, it's going to push you around.

That is very true....I have a 24 ft camper trailer and when there's wind its white knuckle time...for a 1/2 ton truck its ok but 3/4 ton will help a lot more ... Speaking from my experience