Some toughts about tongue load problems.

[Zandro]

I notice from time to time that people pop in and complain about towing problems, squatting/sagging resulting in low front axle weight and steering problems. But when i first noticed what kind of tounge loads you operate with i didnt quite know what to make of it. 350/650 lb tounge load is a lot (at least i think so) overseas we operate with 165 lb witch is standard on most trailers/caracans and cars, we rarely have any problems with sagging/squatting and if problems occur it`s usualy due to human error.


Trailers/Caravans

Looking at how your trailers and caravans are constructed the wheels on big trailers escpecialy are almost never at det center point, but somewhat behind making it front heavy.

Jayco Eagle



Cabby 800+




Trucks

Then we have the trucks, many of the smaller trucks like the Toyota Tacoma or the Nissan Frontier ect.. are very similar to their european counterparts in both weight,size and abilities. But they differ on one point, towing: Just for fun, lets take the Tacoma and the Frontier and compare them to their european counterparts the Hilux and the Navara.

Tacoma:
Tounge load: 350/650 lb.
Std. towing capacity: 3500 lb.
Max towing capacity: 6500 lb.

Hilux:
Tounge load: 198 lb.
Std. towing capacity: 4409 lb.
Max. towing capacity: 4960 lb.

Frontier:
Tounge load: 350/650 lb.
Std. towing capacity: 3500 lb.
Max. towing capacity: 6500 lb.

Navara:
Tounge load: 264 lb.
Std. towing capacity: 6613 lb.
Max. towing capacity: 6613 lb.

2 different ways of thinking.


High tounge load and having the wheels far back means that there is a less chance for sideways oscilation, so less need for a anti-oscilation device. But it demands stronger springs,dampers and a heavy duty ball to keep the same towing capacity, you may also need a weight distribution system to utilize the trucks full capacity.


E-Trailer Weight distribution system


A lower tounge load and centered wheels means there is a bigger chance for sideways ocilation, so a anti-oscilation device is needed. But the demands on the dampers, springs and ball are less and one can increase the towing capacity without impacting the steering/braking abilities. Lately there has also been developed a ESP system for caravans and trailers.

AL-KO AKS 3004 Anti oscilation device