Posted by R.Bishop on October 29, 1999 at 10:33:15:
In Reply to: Tow a Dodge Power Wagon with a New Ram 1500? posted by Dave Horvath on October 28, 1999 at 19:16:46:
I agree that the bigger tow vehicle is best. I have trailered several power wagons behind a 3/4 ton Dodge diesel. In an emergency, like stopping on the interstate in a curve, you need brakes on all axles and a sizable tow vehicle. I have only experienced the wiggle wagon effect once, and that is enough. A lot of things can cause it, but the most common cause is not enough tongue weight. We have marks on the trailer floor for the front wheels of power wagons for proper weight distribution, but the time we felt the wiggle, we had stored heavy parts in the bed of the trailered truck, which equals more weight in the rear at a high center of gravity. The trailer tried to wiggle at speeds above 50 going downhill, since the back of the trailer is trying to push the truck. Not a stable condition.
It can get you in trouble. A co-worker's in laws are currenly in the hospital having vertebrae fused as a result of towing a camper loaded with furniture that wiggled. The windy day is thought to be a factor, both car and camper turned over within the first few miles of a planned trip to California from Kentucky.