Towing Vibration

Skeld · January 23, 2017

I've got a weird vibration when towing two different snowmobile trailers, a 7x14 and a 7x18. They're both the same brand/design, but one is a 2 place and the other is a 3 place. From about 65 and up it will happen, but not all the time. It's not necessarily powertrain related, and it isn't necessarily speed related as it doesn't happen all the time, but when it does, it's always above 65. I've had the tires balanced on one of them and it didn't help. Also towed both of them with several different trucks and it's only my 2016 2500 HD CC that has this issue. I've also got different tires since I bought the truck and it did it with the other tires as well as the current ones. Any ideas? Really irritating to buy a $50,000 dollar truck for towing and then have an issue like this.

EngDoc · January 23, 2017

I get the same thing pulling a fifth wheel trailer and camper with my 2016 Duramax. Did not experience this with the 2011 Duramax I had before.

Andy Seibel · January 23, 2017

your trailers are enclosed, v-nose, something like 6' tall??

Could it just be wind turbulence? those trailers push a lot of air. Your bed configuration will affect how the air hits the front of your trailer. you said you tried different trucks. I'm guessing your truck has no cap/ tonneau cover and the others did?

anyway, next time you tow, i would pay attention to if the vibration only happens when you have a head wind or something like that, could be the problem right there.

Skeld · January 23, 2017

The wind issue had crossed my mind also. They look like this, apparently about 8 feet tall. No caps or tonneau on any trucks. The other ones were 1500 CC short body, and the 2500 is CC standard body. Also taller obviously.

http://snoprotrailers.com/Product.asp?CargoTypeID=15&ModelID=53&ProductID=279

Andy Seibel · January 23, 2017

I had a 6x12 v-nose that I pulled with my old regular cab 8' bed with no cover. Then I got my new CC SB with tonneau cover, it made a huge difference. The new truck I almost didn't notice the trailer, but with my old truck, any time over 60mph it felt like i was dragging a parachute.

Yours has a longer "v" than mine, so that should help. But I wonder if the roof or walls of the trailer are vibrating or flexing with the wind if the conditions are right.

Skeld · January 23, 2017

I had a 6x12 v-nose that I pulled with my old regular cab 8' bed with no cover. Then I got my new CC SB with tonneau cover, it made a huge difference. The new truck I almost didn't notice the trailer, but with my old truck, any time over 60mph it felt like i was dragging a parachute.

Yours has a longer "v" than mine, so that should help. But I wonder if the roof or walls of the trailer are vibrating or flexing with the wind if the conditions are right.

Hmm, yes quite possible. They do drag hard, averaging about 8 MPG pulling them.