Welcome to the Australian Ford Forums forum.

You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and inserts advertising. By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members, respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features without post based advertising banners. Registration is simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today!

If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us.

Please Note: All new registrations go through a manual approval queue to keep spammers out. This is checked twice each day so there will be a delay before your registration is activated.

Go Back   Australian Ford Forums > General Topics > The Pub

The Pub For General Automotive Related Talk

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 21-11-2010, 12:04 AM   #31
svo supporter
Fixing Ford's **** ups
 
svo supporter's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: In a house
Posts: 4,759
Default

Strange thing tonight. Previously, I had towed a car 200 K from my place to a mates place. When I towed it down there, I had the car on backwards and was able to sit comfortably on 110 K an hour. Tonight, I picked up the car and put it on frontwards. If I went above 80 K an hour, the bloody thing was swaying all over the road.

So why would this be? Everyone is saying put the car on frontwards to tow, yet having this car on backwards, the trailer towed a lot better?
__________________
A wheel alignment fixes everything, when it comes to front end issues. This includes any little noises.



Please read the manual carefully, as the these manufacturers spent millions of dollars making sure it is perfect.....Now why are there so many problems with my car, when I follow the instructions to the letter?....Answer, majority rules round here


Lock me up and throw away the key because I'm a hoon....I got caught doing 59 in a 60 zone
svo supporter is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 21-11-2010, 07:32 AM   #32
OLDFORDNUT
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
OLDFORDNUT's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 3,150
Default

did it have engine in ?
if more weight is at front of trailer than back it should tow well all things being equal,ie.good tyres,straight axles ,tyres pumped up to 35 to 40 lbs.
if motor is not in car or worse in boot then front of car would be lighter than back (in this scenerio only) car would be better on backwards
__________________
Hervey Bay QLD
Great trades recently- GILMORE
BOSSYONBIKE
OLDFORDNUT is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 21-11-2010, 08:36 AM   #33
LUXO_8
windsor user
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Geelong
Posts: 13,123
Default

was it a VW beetle lol
seriously, you've left out some important info.
was the tow car and more importantly the trailer same one both times?
and what kind of car was it, and did it have an engine or not?
LUXO_8 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 21-11-2010, 12:59 PM   #34
cheap
Wirlankarra yanama
 
cheap's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: God's Country
Posts: 2,103
Default

As with most things in life, it is best to not let the tail wag the dog.

I have a large/heavy boat and tow it up and down the NSW/QLD coast. My first tow vehicle was a ED Falcon sedan. It had a Hayman Reece hitch and was rated at 2500kg or 3000kg. Whilst possible and legal to tow the large boat at the speed limit it was never pleasant. You always knew there was a substantial weight behind you which given an opportunity would swap ends without hesitation. 90-100km/hr corning on the old Pacific Highway was interesting and speed isn't the only input into the equation as I once experienced the infamous wobbles avoiding an accident whilst traveling at little over 40km/hr.

For the past +14 years I have used Landcurisers for towing.

Whilst trailer weight distribution, tow ball weight, new age electronic brake systems, tyre pressures, single or tandem trailer, they all play a part, in my opinion having a significantly heavier tow vehicle than the towed object is the best way to staying forward facing. A heavier/bigger tow vehicle will compensate for a multitude of sins.
cheap is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 21-11-2010, 07:27 PM   #35
ebxr8240
Performance moderator
 
ebxr8240's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: St Clair..N.S.W
Posts: 14,875
Technical Contributor: For members who share their technical expertise. - Issue reason: Always willing to help out with technical advice. 
Default

Yes 4WD vehicles tend to have there axles close to tow bar also which helps..
If you get into trouble ?? I find is better not to try and correct or zig zag.. You'll quick find you'll exaggerate the situ... Even if you zag zig.. I just ease off throttle and LIGHTLY apply brakes.. As said try moving weight forward is you can...
My car trailer has it's axles about 1.9 meters apart.. Though at times pita to back or turn without car attached... It's very stable to tow...
__________________
Real cars are not driven by front wheels,real cars lift them!!...
BABYS ARE BOTTLE FED, REAL MEN GET BLOWN.
Don't be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the Ark...Professionals built the Titanic!
Dart 330ci block turbo black pearl EBXR8 482 rwkw..
Daily driver GTE FG..
Projects http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=107711
http://www.fordforums.com.au/showthr...8+turbo&page=4
ebxr8240 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 21-11-2010, 08:03 PM   #36
svo supporter
Fixing Ford's **** ups
 
svo supporter's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: In a house
Posts: 4,759
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by OLDFORDNUT
did it have engine in ?
if more weight is at front of trailer than back it should tow well all things being equal,ie.good tyres,straight axles ,tyres pumped up to 35 to 40 lbs.
if motor is not in car or worse in boot then front of car would be lighter than back (in this scenerio only) car would be better on backwards

Yep. It was a complete car. The trailer tyres are pumped to 40 PSI. I used the same Valiant to tow the same car/trailer combo both times. The car on the trailer was a Valiant as well. The only change made betwen the 2 tows, was how the car was loaded on the trailer.

Just for interest sakes. The tow car was a Sedan and the car on the trailer was a wagon.

So the plot thickens
__________________
A wheel alignment fixes everything, when it comes to front end issues. This includes any little noises.



Please read the manual carefully, as the these manufacturers spent millions of dollars making sure it is perfect.....Now why are there so many problems with my car, when I follow the instructions to the letter?....Answer, majority rules round here


Lock me up and throw away the key because I'm a hoon....I got caught doing 59 in a 60 zone
svo supporter is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 21-11-2010, 08:51 PM   #37
GasoLane
Former BTIKD
Donating Member2
 
GasoLane's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Sunny Downtown Wagga Wagga. NSW.
Posts: 53,197
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by svo supporter
Yep. It was a complete car. The trailer tyres are pumped to 40 PSI. I used the same Valiant to tow the same car/trailer combo both times. The car on the trailer was a Valiant as well. The only change made betwen the 2 tows, was how the car was loaded on the trailer.

Just for interest sakes. The tow car was a Sedan and the car on the trailer was a wagon.

So the plot thickens
That explains it. Valiant's often used to have unexplainable handling
__________________
Dying at your job is natures way of saying that you're in the wrong line of work.
GasoLane is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 21-11-2010, 08:55 PM   #38
Landau Stable
Landau Tragic
 
Landau Stable's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Sydney
Posts: 1,094
Technical Contributor: For members who share their technical expertise. - Issue reason: For his many posts on welding and fabricating for coupes 
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by svo supporter
Yep. It was a complete car. The trailer tyres are pumped to 40 PSI. I used the same Valiant to tow the same car/trailer combo both times. The car on the trailer was a Valiant as well. The only change made betwen the 2 tows, was how the car was loaded on the trailer.

Just for interest sakes. The tow car was a Sedan and the car on the trailer was a wagon.

So the plot thickens

A wagon is heavier at the back than a sedan. If your trailer is long enough, and you backed the wagon right to the edge, you may have found yourself with that ideal balance. Alternatively, next time you tow with it facing forward, don't load it right to the front of the trailer, and then see how you go.
Landau Stable is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 21-11-2010, 09:52 PM   #39
LUXO_8
windsor user
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Geelong
Posts: 13,123
Default

ah yeah definantly....a real steel wagon would be quite heavy over the back...
LUXO_8 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 21-11-2010, 10:24 PM   #40
GasoLane
Former BTIKD
Donating Member2
 
GasoLane's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Sunny Downtown Wagga Wagga. NSW.
Posts: 53,197
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Landau Stable
Alternatively, next time you tow with it facing forward, don't load it right to the front of the trailer, and then see how you go.
A picture is worth...etc..etc...
As you said, not all the way to the front of the trailer. Car sits reasonably level, and towed at easily at 110-120.


__________________
Dying at your job is natures way of saying that you're in the wrong line of work.
GasoLane is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 22-11-2010, 12:56 AM   #41
svo supporter
Fixing Ford's **** ups
 
svo supporter's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: In a house
Posts: 4,759
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by GasOLane
That explains it. Valiant's often used to have unexplainable handling

Don't even go down that path. For the sake of harmony, drop your line of thought, as I don't find it amusing at all. In fact, it borders on pathetic.

I actually found, by loading the car on trailer forwards, the car sat level. However, loading it on backwards, the rear of the tow car sat down, which made it handle alot better on the open road.

The trailer itself is long enough to fit the wagon on fully. My trailer also has a slight decline at the back, which is beautiful for loading cars up.

So the plot thickens
__________________
A wheel alignment fixes everything, when it comes to front end issues. This includes any little noises.



Please read the manual carefully, as the these manufacturers spent millions of dollars making sure it is perfect.....Now why are there so many problems with my car, when I follow the instructions to the letter?....Answer, majority rules round here


Lock me up and throw away the key because I'm a hoon....I got caught doing 59 in a 60 zone

Last edited by svo supporter; 22-11-2010 at 01:04 AM.
svo supporter is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 22-11-2010, 01:25 AM   #42
Crazy Dazz
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Perth, Northern Suburbs
Posts: 5,033
Default

A couple more points:
Personally I would never tow a heavier load long-distance especially on country roads. In this case it was a relatively short distance, I was very careful, but the problem mentioned actually happened on the freeway when I let the speed creep up. Lesson learnt.
I had to borrow my daughter’s AU to do the tow. The one we end up keeping for ourselves will get air-shocks to compensate for the soft rear-end.
Yes, it a POS trailer from a servo. Mechanical over-rider brakes which I am confident did not work at all. I think electrical trailer brakes would make life a lot easier.
With the first car, loaded backwards, the load was much more even, and the tow car’s rear only dropped marginally. But clearly there was too much weight in the tail. With the 2nd load, the rear of the tow car dropped so far that the chain dragged on the ground. But I think this was a function of the soft suspension.
If I was going to tow more often, I would not only fit a tranny cooler, but definitely upgrade the cooling. Would probably go for a V8 too.
__________________
2024
Making Whine from the Tears of Hippies
Crazy Dazz is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 22-11-2010, 04:17 PM   #43
janddbone
B1 - J & D Services
Donating Member1
 
janddbone's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Brim, Victoria
Posts: 1,636
Default

As the thread is specifically about correcting the sway, your safest bet is to have electric trailer brakes....
__________________
Mr. Brett Johnstone.
2002 Ford Laser
2000 Ford Falcon Wagon Egas
1999 Subaru Imprezza Sportwagon
1998 Holden Suburban 2500
1995 Land Rover Discovery TDI
1994 XG XR6 Longreach
1983 Holden Rodeo
1975 Datsun 120Y wagon
1970 MG Midget
1967 Rover 2000TC
Soon: Model T.
janddbone is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 22-11-2010, 06:05 PM   #44
mrbaxr6t
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
mrbaxr6t's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,505
Default

as others have said you should load the trailer with the heaviest weight toward the front, if your trailer still swings and you got no breaks on the trailer DO NOT BRAKE this will increase the force on the tow vehicle and likely rip your car off the road, the answer is ACCELERATE it sounds horribly stupid but it will (the tow vehicle) exert more forward pulling force on the hitch straightening out your trailer. you will find that at certain speeds loads will swing, go a little slower or faster and it will stop. if the swing is really bad you should slow down (coast) dont brake after you have accelerated to pull straight and shift your load forward of the axles, or the heavier items as far forward of the axles as you can - this will help. SAFETY TIP : it is safest to tow with a vehicle that is heavier than your load and trailer combined, doing this in all but the most extreme cases will prevent sway as the load and trailer isnt heavy enough to pull the rear of the car around. Another method is to remove some items from the rear of the trailer (heavy ones) and place them in the rear of your vehicle, backseat boot back of wagon whatever, this will decrease the weight on the rear of the trailer and INCREASE the weight of the tow vehicle reducing the severity of the sway effect the trailer can exert on the vehicle as you have decreased weight on rear of trailer (making the front of it heavier) AND you have increased the weight of the tow vehicle. if you are experiencing sway do not slam on the breaks this is the absolute worst thing you can do
__________________
Phantom, T56, leather and sunroof BAmk1 :yeees:

Holden special vehicles - for special people
mrbaxr6t is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 22-11-2010, 11:22 PM   #45
G6LTD09
FG G6 Limited Ed
 
G6LTD09's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Nth NSW Coast
Posts: 29
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Damo
When I was doing the hydraulic brakes book at TAFE it mentioned that just activating the trailer brakes will stop it from swaying.
Yup, agree totally.. IF you have electric trailer brakes all you need to be able to do is reach down to the brake controller and apply the electric brake manual lever. Straightens them up pretty fast, bit awkward if its been mounted in a bad position. Used this method on my many travels with our van across aust..
G6LTD09 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 23-11-2010, 12:12 AM   #46
388cube_edxr8
Nutty Professor
 
388cube_edxr8's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Brisbane, Australia
Posts: 548
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by mik
the trailer neatly parked itself in the gutter on the other side of the road,
My old XR8 used to do that, its a self parking feature. I let my mate drive it a few times in the wet and it reportedly happened more than once.

I didn't let him drive my car again after that.
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jeremy Clarkson
If you buy a rubbish car, what you are saying is "I have no interest in cars." If you have no interest in cars, you have no interest in driving, and if you have no interest in something, it means you're no good at it, which means you must have your driving license taken away.
388cube_edxr8 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 23-11-2010, 07:03 AM   #47
LUXO_8
windsor user
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Geelong
Posts: 13,123
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by G6LTD09
Yup, agree totally.. IF you have electric trailer brakes all you need to be able to do is reach down to the brake controller and apply the electric brake manual lever. Straightens them up pretty fast, bit awkward if its been mounted in a bad position. Used this method on my many travels with our van across aust..
yup, brilliant to be able to knock the lever and pull the van straight if it decides it wants to have a dance in strong wind etc..
LUXO_8 is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 24-11-2010, 10:53 PM   #48
rodderz
.
 
rodderz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Bundoora
Posts: 7,199
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by svo supporter
Don't even go down that path. For the sake of harmony, drop your line of thought, as I don't find it amusing at all. In fact, it borders on pathetic.
Don't think he was serious mate...

Quote:
jest

 - noun
1. a joke or witty remark; witticism.

2. a bantering remark; a piece of good-natured ridicule; taunt.

3. sport or fun: to speak half in jest, half in earnest.
rodderz is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Old 25-11-2010, 08:53 AM   #49
OLDFORDNUT
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
 
OLDFORDNUT's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 3,150
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by rodderz
Don't think he was serious mate...
jest

 - noun
1. a joke or witty remark; witticism.

2. a bantering remark; a piece of good-natured ridicule; taunt.

3. sport or fun: to speak half in jest, half in earnest.////////////////////////
///////////////////////////////
Good on you Rodderz this is what hundreds of forum members seem to forget or are just too stupid to know. lots of arguments start up on forum due to people being too THICK to sence the humour in some remarks,
Sad really to see just how many forum members have no idea of the Aussie way of taking the micky for a laugh
__________________
Hervey Bay QLD
Great trades recently- GILMORE
BOSSYONBIKE
OLDFORDNUT is offline   Reply With Quote Multi-Quote with this Post
Reply


Forum Jump


All times are GMT +11. The time now is 05:15 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.5
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Other than what is legally copyrighted by the respective owners, this site is copyright www.fordforums.com.au
Positive SSL