Dolphin movement

[havnfun]

Okay, here's the deal....I get occasional dolphin movement while pulling my TT. Not always but when the road "hills" are just right, I really notice the dolphin effect. here's my question, is this occasional dolphining okay? I use an Equalizer hitch that seems to be hooked up correctly but that dolphining really bugs me. I also keep a well balanced load. What do you think? Are there some corrections I can make to reduce or stop it?
Happy RVing,
Jeff

[TWP723]

I think it's just happenstance of road condition honestly. Mine does the same thing at specific spots that I've noticed.

[Camper_bob]

I believe the more accepted term is "porpoising", but whatever the word, I know what you're talking about. I used to get it sometimes when I was towing with my 1/2T GMC. I put Roadmaster Active Suspension (basically fancy helper springs) on and it helped somewhat. I really noticed it only on rough roads, and for me it manifested as an extra bounce or two more than I was comfortable with after a bump in the road. I rarely got it consistently over a long stretch of road like what you would experience on harmonic expansion strips on a bridge or the like.

Anyway, if all other factors check out (hitch, loading, etc.) like you mentioned, it's worth a look into some suspension enhancements. I used RAS, but others have used helper springs, or Timbren SES, Firestone air bags ... There are tons of options out there. I believe firming up the rear of the truck a little goes a long way to minimizing this problem. For me the added benefit was the unloaded ride; the empty truck behaved MUCH better after I firmed up the rear suspension.

[mike837go]

How much water in which tanks?


Sloshing can make a curious situation turn into a brown pants moment rather quickly.

[Crabman]

The concrete roads with expansion joints have been known to create the porposing effect in some tow vehicle/trailer configurations.

[SMS1115]

Look at the Rancho 9000 shocks. They are adjustable. I tow with mine set as stiff as they can go, but for everyday driving, I soften them up considerably. It has helped with the bounce you speak of. Dad even put them on his F250 and was impressed with how they smoothed out towing his 5er.

[Amosmoses33]

Mine does it as crabman mentioned on interstates that are concrete. I put airbags in my truck and it helps alot. If I slow down when it starts, it usually quits.

PS I'm not carrying water.

[havnfun]

Hahaha. Yeah, I really meant porpoising, but they are about the same animal, right? Thanks for the responses. Anyway, I assume you can't take it all out, but if I reduce TV tire pressure, might that help? I'm running 65 rear and 60 front when I tow with my 1/2 ton.
Happy RVing,
Jeff

[Grumpy]

Lowering your tire pressure would make it worse since your tires would also flex more. Also could cause tires to overheat and fail.

[havnfun]

Originally Posted by Grumpy

Lowering your tire pressure would make it worse since your tires would also flex more. Also could cause tires to overheat and fail.

Thanks for the info., Grumpy.