Very new driving question

[yngc277]

Alright veterans of the RV life...don’t pounce on me for this dumb one...but I just picked up me XLS 24mpr. Had an unplanned trip from Dallas to Houston due to a family situation. So the day after I bought my rv, I was hitched up and driving south, farther than I thought I would be going. I have the blue ox hitch, and driving a Ford F150. I’ve noticed all the semi’s that go by kind of suck me in...but also some normal vehicles cause that sucking feeling.

So the question...is that normal, and I’ll get use to it...or should I check some things out? Thanks in advance for your insight!!

Cheers,
Chris


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[powerscol]

Alright veterans of the RV life...don’t pounce on me for this dumb one...but I just picked up me XLS 24mpr. Had an unplanned trip from Dallas to Houston due to a family situation. So the day after I bought my rv, I was hitched up and driving south, farther than I thought I would be going. I have the blue ox hitch, and driving a Ford F150. I’ve noticed all the semi’s that go by kind of suck me in...but also some normal vehicles cause that sucking feeling.

So the question...is that normal, and I’ll get use to it...or should I check some things out? Thanks in advance for your insight!!

Cheers,
Chris


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First - how was the trailer loaded? If it was light the sucking can be worse. Fill the fresh water tank. That sucking is normal BTW - you will get used to it and actually anticipate it as folks pass. Does the Blue Ox have a sway control. If it does adjust it up.

Happy travels

[geotex1]

You're a pretty lightweight setup, and will definitely feel it. Since this was relatively impromptu for you, my guess is that you're not yet moved in at full camping forum. Once you are, you will need to readjust your hitch with the help of a CAT scale. After that, see how it all behaves and shift accordingly. No matter how hard you try, you're always going to get it from semis and large box trucks with your combination.

[yngc277]

First - how was the trailer loaded? If it was light the sucking can be worse. Fill the fresh water tank. That sucking is normal BTW - you will get used to it and actually anticipate it as folks pass. Does the Blue Ox have a sway control. If it does adjust it up.

Happy travels

Yeah, being new...I’ve been a bit nervous about all this weight stuff. I actually emptied the fresh water tank thinking it would really weigh me down once all my stuff was in it. I’ll try it filled on the way back!

Totally appreciate it!!


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[yngc277]

You're a pretty lightweight setup, and will definitely feel it. Since this was relatively impromptu for you, my guess is that you're not yet moved in at full camping forum. Once you are, you will need to readjust your hitch with the help of a CAT scale. After that, see how it all behaves and shift accordingly. No matter how hard you try, you're always going to get it from semis and large box trucks with your combination.

Thank you!! When you say readjust the hitch...what exactly are you referencing? I’m guessing the chain links on the sway bars?


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[huntr70]

We don't use the Sway Pro on the F150's anymore.

Those trucks (most of them) have built in "trailer sway control) and seem to counteract the actual sway control.

We use all Reese Straitline hitches on F150's. (or basic weight and friction sway if small trailer)

[yngc277]

We don't use the Sway Pro on the F150's anymore.

Those trucks (most of them) have built in "trailer sway control) and seem to counteract the actual sway control.

We use all Reese Straitline hitches on F150's. (or basic weight and friction sway if small trailer)

Interesting...so I might have that going on? Fantastic...lol. Guess I need to do some digging to see what I have...thanks huntr70


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[yngc277]

Just did a quick search and my trailer sway control was on...and i’m able to turn it off. So i’ll give that a go as well...see if there’s much improvement.

This group rocks...thanks for the input!


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[SailorDan]

Alright veterans of the RV life...don’t pounce on me for this dumb one...but I just picked up me XLS 24mpr. Had an unplanned trip from Dallas to Houston due to a family situation. So the day after I bought my rv, I was hitched up and driving south, farther than I thought I would be going. I have the blue ox hitch, and driving a Ford F150. I’ve noticed all the semi’s that go by kind of suck me in...but also some normal vehicles cause that sucking feeling.

So the question...is that normal, and I’ll get use to it...or should I check some things out? Thanks in advance for your insight!!

Cheers,
Chris


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I have also seen where Blue OX owners put their hitch one notch higher and it makes a world of difference. While unhitched, the top of the ball is supposed to be 1 to 2" above the top of the coupler when the trailer is level to the ground (measure the frame in between the axles and adjust the tongue to that height). So if you are at the lower end of the range going up one whole may help.

[OurNewEra]

I wouldn't say a lot of push is normal but with a travel trailer (not fifth wheel) you will have some. Those trucks are pushing a lot of air and when it meets your trailer it is going to have an affect. I have a 2970RL and towing with a 1996 Chevy K3500. When properly loaded I feel very little push from the Semis. If the driver is courteous and moves the left of his lane I don't feel anything. The key is to know when a truck is coming up and you will get the same push and suck each time. You learn to drive with it. But good sway control and proper loading/weight distribution is the key.

When we picked up our trailer on the trip home we had hardly anything in it. The first 30 minutes on the interstate was white knuckles. I stopped at the first rest stop and moved all the gear I had in the bed of our truck to the pass through storage. That made a huge improvement. No more white knuckle. As someone suggested, I have also found that traveling with some water in the fresh water tank is also a good way to add some weight. We always have some in tank so we can use our RR on the road.

There are many things to make it better but I don't think 'getting used to' a white knuckle drive is the best and enjoyable route to take. If you don't feel safe then it isn't safe.