Dollie Wanders

Danodaman · 01-03-2012, 06:10 PM

Just completed a 2600 mile trip with my Demco Dolly behind my 40' coach and noticed that it seemed to wander back and forth at times. This was my first experience with a dolly and was wondering if it is unusual. Perhaps I need to check the stabilizer or alignment on the dolly?

Mr_D · 01-03-2012, 06:20 PM

We have a Demco KK-460, it does not wander at all, but we tow a pretty heavy vehicle. The Ody is at the upper end of the dollies weight rating and it just shy of being too wide.
Right now I'm towing the Ody four down but still worried about trans damage as it's not approved for four down towing.

Danodaman · 01-03-2012, 06:35 PM

I thought you might reply to this. My toad is a small Pontiac Vibe. Could be I need a heavier vehicle. The wandering didn't affect the MH handling but at times it was moving so much I would apply my brakes to get it straightened out. Does the 460 have the folding tongue? I'm not sure of my model number but it does fold in.

camperkids · 01-03-2012, 06:36 PM

I don't tow with a Demco Dolly but do use a Master Tow Dolly and have found if you tow a lighter vehicle you have to drop the tire pressure. The mfg tells you to inflate to 50psi (this is for max load) which gave me sway and abnormal tire ware so I dropped to 35psi, I tow a small Hyundai Accent. I hope this info is of some use...Jim

Danodaman · 01-03-2012, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by camperkids

I don't tow with a Demco Dolly but do use a Master Tow Dolly and have found if you tow a lighter vehicle you have to drop the tire pressure. The mfg tells you to inflate to 50psi (this is for max load) which gave me sway and abnormal tire ware so I dropped to 35psi, I tow a small Hyundai Accent. I hope this info is of some use...Jim

Thanks Jim. I'll give that a go. I was pulling a max inflation.

camperkids · 01-03-2012, 06:47 PM

I found that out on a 2,000 mile trip to Bar Harbor,Maine. I adjusted the pressure and it made a BIG difference it stayed in line with the motorhome with no sway.

Mr_D · 01-03-2012, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danodaman

I thought you might reply to this. My toad is a small Pontiac Vibe. Could be I need a heavier vehicle. The wandering didn't affect the MH handling but at times it was moving so much I would apply my brakes to get it straightened out. Does the 460 have the folding tongue? I'm not sure of my model number but it does fold in.

Yes, the tongue folds on a 460.
Did you have the empty towing lock pin out?
If the alignment is off that could certainly cause it also.

Danodaman · 01-03-2012, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

Yes, the tongue folds on a 460.
Did you have the empty towing lock pin out?
If the alignment is off that could certainly cause it also.

Yep. The lock pin was out. I think I'll try the decrease in pressure first. Then maybe remove the stabilizer shock to see how strong it feels. Then check alignment if necessary. Thanks. Dano

Iron Man · 01-03-2012, 07:57 PM

I have the Kar Kady SS and have that issue when it is unloaded. It probally has a 6 inch sway left to right. When there is a car on the dolly it is fine.

Danodaman · 01-03-2012, 08:44 PM

My sway is about 6" loaded with a light weight car.

HeapBigEngin · 01-04-2012, 12:43 AM

Good thoughts on tire pressure adjustment. One other thing to consider....is the dolly tongue fairly level when towing. This needs to be evaluated when the toad is mounted/secured and the coach is aired up and ready to get underway. If your tongue is very much above horizontal, this will definitely cause tail wag, especially with a lighter toad. Wag can also occur if the tongue is well below level, but would not be as pronounced. PLEASE let us know what you do to limit the sway....thanks!

camperkids · 01-04-2012, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iron Man

I have the Kar Kady SS and have that issue when it is unloaded. It probably has a 6 inch sway left to right. When there is a car on the dolly it is fine.

My Master Tow tells you when towing empty drop the tire pressure to 10-12 lbs to keep the sway and hopping down to a minimum. It does help but a pain to do but easier on the dolly. Jim

Elkhartjim · 01-04-2012, 08:10 AM

The Demco comes standard with trailer tires, not automotive tires. Demco recommends the tire pressure for a reason and by lowering the pressure you can risk premature tire failure. Demco has a very good customer service group and I would suggest contacting them about the weaving situation and get their input on running the tires at a lower than recommended pressure.

DAN L · 01-04-2012, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danodaman

Just completed a 2600 mile trip with my Demco Dolly behind my 40' coach and noticed that it seemed to wander back and forth at times. This was my first experience with a dolly and was wondering if it is unusual. Perhaps I need to check the stabilizer or alignment on the dolly?

are you using a hitch immobilizer such as the blue ox BX88224?

Blue Ox - Drop Receivers