[A/S] Towing stability (was: Hitch clunking noise)

[Jerry Flanders <jeflanders@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

My experience was similar - even with 3/4 ton Ford LWB and Dodge reg 
pickups, I have always had just enough sway to notice when semis would 
overtake me on interstates if I was in the middle of my lane or closer to 
him. It never made me concerned,  or anything like that, because I never 
felt there was a safety problem. But I usually felt a slight shift that 
made me know he was there.

But - that all changed when I got this 1 ton Dodge dualie this past summer. 
I DO NOT FEEL any sway anymore when overtaken. Just doesn't happen. I 
haven't checked underneath the truck, but I suspect I must have the 
side-stabilizer axle options (that are primarily used by guys with slide-in 
campers). Also probably some beneficial effects from the 4 tires on that 
axle, each contributing some sidewall stability. But the end result, and I 
was surprised by this, is that I no longer have even a hint of semi truck 
sway. I towed about 9,000 miles from SC to Oregon and back this past 
summer, so I am sure this was not a single-trip fluke.

This Dodge is long, has a long wheelbase, and is heavy. It is still lighter 
than the trailer by several thousand pounds, though. The hitch is a 
conventional Reese with the dual-cam sway control thingies.

Any of you other folks with LWB dualies noticed more stability?

Jerry 4404