Towing a trailer for the first time can be challenging. It adds to the weight of your vehicle, which means that you’ll feel your car slightly less powerful than usual. Turning will also feel unnatural, because you’ll need to make wider turns, and you’ll have to brake sooner than you’re used to. You can get used to this after a few minutes; however, a bouncing trailer can be even more nerve-wracking.
What Is A Bouncing Trailer?
A bouncing trailer is the result of a suspension that’s too stiff for the load you’re towing. That means that while you’re driving, the trailer will bounce lightly on the road. It makes the ride more unsteady and uncomfortable, and it feels like you’re driving on an untarred road. It can also be risky, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the art of towing a trailer.
Other Causes
It’s important to remember that the suspension in a vehicle comprises of the tyres, springs and axle, which is the leading cause of bouncing trailers. However, other causes include:
- The tyres have not been adequately inflated and have a weak grip on the road
- The towing is not level
- The load in the trailer has an unbalanced weight and needs to be shifted
- The shocks have worn out
- The shocks are incorrect for the load (this is felt specifically when going over a bump)
- An axle has been damaged
- The trailer is overloaded
As you can see, it’s quite clear that many factors can cause, or contribute to a bouncing trailer. Fortunately, they can be fixed with a few minor adjustments. The easiest among them is to check the tyres. They should be inflated correctly, with proper tyre pressure without losing any air.
How To Fix It
Your rental company of choice should keep their trailers maintained. This means checking that the electrical systems for the backlights and brake lights work, the suspension, tyres, and even the safety chain and axles.
They typically perform inspections after a rental trailer has been returned, so that any repairs or services can be performed before it’s hired out again. It’s important to remember to check for any visible damage and point it out before you leave with it so that you’re not charged when the trailer is returned.
These methods should stop the trailer from bouncing and provide a more steady ride. Make sure that your car rental company keeps their trailer hire well-maintained to avoid issues like this. If not, you’re in for a bumpy ride.