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Re: trailer topic

To: RodsINTOMG@aol.com
Subject: Re: trailer topic
From: FG99@aol.com
Date: Thu, 28 Oct 1999 23:27:03 EDT
Gary,
I've done a pretty fair amount of towing; 22' @ approx 7000lbs loaded. My 
first tow rig was what I thought was a pretty nicely set up Blazer (K 
Series).  The key to tailoring stability is basically a matter of the dog 
wagging the tail or, as is the case for many short wheel base tow vehicles, 
the tail wagging the dog. If you have the latter, you'll have sway.  Balance, 
or more specifically, tongue weight, is most critical with a short wheel base 
tow rig as is your Blazer.  I thought I used pretty good equipment...Draw 
tite 10,000 LB weight distributing hitch, sway control, equalizers, etc., but 
the bottom line turned out to be what I already surmised. There really is no 
substitute for wheel base.  The Blazer ultimately was replaced with a 
Suburban and with the Blazer went all my trailing woes. Nothing bothered the 
Suburban.  The trailer always tracked straight as an arrow, no matter where 
the car sat inside. Also, I no longer had to prepare myself both mentally and 
physically each time I saw an 18 wheeler approaching in my mirrors. I'm sure 
you've already figured out that you get a nice smooth straight ride when you 
pull the car up to the front of the trailer.  If this is so, then for sure, 
you've surpassed the maximum recommended tongue weight.  Neither the hitch 
nor the vehicle will take a whole lot this (abuse).  So, I hate to say it, 
but I had to get rid of the Blazer to get rid of my tailoring woes. 
Fred Greco


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