2022 Trail Runner 31DB Leaning While Towing

[Farroyol24]

Hello all,

I took our brand new Trail Runner 31DB on 3 hour drive and noticed it was leaning heavy on the passenger side. This layout has the kitchen, fridge, outdoor kitckent, bunkhouse, entertainment center and master bathroom all in passenger side. The driver side has a slide (sofa and dinette) and a half bath. I am running brand new Goodyear Endurance ST225/75R15 all at 80psi. Checkedce leaf springs, shackles and u-bolts and nothing seems broken or bent. When I extend slide the trailer seems to level on its own.

 

[danemayer]

Are the springs flatter on the lower side?

 

[Farroyol24]

Visually, no. Is there a recommended way to get measurements?

 

[TrailCreek]

Measure between the top of the axle and the frame. Cut a straw on the high side, both axled, then compare to the low side. Are your tanks empty? Water tank too?

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[Farroyol24]

Here are aome measurements and pictures. Nothing looks out of the ordinary to me. Gray/Black holding tanks are empty. Fresh water is a about 1/3.

 

[TrailCreek]

Are your equalizers level?

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[Farroyol24]

Yes, equalizers are level from what I can see. Here is a picture of each side.

 

[TrailCreek]

My suggestion is to go to a scale and weigh each side independently. If there is a big difference from side to side you may need to add a leaf to each axle on the heavy side. That would be if the manufacturer agreed to fix it under warranty.



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[Farroyol24]

Thank you. Other than my pet peeve for perfection, is there an immediate concern with towing as is until I can get it to a shop?

 

[Dahillbilly]

I would be calling the dealer & Heartland customer service tomorrow

 

[TrailCreek]

Agreed, also, if you were towing much heavier on one side it could be unstable in high side winds.

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[donr827]

You might consider weighing your passenger side and driver's side tires. See if there is a big discrepancy.

 

[jerryjay11]

Just a thought...Looking at the measurements it appears that between the axle/leaf springs and the frame is not a problem. Try taking it off the plastic leveling blocks and measure between the camper frame and leaf spring at the U-bolt plate. Then between the frame and ground. Next from the U-bolt plate to the ground. This should tell you if it is in the weight of camper, leaf spring, or maybe even tire pressure. For instance, it you tire pressure on the driver's side is 5 psi over recommended psi and the passenger side is 5 psi lower, total 10 psi could also make it lean.

 

[Farroyol24]

UPDATE: Just took the trailer to the dealership and had it inspected. There is no damage or anomalies on the trailer’s suspension. Leaf springs and equalizers are in good (like new) condition. Also went to see three identical units they had in the lot and the have the same stance, leaning to passenger side. The dealership called Heartland and Heartland confirmed that this lean is expected due to the layout. I called Heartland as well on my own and got thr same feedback. There is nothing to be concerned about or to do. They told me that if I wanted to add heavier leaf springs or sumo springs that I could but I should save that money.

 

[TrailCreek]

I would still weigh both sides at a public scale. Our refuse transfer station hub has scales and will let us check trailer weight free on an weekday. Public scales are everywhere.

I came through Montana and Wyoming this past summer and side winds gave us a very uncomfortable lift that looked like 12 inches at the top of the 5th wheel. So much so we slowed to 40-45 mph and that helped.

Also, back when I manufactured double wide portable classrooms we had to load sand bags on the open middle side or risk a wind flipping them. Several did over the years and the only similarity is one side being heavier than the other. Not much to lose to get it weighed. Worst case, carry a full tank of fresh water to lower your center of gravity.

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[JohnD]

Sounds like you need to transfer some of your cargo to the other side of the trailer...

 

[TrailCreek]

Sounds like you need to transfer some of your cargo to the other side of the trailer...

Good idea on weight distribution John. He did say they looked that way on the dealers lot.

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