Towing rig get vibration.

[Longtail1]

Towing a 2021 Z21 with a 2010 GMC 1500 5.3. Had both the truck and trailer tires balanced but am still getting a vibration at 68-73mph. It feels like it’s in the truck. Any ideas what else it could be? Currently using a 2” raised hitch to help level things out. Going to get a buddy to hook up to it with his truck and see if anything changes.

[Bob G.]

Vibration only when towing? Surprised you need a raised hitch with a 1500 truck. Maybe an out of balance driveshaft or yokes.

I use a 2.5” drop hitch with a 2018 GMC 1500 5.3 Double Cab 6.5’ bed towing the boat in my signature with the trailer level.

[1BADAIR]

did they road force balance them?

[CatFan]

2” raised hitch? If you aren’t nose high with that, something is odd.

[Rick H]

Out of round tire.
Had a set of "good" Carlisle tires and they hated running over 70. Had them spin them before replacing them they were both out of round. Put a set of Maxxis on it vibration went away.

[99R93S]

I would check the tires again first, could be a bad tire, bad balance, one tossed a weight. Otherwise I would then Check your U joints. It fits the symptoms and they are common to fail. They might not actually be loose, typically they seize up and get tight.

[Champ 2001]

Out of round tire.
Had a set of "good" Carlisle tires and they hated running over 70. Had them spin them before replacing them they were both out of round. Put a set of Maxxis on it vibration went away.

[Bullet[BS]]

I had this trouble in the past, you probably have a tire that is slightly out of round. Thats why it will only happen in a specific speed range. It took buying a set of Michelin's to get rid of it. I have been a Michelin man ever since, cannot stand a vibration!

[mikeky]

2” raised hitch? If you aren’t nose high with that, something is odd.

I have a 13 Chevy, my hitch is not raised up to the bottom of the bumper like most are. I have a 2" drop ball mount turned around to get level.

I guess it could be the trailer also, or the way the boat sets on it. Not a concern.

[fishnfireman]

Had a similar experience where it only vibrated above 68 mph. Turned out to be a separated tread on a trailer tire. Wasn't really visible but the local Tire specialist called it right off.

[hankgun]

I have same issue with my EZ Loader trailer. it feels like issue is in the truck, but it is not. We found a slightly bent axel on a front wheel. When there is a lot of weight on that wheel (a low hitch ball) it vibrates worse. Raise the tongue and it is better. Waiting on insurance to ok repair. I'll post if that fixes it.

[Longtail1]

Yes only when towing.

[Longtail1]

I had this trouble in the past, you probably have a tire that is slightly out of round. Thats why it will only happen in a specific speed range. It took buying a set of Michelin's to get rid of it. I have been a Michelin man ever since, cannot stand a vibration!

I’ll bring that up when I take it back and have them actually drive it.

[Longtail1]

Vibration only when towing? Surprised you need a raised hitch with a 1500 truck. Maybe an out of balance driveshaft or yokes.

I use a 2.5” drop hitch with a 2018 GMC 1500 5.3 Double Cab 6.5’ bed towing the boat in my signature with the trailer level.

it’s a 2” drop hitch that’s flipped. That Z21 is heavy. Had a cobra 201 and had no issues for the 10 years of pulling it

[wmitch2]

"Where" are you feeling the vibration ? Steering Wheel ? (Front Wheel Alignment/Balance) Thru the Seat ? (U-Joints worn or Drive Shaft out of balance) Like it's behind you ? (Trailer tire balance or tread separation) Also, you should level the trailer off of the truck and them measure to the top of the ball and then set your ball height on the truck accordingly. That usually pertains more to the trailer wanting to "Fish Tail".

[Rudeman]

I have a 6' drop hitch on my F-250; can't imagine using a 2" riser on a half ton, unless it's been lowered. maybe post a pic?

Also, those comments about out of round tires make good points. A broken belt will make a tire shake and even bounce if severe.

it’s a 2” drop hitch that’s flipped. That Z21 is heavy. Had a cobra 201 and had no issues for the 10 years of pulling it

Might want to check your tongue weight.

[mactlman]

I have a 6' drop hitch on my F-250; can't imagine using a 2" riser on a half ton, unless it's been lowered. maybe post a pic?

Also, those comments about out of round tires make good points. A broken belt will make a tire shake and even bounce if severe.



Might want to check your tongue weight.

on my 1500 chevy 2wd. Truck i used a 2 inch drop upside down to give it 2” up and it towed great.

[reelblues]

I had the exact same issue a few years ago with a Yukon and 20' Skeeter. Spent months eliminating stuff and nothing worked. Finally, someone suggested getting my tires load balanced. I found a shop that could do that and problem was solved.

[1BADAIR]

Couple buddy’s got 20-22 rangers that would shake like crazy. Tires balanced a few times . Well they balance beads in them . On the way to the lake it didn’t seem as bad as on the way home(hot out) . When the tire shop removed the beads they said moisture from the heating and cooling was causing them to stick together

[fishnfireman]

on my 1500 chevy 2wd. Truck i used a 2 inch drop upside down to give it 2” up and it towed great.

Not unusual for a 1/2 ton. Not all boat trailers are low riders either.