Trailer Sway

[Steve Shenkel]

I have one of the last 26S models made (95 vintage). By this time, they had reduced the trailer frame sections to 3" channel. Although adequate, this makes the trailer stiffness challanged and I think, contributes to sway and fish-tailing. I have experimented with load balancing and improved conditions, but not eliminated the sway problem. I am considering the addition of a second axle to cure this problem. Has anyone tried this or do I consider that I have a disposable trailer and start over?

 

[Dean Smith]

Try a sea anchor

Have you tried a sea anchor. Oh, I'll bet you mean sway on the road. Well, conventional wisdom says that getting the tongue wieght right (about 150 lb) is the first thing to try. Have you checked that the trailer tracks in a 'centered' manner? Does it sway at all speeds, Does it only sway when in a draft from a large vehicle like a truck? THere isa place in Ohio that sells 2nd axle kits. I'll try to find them and post the web site here.

 

[Roger Boucley]

tariler sway remedy

A general rule of thumb to prevent a trailer from swaying is to have 10 % of weight at the tongue. This is 10 % ratio is probably accomplished when the boat is empty, and there is no outboard hanging at the back, which is rarely the case if you want to go sailing. I have the same problem, and is is even amplified since I have installed a 4 cycle outboard which weighs 30 pound more than a 2 cycle.The easiest way to solve the problem would be to slip back the axle of the trailer by about 10-12 inches. This can be easily done by someone who repairs trucks springs.A friend of mine, who built his own trailer (not for a Mc Gregor) but who carefully balanced his trailer with 10% weight on the front has absolutely no swaying at highway or other speeds.

 

[Tony]

SWAY

HI, Steve i have pulled a lot of macgregors, And the thing that i have figured out is if there is radial tires on the trailer that there are times that the trailer sways way to much(they are built with to much overhang)But with bias ply tires most of it goes away! Makes it much better to pull in cross winds! And when trucks pass! Also if you load the front of the trailer with stuff, Like spare,ladder,Haul motor up there it helps.(cjandtony@home.com) P.S.DUST DEVILS Tony

 

[Jean-Paul Dupuis]

I had the same problem. I had tried balancing the weight like the manual said, but still didn't work. So I inspected the trailer a little closer, and I found that the welding were breaking or cracking so I rewelded and reenforced as best I could, and it helped a lot.