Hi all...

I need some input. I have a (new to me) 99 Ram 2500 with about 130,000 miles on it. I also have a 21 foot ski boat that I pull behind my truck. I am guessing that the boat weighs about 4k... so not a lot.

My problem is that once I get on the highway, cruising around 65-75 mph, if I make more than just a minor adjustment in the steering, like a big turn in the road, the 2500 wants to lean out to that side, making it feel like she is about to roll... Tons of body roll!

I took her over to Big O Tires, and the guys there said that I had enough air pressure in the tires (which are new), that the shocks were fine (and new) and that maybe the "pan bar" needed to be replaced. So, we replaced the pan bar and re-aligned the Ram.

Well, I will be damned... this did not fix the problem. He suggested that it could be the steering box or control arms at this point.

Any suggestions? Even without the boat in tow I am noticing that I really have to "herd" the truck down the road.

Much thanks guys!

Matt

BTW, my last truck was a 98 Ram 1500, and it never had this kind of issue.

 

The track bar may be worn. Probably not all thats wrong but fixed a lot of my steering problems when I had my 01 Cummins.

Also check this out--

http://www.solidsteel.biz/

 

Yeah... the track bar is the same as the pan bar. At least you are on par with the Big O Tires guys!

Anyone else?

 

I assume it's a 4 wheel drive? Since you have a trac bar. How did they check the shocks and know they were new? Maybe you have broken leaf springs.

 

yeah its a 4wd. The shocks are new as of March, so i assume there is nothing wrong with them.

Its the listing from side to side and stiffer steering that has me confused. Its very different from my 98 1500.

 

Well then I'd have to say you have a stabilizer bar , stabilizer bar bushing or stabilizer bar link problem.

 

And that's the first time you mentioned stiffer steering. That could be ball joints, and or tie rods.

 

I assume you are towing with a hitch or bumper mount? Slow down.

Lets talk about leverage. Fact is a single 150lb person can move a loaded box car with a 7ft to 8ft leverage bar.

While the truck is twice the weight of the boat, the boat is 21 feet long which in itself exerts a good amount of force, Add the bulk of the weight to the *** end of the boat. This is what has turned your load against you and is trying to push the rear end out from under you.

Slow down or rethink your mounting and see about going goose neck.



So how's that for a lurkers first post.

 

welcome to DF! Lurker, er Sinister1

 

the mechanic seemed thorough
so since the truck has over 130,000
I will assume he also checked the condition of the
ball joints
tire rod ends
alignment specs ( especially Castor)

try to actually weigh the boat and trailer

try to get a 'tongue weight' check at a towing place
and it should not exceed 500 lbs

with a conventional rear ball hitch
control of sway depends on
using the electric trailer brakes first
and truck brakes second,
similar to the advice here:
http://www.rvlifemag.com/file316/hitchhints316.html

in addition to the details of the trailer/truck brake application
there are special hitch designs that definitely help:

http://www.hensleymfg.com/

http://www.equalizerhitch.com/

Other brand names for stabilizers are
Reese, AL-KO, Curt Manufacturing, EAZ-Lift, Husky, Draw-Tight, Bulldog.

good luck