Just coupled this truck (03’ quad cab 1500 hemi 4x4 auto) with an 800lb pop up truck camper. Truck also has ride rite air bags and a trans temp gauge on it. Had it out for an over night trip this last weekend and noticed at times it would feel like it is “bucking” (kind of like the drive train was flexing or such under the middle of the truck). When this would happen letting off the throttle for a second would stop it and then allow throttle to resume. Could a transmission mount or such be going out? Is the torque the engine is putting paired with the resistance of the rig making something bind up a bit? Could it actually be other harmonics in the vehicle (ie stock shocks aren’t suited for this)? I was always over 1600rpm when this type of thing would happen so I was under the impression I wasn't bogging the engine or anything.


(This may or may not apply to the above issue but it needs answering as well so I’ll ask it here in case it does apply) Also is it okay to run overdrive on this if my trans temps are good and its not shifting or are there other things to worry about? I’m not totally versed in the concerns of hauling, tranny gears, and such. The truck has 3.9X (forget the last number) gears in the rear axle and will run 80mph on the flats with the camper at 2200rpm in OD and haul up gradual inclines without slowing or shifting. If it does dump out of OD on a climb then I lock out the OD until the hill is done and then turn it back on. Is this a legitimate way to drive the rig or no? I don't want to unnecessarily run this thing at higher rpms and such with OD locked out if its not required.


Thanks.

 

Transmission hunting gears? That's a fairly light trailer, so it should have no problems towing in OD. The temp gauge was a good idea. I'd guess as long as it doesn't run hot, you should be good in that respect.

 

Doesn't really feel like the tranny is hunting it feels like my drive train is mildly jump roping with the engine and axle being the two ends... By the way this isn't a trailer its a camper in the back of the truck.

 

have you checked trans mount for slack or crack

 

Planning to when I get a chance this week (weather is crappy tonight). Just trying to get a general list of what I should be keeping an eye out for.

 

+1 id be looking for something underneath the truck maybe having slop or being broken to start. Move on from there.

 

do you only feel this while towing??

it sounds like it could be just the play between the ball and the hitch, if its
not a tight fit, and it probably isnt there is extra space around the ball

this happens to me when towing my sled trailer (1500lbs loaded) 2/ 5/8" ball
when you let off, or accelerate the trailer will lag behind for a split second
causing the bucking feeling
next time you have it hooked up in your driveway
have someone get in the truck and pull ahead and back an inch or two
and stand back there, you will see what i mean

also do you tow a lot??
if not, you always here a lot of new strange noises when you tow
from swaying and wind buffeting things around

more than likely this is the cause
hopefully

 

While the efforts and thought was there the reading wasn't. It was a camper that goes in the truck box unless I am mistaken. no worries though

 

oh maybe
i re read it, when i see pop up camper, i think tow behind
when i see truck camper, i think in the bed camper
but im not sure witch one he means
my bad

 

Me, too. It is a strange problem, though. Keep us posted.