Bumper Hitch Trailer - How to Get a Smoother Ride?

[kisstherain]

My horse and I recently traveled 6+ hours one-way to a show, and I was appalled at how terrible some of the interstates were and how rough the ride was - for both me and the horse. Wondering what I can do to improve the smoothness of the ride for my poor horse. For reference, I have a one-ton truck, and a 4 Star, 2h, bumper pull trailer.

I’m familiar with those shocker hitches, and would be willing to get one if it would improve the ride for the horse. Worth it? I’m not concerned with improving my ride in the truck, although I suppose they kind of go hand in hand.

Suggestions are welcome

[tobruk]

We’ve seen several folks with the Shocker Hitches and they’ve worked well to smooth out the ride.

[kaya842]

Shocker hitch. Less expensive by a lot but not the exact same effect is Curt’s Rockerball. I bought one but haven’t tried it yet. I believe there is some sort of shock absorbing WDH/ anti sway hitch that is supposed to be really great but can’t recall the name. You can also try Sumo Springs on your trailer. I’ve read good things about them on RV sites but they aren’t necessary/ don’t work with my Brenderup. You may also look into different flooring options. I’ve always thought the ground up rubber is nice to stand on but have heard it’s not so nice to maintain so I bought 1in MMA mats from flooring . Com I think it was. Super squishy but firm enough to not deflate immediately with horse weight. Soft ride boots are similar idea but you need 2 sets/ horse. You may want to check your tire pressure (both truck and trailer). If they are overinflated they will ride stiff. You could maybe do air bags on the truck but that’s $$$$$ and I don’t know if a 2H BP weighs enough to make a huge difference for the 1 ton truck suspension. If your trucks suspension is worn out it can also transfer more to the trailer.

[LCDR]

Are you running radial trailer tires? If not, re-tire with a brand name set with good reviews.

Have you checked how much weight the loaded trailer is putting on the hitch ball? And the overall weight of the loaded trailer? Optimize this for your rig. Don’t just guesstimate.

And consider carrying weight in the bed of your one ton truck. You have noticed that it rides better with a load than when empty, right? The trailer only puts about 600 pounds of weight back there,

And have your trailer tires spin balanced.

[beowulf]

I’ve been considering the Shocker Air hitch for years. My question - how do you prevent theft? I’ve had people steal my hitch out of my truck - I can’t imagine this would be any different. Obviously the easy answer is “don’t drive everywhere with your hitch” but someone on this forum once said this set up isn’t the kind you remove daily. Thoughts? I tend to leave my truck hooked up unless I’m using it for errands. It practically lives connected to the trailer if it’s not being used for hay.

[FrittSkritt]

I use weight distribution bars with my rig, and I think it makes a big difference. The “drop” type (versus the straight ones) are better suited to horse trailers.

[FitToBeTied]

I’ll second FrittSkritt. Weight distributing hitch with the torsion bars. Not only do they smooth out the ride but they add a lot of safety.

[clanter]

@LCDR

Are you running radial trailer tires? If not, re-tire with a brand name set with good reviews.

and check the number of plys, I looked at 4Star’d web site and they offer up to 16 ply tires.

The greater the number of plys the stiffer the ride as increased ply ratings increase the load ability

https://www.tirebuyer.com/education/tire-ply-rating

[Pezanos]

They sell locking hitch pins. That plus the Shocker Hitch weighs something like 100 lbs makes a fair bit of deterrent, imo.

My trailer guy recommends the Curt ShockDrop. It’s about the same $$$ as the Shocker Air Hitch and also around 100 lbs so I haven’t bought one, but I am definitely following this thread with interest. I feel bad for my horse every bump or pothole that I drive over, even with a WD setup.

[FitToBeTied]

I’ve never seen the shocker hitches but they seem overly complex to me. Complexity = more chance of failure.

[CobJockey]

I’ve had the Shocker Hitch for my bumper pull for several years, and it makes the ride SO much smoother not only for the horse, but also the passengers in the truck. I can’t say enough good things about it and won’t tow without it anymore. It has needed no maintenance except a grease gun injection once or twice.

@beowulf, it’s not a good option for you if you leave it hitched all the time. I used to leave my hitch on all the time before I got the Shocker, and now I take it on/off when I tow and store it in my trailer tack room. It has an air bag that I am guessing would have some reduced longevity if it was under continuous pressure like that.

It has definitely added a little complexity to towing to put it on and then adjust the airbag every time, but it only adds maybe an extra 5 minutes per trip, and it’s soooooooo worth it. Pony and I both arrive at our destinations more relaxed since I got it.