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Driving on eggs - not sure which sub-forum to put this

b1lanc

b1lanc

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We just returned from a 5500 mile trip from New England to Montana and back. Before we left, I put new Michelin tires on. No problems on the trip except my mpg was terrible with all of the head and crosswinds. 5th wheel weighs in at 15.5K. Get home and disconnect and 37-42 mph, the truck rhythmically bounces. Brought it back to have tires rotated and balance checked. All good and I watched them spin the wheels. But the bounce I get out of what feels like the rear is now so annoying that it's enough to make me ill. I have no idea where to look next. If I had some magical suspension gear, I'd swear the truck still thinks the 5th wheel is attached - it is now that stiff - but the truck is stock except for a Titan fuel tank. No vibrations at high speed but a sickening bounce at low speeds on any smooth road. Truck has 28K on it and this is new since returning. Back to the dealer I suspect but just curious if anyone else has experienced same.
TIA
 
Just a shot in the dark, but towing 5500 miles non stop, perhaps you just need to get your "sea-legs" back driving the truck unloaded? Similar to that feeling of rocking after being on a cruise for a week?

If nothing changed other than the load is now gone, I am as puzzled as you.
 
techman said:
Just a shot in the dark, but towing 5500 miles non stop, perhaps you just need to get your "sea-legs" back driving the truck unloaded? Similar to that feeling of rocking after being on a cruise for a week?

If nothing changed other than the load is now gone, I am as puzzled as you.
Click to expand...
Well we did stop - 43 day trip and have been back 3 weeks and we did disconnect a dozen or so times - only felt the bounce last 2K miles and when unhitched. I am baffled. Had the senior tech take it for a spin today and he said I wasn't imagining anything - ride was terrible.
 
b1lanc said:
Well we did stop - 43 day trip and have been back 3 weeks and we did disconnect a dozen or so times - only felt the bounce last 2K miles and when unhitched. I am baffled. Had the senior tech take it for a spin today and he said I wasn't imagining anything - ride was terrible.
Click to expand...
Another shot in the dark - are the tires at the same pressure they were for towing? Follow the load chart and only air them to what you need unloaded and see if that helps?

It’s also possible the new Michelins are out of round. Rare, but it happens sometimes.

I don’t expect my armchair diagnosis to solve your problem - but maybe a couple things to rule out? Good luck!
 
Had something similar with the wife's van that ended up being an out of round tire and had to replace it. Apparently you can still kind of balance to within limits but its more of a bandaid than a fix though.
 
arx237 said:
Had something similar with the wife's van that ended up being an out of round tire and had to replace it. Apparently you can still kind of balance to within limits but its more of a bandaid than a fix though.
Click to expand...

Ive also had a tire that would bounce even after "balancing" it 2 or 3 times. Had shop replace it and bounce went away.
 
I've had a belt slip before and this is what it kind reminds me of. I really don't want to pull the 5th for 2k miles starting Friday with this thing bouncing.
 
123zk said:
If you have no load on the truck reduce your tire pressure
Click to expand...
I have reduced it 10 PSI but that doesn't seem make a difference. Also, there is only one recommended tire pressure for the truck - 60 front 80 rear which is what I've been running with or without load since new.
 
b1lanc said:
I have reduced it 10 PSI but that doesn't seem make a difference. Also, there is only one recommended tire pressure for the truck - 60 front 80 rear which is what I've been running with or without load since new.
Click to expand...
I have a 2500 mega cab the tires were 80 psi when I received my truck I reduced the tire pressure to 60 in the front and 55 in the rear. Ride was much better. If you have a heavy load increase your tire pressure.
 
123zk said:
I have a 2500 mega cab the tires were 80 psi when I received my truck I reduced the tire pressure to 60 in the front and 55 in the rear. Ride was much better. If you have a heavy load increase your tire pressure.
Click to expand...
I hear you. I've been running 60/80 since delivery with 10K on the trailer and 28K on the truck. Only the last 3K on new tires has this occurred. The real concern is why (and I am convinced it is a tire). If a belt has slipped, not sure I want to put 3100lbs on the pin even at spec'd PSI and pull it 2K miles.
 
I have had similar. Two tires went out of round on the same trip. RV trip from hell, made a 14 hour drive day and got robbed at the only tire shop that had my size tires. Felt like a small vibration at first and then just got a little worse and a little worse.

Does it change with speed?


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Gus said:
I have had similar. Two tires went out of round on the same trip. RV trip from hell, made a 14 hour drive day and got robbed at the only tire shop that had my size tires. Felt like a small vibration at first and then just got a little worse and a little worse.

Does it change with speed?


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Click to expand...
No, in fact at highway speeds it completely disappears. This got worse when we hit the Kansas Turnpike on the way home which is also the first time I disconnected and felt anything. Been steadily getting worse since - much worse since they rotated the tires today.
 
I think you may have an out of round tire or a wheel that needs to be road force balanced. Traditional balancing didn’t work for me. I have one rim way the hell out from the factory.

If you have cash to burn this may help

Whole Assembly Balance for Light-Duty from Centramatic

Centramatic is an industry leader in wheel balancing technology. We also offer Diesel Fuel Additive to save you money and gas!
www.centramatic.com www.centramatic.com

Not for me but have buddies that swear by them.


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Last edited:
b1lanc said:
I have reduced it 10 PSI but that doesn't seem make a difference. Also, there is only one recommended tire pressure for the truck - 60 front 80 rear which is what I've been running with or without load since new.
Click to expand...

80 psi unloaded? Absolutely not.

Drop the rears to 55 or so.. keep the fronts at 60-65 and enjoy.
 
By any chance were they Michelin Agilis Crossclimates? I just got rid of a set of those, worst tire I've ever owned. They would not balance and the traction was frighteningly inadequate. I did not experience the "driving on eggs" feeling but there were shimmy's and shakes that varied with speed like you mention.
 
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