Front end shimmy when braking while towing

[Ostracize]

Out on vacation and towing my 5th wheel. Went over Wolf pass in CO and on our descent, noticed that I get a front end shimmy while braking going down the hill. Sometimes the shimmy get "fairly" violent.
I use the engine brake in "auto" and no issue. I've changed trailer brake pressure, and no change.
Question.....does the front axle on our Ram 2500 4 wheel dr need a stabilizer shock? Will it help?
If not......what can I look at to help this shimmy.

Truck has 54k mileage, good tires, bed/pin weight is under max pay load.

Thanks all
Ray

In addition to the aforementioned, I would also check the caliper guide pins for full and free movement, it doesn't take much corrosion to cause them to seize and that can cause asymmetric pad/rotor contact.
And since your there... couple cans of brake cleaner on the rotors to clear up any possible foreign lubricants from friction surfaces.

 

[Brutal_HO]

I have never seen a dexter trailer axle that was setup 100% from the factory weather its the brakes or the bearings or wiring they all need some adjustment

The Dexter axles/brakes on my 2018 GDRV were spot on and still are. Tires wear evenly, brakes work great, and the bearings have been trouble free.

I do carry a full set of Timken bearings with me just in case...

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

The Dexter axles/brakes on my 2018 GDRV were spot on and still are. Tires wear evenly, brakes work great, and the bearings have been trouble free.

I do carry a full set of Timken bearings with me just in case...

Thats good most are not as lucky unfortunately they dont seem to have any good QC the last 20 years

And i guess its not fair to say i have never seen them set correctly as my 97 jayco they came set properly lol

 

[Brutal_HO]

You are 100% correct on how you apply the brakes when needed. I use mine as you stated, but there ARE those times when brakes are used. All that being said, don't "think" I am too hard or using them too much, so, brake issue still stands.

Thanks for your time Sir.
Happy 4th.
Ray

FWIW, I pulled/descended WCP many times with both my 2004.5 CTD without EB, with (Banks) EB, and with the 2020 and there's simply no comparison to the EB capability on these new trucks.

 

[V8vair]

Out on vacation and towing my 5th wheel. Went over Wolf pass in CO and on our descent, noticed that I get a front end shimmy while braking going down the hill. Sometimes the shimmy get "fairly" violent.
I use the engine brake in "auto" and no issue. I've changed trailer brake pressure, and no change.
Question.....does the front axle on our Ram 2500 4 wheel dr need a stabilizer shock? Will it help?
If not......what can I look at to help this shimmy.

Truck has 54k mileage, good tires, bed/pin weight is under max pay load.

Thanks all
Ray

I have the exact same issue with my 2022 2500 4wd ,45k, I replaced the rotors , no difference, rotated and balanced fairly new Michelins and still same . Seems like it only does it when decelerating down hill in a slight left turn ?? Also notice a very slight shimmy in the steering wheel at around 50 mph .
I tow a 20 ft enclosed trailer to the races most every Saturday night. Even without the trailer it might do it slightly. Might try shocks next

 

[Rgpracer]

I have the exact same issue with my 2022 2500 4wd ,45k, I replaced the rotors , no difference, rotated and balanced fairly new Michelins and still same . Seems like it only does it when decelerating down hill in a slight left turn ?? Also notice a very slight shimmy in the steering wheel at around 50 mph .
I tow a 20 ft enclosed trailer to the races most every Saturday night. Even without the trailer it might do it slightly. Might try shocks next

Took mine to my tire shop, had them check front end....they told me some play in spindles.....really!!!......at 40k miles?.....well, needless to say, have NOT replaced spindles....yet.

Will keep up with post, please let me know.
Thanks

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

Took mine to my tire shop, had them check front end....they told me some play in spindles.....really!!!......at 40k miles?.....well, needless to say, have NOT replaced spindles....yet.

Will keep up with post, please let me know.
Thanks

There are no spindles on these trucks…. Perhaps them meant wheel bearings?

 

[Rgpracer]

Loose up front, carriers or bearings. There is play, jacked truck up, free play when I shook top side of tire....not much but maybe amplified when weight applied.
Thanks H3

 

[H3LZSN1P3R]

Loose up front, carriers or bearings. There is play, jacked truck up, free play when I shook top side of tire....not much but maybe amplified when weight applied.
Thanks H3

Likely upper ball joints but there is an allowable amount of play according to FCA