Fuzion Toy Hauler Sway Issue

[nagy102]

We recently purchased a 301 Fuzion - having a major sway issue with this - wondering if anyone else has had the same issue.

[Vidorcom]

I have a fz 300 with Reese Dual Cam and still get a good amount of sway

[nagy102]

WE have the same hitch equipment -towing with 07 Dodge 2500. With the motorcycle & golf cart in garage it is all over the road.

[rnkburg]

I saw a post on here somewhere about weight in certain areas helping. Search Raptor 30 fs toy hauler .

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[conroys cougar]

we just traded off a 2012 Cruiser 29RLS in on our 24 RLS Cougar for the same sway trouble !!

[chuck&gail]

Can't comment if a 5er, but if tow trailer, check your ACTUAL fully loaded weight, AND your ACTUAL tongue weight. Bet your tongue is WAY TOO LIGHT. You need 13 to 15% of the fully loaded TT weight on the tongue. TT level or slightly nose low.

If all that is right, then IMO it is a misadjusted WDH.

[SteveC7010]

We recently purchased a 301 Fuzion - having a major sway issue with this - wondering if anyone else has had the same issue.

First, is this a fiver or a TT? If it's a TT, what are you using for a weight distributing hitch system and sway control?

Much as we can all offer ideas and suggestions, until you tell us what you have and how you are using it, anything we might say is pure speculation.

It would also be useful to know what you are using for a tow vehicle.

[rnkburg]

Looks like its a travel trailer

2013 Keystone Fuzion 301 Travel Trailer Manufacturer Specs:
Shipping Weight Lbs - 9150
Carrying Capacity (lbs) - 3850
Hitch (lbs) - 1380
Length - 34' 8''
Height - 12' 2''
Fresh Water (gal) - 106
Waste Water (gal) - 32
Grey Water (gal) - 32
Lpg (gal) - 60
Tire Size - ST235/80R16E

I was looking at the Fuzion 300 before my purchase of the Raptor (fuzion 300 has one slide, fuzion 301 has two) and one of the main reasons I went with the raptor 300mp was stepping up to the 5'er option was my concern with sway.

There is a thread about a raptor 30fs travel trailer on here that talks about all kinds of sway issues (same trailer as the fusion 300, just the raptor version) They talked of adding water tanks in the front, etc. Said was fine empty, but when toys loaded up, horrible.

[SteveC7010]

rknburg, Thanks for looking up some of the details about the trailer.

There is only one possible answer, presuming that the OP has a reasonably capable TV:

Hensley Arrow

or it's clone. Not even a well set up Reese DC is going to tame a behemoth like that.

[rnkburg]

rknburg, Thanks for looking up some of the details about the trailer.

There is only one possible answer, presuming that the OP has a reasonably capable TV:

Hensley Arrow

or it's clone. Not even a well set up Reese DC is going to tame a behemoth like that.


When I get a minute tonight I will search for that Raptor forum. Only reason that I brought that up is because Keystone admitted to a problem, and added a second water tank to help with the issue.

[nagy102]

Thanks for all the input - I am new at this so forgive me if I do not know all of the slang. the 301 is a tow behind - Keystone actually has recommended the Hensley hitch set up. We have had this unit & the tow vehicle weighed several times & several different ways - we are not overweight. It is discouraging to buy a new unit & have this trouble but apparently we are not alone in this. Had an 28' outback before this with no sway problem.

[mrxlh]

If it is swaying, you are not overweight, you are under weight on the hitch.

[scronin1]

I am the one that originally posted swaying problems with the equivalent Raptor 30FS - Its not the hitch you are using!!! Its the weight distrabution of the trailer. The manufacturer finally agreed after a long battle to put a additional 56 gallon water tank up front - This helped but did not totally resolve the problem - I added 8 additional sandbags under the front of the bed - The trailer finally pulls great when the garage is loaded. now take the weight out when hauling empty or you will have a bouncy ride. Have Fun!!!
BE VERY CAREFULL UNTIL YOU HAVE THIS RESOLVED, LOSING CONTROL OF TRUCK AND TRAILER IS A REALITY!!! IF it happens have a quick hand on the brake controller and hold on!!!

[scronin1]

Manufacturer reccomends hensley hitch - This is a poor solution to give that can potentially cause a major problem. If you have to little hitch weight you have too little hitch weight, meaning not enough weight on the truck, the hensley may help to a extent but if the trailer gets a good side wind you will not have enough weight of the truck to stop it from pushing the truck therefore you loose control, tires skidding the whole nine yards!!! have your toung weight checked then determine your solution. The trailer should not sway back and forth, I wish the manufacturer would reslove the problem instead of blaming other factors like the hitch!!!!!

[Big Boy w/ Big Toys]

I just did a 75 mile tow with nothing in the garage and about 3/4 tank of water and other then being hitch heavy my 30 FS towed fine. I did dump the water for the return trip towed much better....still hitch heavy but not as bad as the trip out.

Need to look at your tongue weight empty and loaded. I just can't believe that having to add 500 pounds to the front was a good solution. This does not leave you much room for regular cargo.

Scronin1 maybe we should compare notes on axle measurements and weights. Reading your other post almost had me in a panic over my purchase but thank goodness I have found the total opposite. I would never care to tow this trailer very far empty as the balance made the ride a little harder then I care for, but here in Alaska the frost heaves are killer.

[scronin1]

Im currently out of town, when I return I will post my empty and loaded weights. I cant argue with your findings only state my personal expierneces and state that I had a engineer look at the trailer and provide drawings on the weight distrabution of the trailer to determine it was designed with too little hitch weight when the gaurage was loaded.

[Big Boy w/ Big Toys]

Im currently out of town, when I return I will post my empty and loaded weights. I cant argue with your findings only state my personal expierneces and state that I had a engineer look at the trailer and provide drawings on the weight distrabution of the trailer to determine it was designed with too little hitch weight when the gaurage was loaded.

I know I am way hitch heavy with nothing in the garage. Guessing I am 1400 lbs plus with no water on board and nothing in the garage. Have a scale and will look here soon as we are pretty close to empty sitting here at the house.

15% of dry weight should be 1275 lbs. Adding 85 gallons of water to the front adds 663 lbs to the front half so it gonna be interesting to see what my tongue weight climbs to when I stack on the water. Now granted that water is off loaded during your trip but that is almost 25% of your rear cargo weight add forward of your axles.

I really want to figure it out for you and hope you get the same enjoyment that we are getting. It is something simple. Something being overlooked.

Your black water tank deal did they fix the last time or replace?

[Canadian Camper]

Hi guys. We picked up a 2013
Fuzion 301 travel trailer and are having
Major sway issues as well at speeds over 80 Km per hour whether it's loaded or unloaded. We have the Anderson weight distribution with built in anti sway. We are towing with a 2012 GMC 2500 dura ad crew cab short box. The truck and trailer are level. Does anyone have any suggestions for us? Would a dually help? We are scared to take this trailer out!

Thanks.

[rnkburg]

Maybe put a little tounge weight on it to see if it helps. Just a thought

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[JRTJH]

Before you do any adjustments, make sure the receiver, hitch and equalizer bars are properly rated for the weight you will be towing.

Then:

1. Weigh the trailer and separately weigh the tongue. Tongue weight should be 12 - 15% of the trailer weight. Add weight as needed to achieve at least 12% tongue weight Don't guess on success, reweigh as needed until you're certain you are within the parameters. Remember, an empty toyhauler may well have too much weight on the tongue.
2. Make sure the hitch height is correct
3. Adjust the equalizer bars for the proper front/rear tow vehicle height (proper weight distribution) See forum for details on exactly how to do this. It was recently discussed at length. Don't just "eyeball" level, actually measure and readjust to achieve within 1/4 inch if possible. No greater difference in front and rear squat than 1/2 inch. If your eyes are like mine, you can't see that kind of drop or rise in the front or rear of the TV "eyeballing" it. Measure on a hard flat surface like a parking lot or abandoned roadway/runway.
4. Make sure TV and trailer tires are properly inflated
5. Test tow and note any improvement. If you have factory break control and it has an "antisway" control or a "stability" control, try towing with those systems turned off as well as turned on. Note any difference in stability.

Report your success and hopefully it will be success :)

You may have to go to a Hensley hitch to achieve adequate sway elimination.

[Philip Saran]

All the info you have been given is good.

(1) a long bed truck is going to tow better than a short bed
(2) as stated make sure you have enough hitch weight and that
the truck and trailer are level when hitched up.
(3) make sure your load is distributed evenly.
(4) I had to go look at my truck to see that 80 KM is 50 MPH so
that is OK, a bit slow for freeway driving.

Another question how much does your TT weigh loaded vs what
is the towing rate of you tow vehicle.

My Ford F350 4dr/4X4/long beach diesel has a tow rate of 20,000
lbs, the truck loaded with fuel and people weighs in at 8000 lbs
leaving me 12,000 lbs for the towed load. My TT loaded weighs
7700 lbs so I have a decent safety margin and my setup does NOT
sway.

So it comes down to a few choices:

(1) is your truck to light to tow your TT?
(2) is your TT to big and too heavey for your truck?
(3) is your hitch correct for what you tow? Hitch bars of the
correct weight capacity for your TT?

Sorry, just lots of things to think about and find answers for.