Trailer Mounted Forklifts

[otisdog]

This summer I stated driving a curtainside with a Manitou on the back. The truck and trailer are practically new.
This sucker is really squirley when empty and in fact there's been a couple of Maloxx moments when hitting grooves in the highway.
Any experience or advice?
Jim

[Jumbo]

Are you sure there isnt something wrong with the truck? Practically new or not doesnt make a difference. And please try not hitting the grooves in the highway.

[LBF]

Awfully light on the drives, with the cantilever action of the fork truck out back.

Kinda stuck.

Make it a habit to have the fuel tanks full at the point in the day that you are running empty?

Probably impractical, but a back haul would fix things....

[otisdog]

Yea we are taking a look at the truck.
Will be keeping those tanks full as possible.
I guess more caution is warranted.
Jim

[Orangetxguy]

Awfully light on the drives, with the cantilever action of the fork truck out back.

Kinda stuck.

Make it a habit to have the fuel tanks full at the point in the day that you are running empty?

Probably impractical, but a back haul would fix things....

+1 !!!

[nrvsreck]

I've run these things before. On a straight truck they just tend to bounce you everywhere like a seesaw when empty. With a trailer they're just plain squirrely. Not a whole lot you can do besides holding the wheel straight and not making any sudden movements cause it can get away from you pretty quick. BOL

[otisdog]

I've run these things before. On a straight truck they just tend to bounce you everywhere like a seesaw when empty. With a trailer they're just plain squirrely. Not a whole lot you can do besides holding the wheel straight and not making any sudden movements cause it can get away from you pretty quick. BOL

Boy did I find that out on a mountain road - hit some nasty grooves and just about lost it.
With the type of load we are hauling there's often room for some extra weight. Might see about getting some ballast in there when possible.
Jim

[nrvsreck]

Yeah, probably a good idea to load it down in the middle with a few thousand pounds just to even it out. Makes for a smoother ride. Hate those d&mned things. Glad I'm not driving 'em anymore.