Death wobble on ice!?!

Discussion in 'Renegade Stock Tech' started by AVL_Paul, Jan 26, 2021.

  1. AVL_Paul

    AVL_Paul New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 18, 2018
    Messages:
    3
    Location:
    Asheville, NC
    2018 Renegade Latitude with 1.4Turbo and 18" wheels. I upgraded the tires from the stock Kumhos to Falken Wildpeak AT Trails just before this trip as I knew we'd be encountering snow. We had the back of the Renegade packed with luggage and skis / snowboards on the top. We also had a rear hitch-mounted cargo tray with about ~140lbs or so of gear. The rear springs were NOTICABLY compressed compared to the fronts. I could fit my whole hand between tire and fender in front but only 3 fingers in back. I was getting terrible fuel mileage - usually got 25-27 mpg with the Kumhos. With all this gear and new tires, I was getting 17-19 mpg (but snowboards and rear carrier are a big aero loss).

    When we encountered a snowy road with some light ice build up, the handling became REALLY unstable. The whole SUV started shimmying back and forth side to side and felt like it was going to spin if I touched the brakes. It felt like a death wobble right before you spin out. Meanwhile, we were being passed by semis and other 4WD (Subaru Outbacks, etc.) who were having no problem at those speeds (40-50 mph). I dropped way down in speed 25-30mph and then got into a lane that had snow crust and was able to proceed. I've owned a lot of Subarus and never experienced anything like that. I suspect it was caused by the unloading of the front - anyone experienced THIS?

    I took everything off the rear tray and and pulled 100 lbs or so of luggage out and it is still not sitting level. Wonder if the springs compressed????
     
  2. IDoMy0wnRacing

    IDoMy0wnRacing Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 18, 2019
    Messages:
    700
    Location:
    Pioneer, California
    Your springs should recover. I agree with "unloading of the front" That much added weight on the rear Jeep is what is probably adding to you stability issue. We never want so much weight on the back of a vehicle that it take weight off of the front wheels.

    Keeping the load on top of the Renegade will help with stability (roof rack), but not so much for the fuel economy. lol

    I towed a HEAVYLY loaded trailer once with my Trailhawk, where I unloaded the front which made for a very sketchy ride. I am glad that I only had to go a few miles...
     

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