Towing gurus... Need you guys to take a look

[T4RUSAF]

Gents,

I just finished setting up my wdh setup for my trailer and I need your opinions. Does it look like I need a lower shank? It seems my trailer is a tad high in the front and it is causing my truck to be nose high...just a little. I don't want unseen tread wear on the rear axle since I'm driving close to 2300 miles next week.

What do you all think? Worth spending $100 to better level out the trailer?

 

[TechWrench]

You should adjust the ball mount (if possible), or get one with a longer drop to lower the front of the trailer so it rides closer to level. This will help with sway control while towing, but it will not change the amount of 'lift' you are getting on the front end of the tow vehicle. That lift is caused by the amount of tongue weight applied to the ball mount by the trailer. The only way to change that is to adjust the center of gravity (load placement) on the trailer to lower the tongue weight.

But, I did notice that you appear to have a weight distribution system. Once you get the trailer riding level, then you need to adjust the amount of tension on the spring bars to better equalize the load on the tow vehicle. When it is done properly, more of the load should be transfered to the front end of the tow vehicle, which will lower it. You may also have to adjust the angle of the ball mount in the receiver.

 

[zimm]

Yup, drop the ball 2". What hitch do you have right now?

 

[NeutronJon]

The real question is how much weight do you have in the trailer? And is there any way to shift some of it farther back a bit? Even moving the center of gravity in the trailer back 12 inches should help significantly with tongue weight, and improve your handling and performance.

 

[TRDCal]

I third the motion, especially for a trip of that magnitude I would get a lower ball mount.

BTW, nice trailer...what are you hauling?

 

[T4RUSAF]

Yep, I'll order the shank tonight and get it in Tuesday.

Yup, drop the ball 2". What hitch do you have right now?

The standard shank which only provides 2" of drop and 5" of rise. Since I'm lifted ~3.5" It still sits pretty high even on the lowest setting

The real question is how much weight do you have in the trailer? And is there any way to shift some of it farther back a bit? Even moving the center of gravity in the trailer back 12 inches should help significantly with tongue weight, and improve your handling and performance.

Not a whole lot of weight... maybe around 3k in payload. The positioning is quite good and it feels and tows great thanks to the Weight distributing setup I have on it. Don't get any any sway unless being buzzed by a semi which is now even less with my sway control setup.

I third the motion, especially for a trip of that magnitude I would get a lower ball mount.

BTW, nice trailer...what are you hauling?

Well, I'm moving some stuff for school/training in California so I'm taking the necessities; wardrobe, tools, motorcycles (Ducati Streetfighter & Yami R6 track whore), paddock stands, leathers, etc. Ya know, the important stuff, haha.

 

[TechWrench]

If at all possible, you should try to get the total amount of tongue weight to between 12-15% of the total weight of the trailer and its cargo. This is tough to do without a good set of scales, but it will normally give you the best handling while towing. If the tongue weight is too high, it will cause the front end of the tow vehicle to rise and also lessen the front tire contact which can cause handling problems. If the tongue weight is too light, the possibility of sway problems can be increased. I know reaching proper trailer balance is more difficult with utility type trailers, since the amount and type of cargo can vary greatly, but try to not load everything (especially the heavy stuff) all in the front. If possible, spread the load evenly before and after the axles.

Also, you mentioned the ball mount you presently have is adjustable for 2" drop, and 5" of rise. In some cases, it is possible to invert the ball mount, which could increase the amount of available drop to meet your needs.

 

[emoore924]

Basically you want the truck level and the trailer level. As mentioned, more drop on the hitch, get 10-15% of total weight on the tongue (not enough tongue weight and you end up with a swaying problem), and if you have an adjustable suspension, use it to level the truck *if* you have the tongue weight right and the drop right.

With the setup you have, the rig will be unstable under hard braking because the trailer will be trying to lift the back of the truck off the ground. You don't want that.

 

[TRDCal]

Ya know, the important stuff, haha.

Of course, it's only fun if your haulin toys!