Trailer set up

[JimPat]

Guys, am getting close to the 500 miles so I can start towing w/ my 250 fx 4 4X4. Question - I know a bit about towing so am trying to prep as much as possible in order to minimize the time req'd to set up the hitch from the Ex to the new 250. The height of the ball looks identical to what I had on the Ex (17 inches). Have any of y'all run the weights on the axles on these trucks? I'll start looking for the stated loaded axle weights but I'm sure actual numbers will vary. We'll be towing a 25 foot airstream front-bed safari. As I recall, I'll need the weight of the unloaded axles of the truck; the weight of the trailer; the weight of the trailer attached but without the weight distribution bars attached and then the weight of it all hooked up. Looking for a 10-12 per cent tongue weight; proper tilted angle on trailer ball itself; and proper weight distro to front axles, rear axles and tongue weight. Gonna require me taking my shoes and socks off to do the "goz-inta's" and math involved but my claim to fame isn't that I'm smart.....just that I know smart people. Sound proper? Any advice?

[JimPat]

Guys, I realize I"'ll need to get multiple weights from a truck scale- just saving the inevitable reply as I didn't originally state such.

Just want to see what the experts here say.

[mhoefer]

Where are the water and waste tanks located on the airstream?? I would be inclined to try for more like 15% tongue weight. Now, that may mean it's 12 empty water tank and 15+ when a front water tank is full and waste tanks are empty both grey and black. This is how I most often tow, but it's also interesting to know all tanks full data, especially tongue weight. Either way, that truck is going to tow it nicely. What type weight distribution hitch?

[senix]

15% of gross trailer weight is the go by for me. For tag alongs.

[JimPat]

Good stuff guys, I use the Reese dual cam. I'm literally looking for errands to run just to get this thing over 500 miles so I can see how it tows. We.re dragging it to Michigan in three weeks for two weeks of vacation. I want to ensure everything is dialed in.

[mrjc]

Yep, getting 15% on the ball is the desired state, much less sway and more stable towing. load everything up front,You have wiggle room. im guessing your airstream only weighs 10K lbs. The weight dist hitch is always a plus, although your trucks suspension wont even notice your rig attached. You absolutly will love the backup camera in the mirror for hooking up and dont forget to add, and name your trailer in the trucks computer so it can keep track of your trailer stats. I found my electronic brake controller to be different than my 07. I cant move it to 8 where it was, on the new truck 8 locks up the wheels so i use 6. My fifth wheel doesnt sway at all, but I would be interested in seeing if the sway control really works as advertised. Check out the atchmnt for Super Duty tow stats

[mhoefer]

You also want that trailer just slightly nose down. They track and handle way better. Airstream has a straight frame, even a 1/4 bubble on a level nose down will make it handle amazingly better than level. I would go this slight nose down without adding water to front tank, then it will be a bit more if the front tanks are full. If it's at all nose up, you will notice handling suffers, so, make sure you pick the hitch height with tendency for nose down.

[sdetweil]

the rear springs on the F250 are a lot lighter than they used to be.

my 20ft car carrier with about 900lbs on the tongue really drags the rear down.. I have WD hitch, but didn't like the bar position now on the 250, so I added airbags too..

Sam

[JimPat]

Great stuff. I believe the 'stream is about 7k unloaded. I did not know about the "negative bubble on the forward dive plane" ( for the squids on here....).

So, I s'pose that would leave me with an ideal tongue weight of about 1k. I can see where I half ton on the hitch would/may give it a bit of a squat-hence the WD bars. This wil be interesting/fun to set up.

Thanks guys-reps to all soon's I get off this darned ipad- it's a pain to type on.....

[RV_Tech]

Originally Posted by JimPat

Good stuff guys, I use the Reese dual cam. I'm literally looking for errands to run just to get this thing over 500 miles so I can see how it tows. We.re dragging it to Michigan in three weeks for two weeks of vacation. I want to ensure everything is dialed in.

Dual cams are my favorite. Don't go crazy with the weights. If you are off a bit, I bet you will never know it. Sometimes folks get a little obsessive with this stuff, in my opinion.

Steve

[mrjc]

WOW, I really have a hard time understanding why some our trucks sag so much. I ordered the camper package on mine and with my 2500lb pin weight 5er bearing down the overload springs barely contact, so the main springs are holding her up and the bed is still pointing up. I wonder if the camper package spring pack is stiffer. Mike

[jrtraderny]

Originally Posted by mrjc

WOW, I really have a hard time understanding why some our trucks sag so much. I ordered the camper package on mine and with my 2500lb pin weight 5er bearing down the overload springs barely contact, so the main springs are holding her up and the bed is still pointing up. I wonder if the camper package spring pack is stiffer. Mike

With the camper package did you get the rear axle sway bar ?
I ordered mine like always w/o the camper package and this time no sway bar came.
jr

[gsxr1300]

I'm pretty sure the camper spring pack gives you the same rear springs as an f350

[mrjc]

yep, came with rear sway bar. But does not sag under anything, had a huge pallet of grass back there and it did sag just a bit...and leveled out. 7k lb Airstream shouldnt sag,but depends on what susp options are in OPs F250.

[JimPat]

Nothing to see here - FAIL at photo post.