first and second tows

[flatlander84]

We finally have a chance to yank the TT around. Last weekend we pulled down to Columbus, IN for a BMX race. The trip down was easier than the way home. Lots of wind. Going I had to keep a lot of focus as the truck was quite influenced by the trailer. I didn't have trouble keeping it in the lane but it was much more effort than I would have liked. Coming home was white knuckled to say the least. The only mod at that point was a rear hellwig. Tomorrow am we will be leaving for Bowling Green, KY. Between Sunday and today, I had the front end aligned, tires inflated to 80 psi and had a RAS installed. I may have to tweak my WD hitch because the rear end sits higher now. I'll post results when we get back.

[Monsta]

What was your tire pressure on the first tow? It's been said by others that actually lowering the pressure below 80 helped improve handling.

What's your total weight w/the loaded trailer?

[flatlander84]

Originally Posted by Monsta

What was your tire pressure on the first tow? It's been said by others that actually lowering the pressure below 80 helped improve handling.

What's your total weight w/the loaded trailer?

psi was 50-55. Gross on the trailer is 7600. Don't know actual weight because the only time I load it to go, I go.

Some day I'll take the time to run over a scale and dial it in precisely. In the meantime I just wanted to get the truck where I THINK it needs to be.

[X_Hemi_Guy]

flatlander,

Offer still stands...I'll run over when we can arrange a time when both of us are around and help you dial it in...there is no reason your Ex shouldn't tow like a dream...but it will take time at the scale to get her there and I'll help you get her there...! If you drove my Ex hitched up to my 9000# 35' hitch to bumper TT...you would be amazed at how well it handled...I mostly drive towing with 1 hand and don't worry about wind or passing trucks...very impressive and non-stressful...so I know we can get you dialed in...

On the alignment...I had Stemen's on Wells St. install some adjustable bushings to give me more positive camber and caster...he was very reasonable with the total job (purchase bushings, install bushings and front end alignment) was ~$130-150 can't remember exactly...but it seemed to really improve the front end responsiveness...but altering my tire pressures really helped tweak things too...

If 80psi still don't work...I'm one of those that Monsta refers to on lower tire pressures and the handling improvement based on my experiences...do you still have BFG Rugged Trail T/A in 265/75R16E on the truck?...if so...try 60psi front and 70psi rear.

FWIW...my 'experiences' include over 20,000 miles towing 2 different trailers with this Ex since summer of 2006 all over the country including the Rockies twice...I've experimented quite a bit and have found a lot of what I share on here thru my trials and errors...what works for me may or may not work for others...all I know is that I can TOW a 12 hour day in 30+ mph cross winds and not be any more tired than simply driving our mini-van 12 hours...so something is working right...

Travel safe and let me know if you want my help.

Joe.

[benr0]

When I switched tires etc, first tow was way different...
I re-did the WD hitch set up from scratch and it was back to normal.

Any time you change somthing, make sure you adjust the hitch.

[flatlander84]

This trip was almost like driving a totally different vehicle. It was still influenced by passing vehicles, but I never had to let off of put another hand on the wheel. I'll definitely try playing with tire pressures, and I recommend the RAS to anyone who is thining about it.

Joe--I'm game when you are. We just pulled up out front (8:30 pm Monday) and the trailer is still loaded because we are still on vacation and can unload tomorrow. If I have your number I'll give you a call.