Trailer hitch height adjustments

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Jul 4, 2014 | 12:51 AM

djm1204

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From: Dunnellon, Fl

Trailer hitch height adjustments

I have a question about trailer hitch height ?

I’ll try and explain the best that I can – when I start out with an unloaded trailer I try and match the hitch drop so that when I hook up the trailer – the trailer remains pretty much level even though the trailer weighs in between 2500 – 3000 lbs empty.

The back of the F-350 squats a little when I drop the trailer on it. Now as I load the trailer – and yes I load it carefully so that between 10 – 15 % of the total trailer weight is on the hitch – the weight in the trailer makes the truck squat a little more.

My question is – after the trailer is loaded – should I change the ball drop of the hitch so that the trailer will be pretty much level – even thou the truck will still squat a bit – I am thinking that with the trailer being pretty much level, it will help to properly distribute the weight of the trailer between it’s 2 axles.

Thanks in advance for the replies

Dan - NJ

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Jul 4, 2014 | 05:10 AM

RV_Tech

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From: Bristol, TN.

Rule of thumb, trailer level when loaded, truck squatting not more than an inch as measured at the rear wheel well, or more simply everything level when set to travel.

Steve

Jul 4, 2014 | 10:02 AM

BPofMD

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From: Millersville, MD

I didn't see the mention of an equalizer hitch from the OP. You ARE using such a device, right? Or do you have a 5th wheel?

Jul 4, 2014 | 11:26 AM

IDMooseMan

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From: Nampa, ID

Agreed. Trailer and truck should be level when loaded. A weight distributing hitch is a great idea for heavy loads. If trailer and truck cannot be made level when loaded, it is "better" to have the trailer tongue slightly above level (nose-high) rather than below level (nose-down), IIRC.

Jul 4, 2014 | 04:26 PM

BPofMD

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From: Millersville, MD

Quote:

Originally Posted by IDMooseMan

Why is that? If you have a loaded trailer that you can't make level when loaded, how in the heck can you get it even higher?

Jul 5, 2014 | 08:17 AM

snowdog79

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From: Tri-Cities, TN

Tongue high, the trailer will have too much weight shift towards the rear, possibly causing a dangerous sway condition. If it cannot be leveled, a little too much tongue weight is safer, although if it makes the rear of the truck squat too much, you can have a loss of steering and reduced braking. With the trailer loaded and level, the truck should sit level too. If it doesn't, you need a drawbar with the proper drop/rise to bring it level. Seems a lot of folks forget different trailers require different ball heights.

Jul 7, 2014 | 06:13 PM

Torklift Sheryl

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Hi Dan,
To help level the truck while loaded, you might consider adding Torklift’s StableLoad suspension upgrade. The lower quick-disconnect StableLoads would be a great application as they can engage/disengage, allowing you to return to factory ride when you’re not towing the trailer. It will really help with leveling and reduce any poor handling. Take a look at the TruckU video on our website if you have a minute.
Torklift Sheryl

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Jul 7, 2014 | 08:41 PM

schottsports

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leveling

If you use the trailer often I would recommend putting in an add a leaf. It will ride a little stiffer but well worth it when loaded. Cheap to buy and easy to install. I would not be adjusting the height after loaded to ensure a straight line as the weight is a constant and I could not imagine the height changes that much. I would measure off axel to frame rather than wheel well and never off the bumper.

Jul 8, 2014 | 12:08 AM

#10

djm1204

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From: Dunnellon, Fl

I will take some measurements as soon as I get a chance.

The reason I asked - if this makes any sense - everyone seems to agree that these newer super dutys squat quite a bit with even the slightest weight either in the bed or on the hitch.

So with the trailer empty and not connected to the truck I use the tongue jack to make sure that the trailer is level. then I measure the distance from the hitch to the ground. Then I get a hitch insert with the correct amount of drop to connect the trailer to the truck and be level.

Once I connect the empty trailer - weighing appx 2,500 pounds the truck squats and the trailer is no longer level.

My question is/was should I then replace the hitch insert with one with less of a drop in order to bring the trailer back pretty close to being level.

This was never an issue with my other trailers with leaf spring suspensions, this new trailer has torsion axles - which when researching leaf spring vs torsion axle suspension the one major item people stressed being different was that with torsion axles it is extremely important to ensure that the trailer was level in order to properly and evenly distribute the weight among the axles.

So while I have a basic understanding of the need for wd hitch and sway bars, the crux of my question is about making sure that the weight in the trailer is properly distributed between the 2 trailer axles.

Jul 8, 2014 | 10:41 AM

#11

bigredtruckmi

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From: Huntington Indiana

We went with air ride air bags. It helped a lot with adjusting easily with the load conditions. We haul a 30 travel trailer and this 40 ft fifth wheel. Our son has a 150 and doesn't like to tow long distance. So we do it for him (his 30 ft)

Jul 8, 2014 | 12:11 PM

#12

Torklift Sheryl

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I’m in agreement with Steve – WD bars are essential with towing a load that size. The StableLoads are designed to pre-activate the factory-engineered suspension making a significant difference when it comes to the safety, leveling and handling of your ride.
Torklift Sheryl

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Jul 14, 2014 | 10:12 AM

#13

Zrock

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Quote:

Originally Posted by bigredtruckmi

i agree with bags.. easy to adjust. i installed a set on my 150 just to reduce the sag when towing my 2 quads. originally i had one in the box and one on trailer until i got the new trailer.

Jul 19, 2014 | 11:22 PM

#14

djm1204

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From: Dunnellon, Fl

Not that it makes an ounce of difference about anything - my travels took me to the jersi shore today and I wound up parked near a boat ramp. After a little while I started to take notice - none of the boat trailers had stabilizers or wd hitches - about 1/2 the boats I saw being taken in and/or out of the water were of the larger - heavy variety.

Just an interesting observation

Jul 20, 2014 | 11:49 PM

#15

CougarXR02

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Many boat trailers have surge brakes. Any sway control devices or WD mechanism can impede the action of the surge brakes.

As for how that safely stabilize, not so sure.

For me with an E-350. . . I certainly have the load carrying ability to just use the correct drawbar for level loaded travel. However, the WD bars allow the tow vehicle and trailer to bounce as one long unit on bumps and dips and expansion joints at high way speeds. Without them the tow vehicle, even a SD, can bounce nose to tail quite a bit.