First (Heavy) Tow!

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Mar 22, 2017 | 01:14 PM

#31

AK_SuperDuty

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Quote:

Originally Posted by HRTKD

This is something I may need to look into. I have 1,000 lb bars with mine. My tongue weight is currently around 920 lbs with the ATV in the garage and no water in the tanks. I may need heavier bars or to increase the angle on the hitch so the bars do more. I'm new to WDH so feel free to tell me I'm doing it all wrong.

When I used it on my 1/2 ton truck there was a significant difference with the bars connected.

When I connected everything yesterday, I took before and after pictures and I don't see much difference. I'll use a measuring tape next time.

I was more referring to the sag that INeomfd is seeing on his setup, but yes, it's important to make sure you have the proper weight bars. If you are at 920 with the ATV in the garage, you are probably over 1000 without it. I would suggest going with 1200 bars to make sure you are good to go. But with your setup and your F350, it shouldn't be an issue either way.

Mar 22, 2017 | 01:30 PM

#32

HRTKD

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From: Wyoming

Quote:

Originally Posted by AK_SuperDuty

Oh, I'm well over 1,000 lbs tongue weight when the ATV isn't in the garage. It's more like 1,400 lbs. I checked it on the my tongue scale last year, but there was some water in the tank, I just don't know how much.

Mar 23, 2017 | 01:15 AM

#33

kry226

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From: Florida

I also recommend setting up the WD bars with the use of a CAT scale. The tape measure is helpful, but doesn't always tell the full story. Additionally, the WD bars do not just transfer weight to the front truck axle, but also to the trailer's axle(s) too.

Mar 23, 2017 | 09:27 AM

#34

HRTKD

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I read in another thread that the tape measure isn't all that effective on the F-350, especially when it has the stronger springs. The weight transfer happens, it just doesn't show up on the tape. As you said, the CAT scale tells all.

Mar 23, 2017 | 09:59 PM

#35

HRTKD

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I forgot to bring a tape measure to the storage lot today.

But I think I made some progress. Tongue weight is now right on the dot at 1,000 lbs. So it came up about 80 lbs. That puts the tongue weight a bit over 10% of the estimated overall weight. I backed the ATV into the garage and pulled it a few inches further toward the front of the trailer.

The pictures below are round 2 for changing the configuration of the WDH. This is one notch higher on the drop shank. I think it is really close. The lower notch had the trailer sitting nose down. Keep in mind that I have no water in the tanks.

The first picture is without the tow bars connected and second picture is with them connected. The ground isn't completely level - it's the best I could find in the storage lot.

When I get time off of work I'll take the trailer to the scale up the road.

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Mar 25, 2017 | 10:20 PM

#36

HRTKD

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I took the trailer out on the highway today using the setup in the picture of the prior post. It went very well and I had no sway.

Measurements at the truck's wheel wells
No trailer connected - Front: 41.5" Rear: 44"
Trailer connected - no WDH bars - Front: 41.75" Rear: 42.25"
Trailer connected with WDH bars - Front: 41.75" Rear: 42.75"

Stronger bars might help. They're probably at their upper limit. I'll shoot an email to Blue Ox to see what they have to say.

Mar 26, 2017 | 08:36 AM

#37

harley1756

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From: Wilson NC

I hooked up my 8500 lb Jayco yesterday . The bottom of the front fender well measurement did not change at all after putting the tongue on the ball. The rear did drop some, but since I was just moving in the yard, I did measure the rear.