Why do I need a leveling kit?
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
Thats the exact trailer I have. I think!
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 2,244
Likes: 555
yep. hek with level. take the money and get something useful like front locker or better tires
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,182
Likes: 7
From: Saint Augustine, FL
Please note that my initial comment was in no way being critical of people who "level" their trucks. Its their truck, they can do what they want with it. I said; "no one needs a level kit". That implies they have a want for one, which is different from "need". If that makes them happy then what business is it of mine? They have every right to make their truck look silly.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,182
Likes: 7
From: Saint Augustine, FL
That style trailer is sold under several brand names. Mine is a 2018 Diamond Cargo. Its not fancy but a great trailer anyway. Tows beautifully. Very functional.
When I was trailer shopping, to replace my previous Pace, I kept looking at the ATCs, InTech, etc... and just couldn't justify the 2X to 3x price difference. If the gross trailer weight was gong to be pushing the truck's GCWR then it might have been worth further consideration but this trailer is just under 9K lbs with my usual load and the truck pulls it effortlessly. So there wasn't much justification for the extra expense. But then a month after buying the trailer I spent way more than that buying a new $60K truck.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: Highlands Ranch, CO
Clubwagon, I like the idea that I might not need the WDH (I have an Equilizer with 4pt anti-sway) for weight distribution, but what about sway? Have you had any problems? My 30 ft trailer is about the same weight (probably around 8500lbs loaded) but I've got more side surface for any wind to act on and lots of mountains hills with curves and windy conditions.
New User
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
I absolutely recommend the sway control. I pull a 28' car hauler with a crappy WD hitch and separate friction sway controller that came with the trailer. I've never weighted, but assume I'm ~11k loaded. Without the sway control, passing trucks can be extremely sketchy. If I crank down on it, there's absolutely no drama. Planning to replace the hitch this winter with one that has integrated sway control.
Also, thank you for your service.
Cliff (USNA '91)
Also, thank you for your service.
Cliff (USNA '91)
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,182
Likes: 7
From: Saint Augustine, FL
Clubwagon, I like the idea that I might not need the WDH (I have an Equilizer with 4pt anti-sway) for weight distribution, but what about sway? Have you had any problems? My 30 ft trailer is about the same weight (probably around 8500lbs loaded) but I've got more side surface for any wind to act on and lots of mountains hills with curves and windy conditions.
I have had no problems with sway with my trailer. I do notice how the trailer steers the rear of the truck when passing 18 wheelers. Its certainly not a problem, its noticeable as the truck drifts slightly toward the center line and then straightens out.
I have towed lots of bigger trailers with mine and other trucks over many years. If you are towing a 28' or longer I would surely get sway control. That's a big increase in surface area and leverage on the truck. You might be OK but that's the last thing I would want to find out the hard way I needed.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,655
Likes: 21
From: Western MA
Bingo. The factory rake looks ridiculous. Mine came with a 3.5 inch rake. No thanks.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 102
Likes: 15
That's a ton of rake, you must have the high capacity tow package, camper package, something else? I have the high capacity tow package and would expect more rake, but mine seems to be just over 2 inch is all. I want to level the front, but I'm not sure yet if the look I want will require a 1.5 or 2 inch kit. I am pretty sure the 2.5 inch will be too much. Sorry OP, a little OT.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,655
Likes: 21
From: Western MA
That's a ton of rake, you must have the high capacity tow package, camper package, something else? I have the high capacity tow package and would expect more rake, but mine seems to be just over 2 inch is all. I want to level the front, but I'm not sure yet if the look I want will require a 1.5 or 2 inch kit. I am pretty sure the 2.5 inch will be too much. Sorry OP, a little OT.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
I'm usually not one to mod a suspension unless it for a specific function. BUT I notice anytime I slow down or stop in the rain there is a ton of water that comes off the roof and across the windshield. Will levelling the truck keep that from happening or is it just something to get used to on these trucks? even a light drizzle and it will collect enough to cycle the wipers at each stop.
I'm actually considering a levelling kit to fix that.
I'm actually considering a levelling kit to fix that.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 102
Likes: 15
Do you have pics of your truck from side? Curious what 2 inches on a factory 3.5 inch rake looks like.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 448
Likes: 12
This is a personal preference thing. Not cool to tell others how stupid it is that they leveled their truck or didn't level. If you tow heavy all the time it's probably not the best idea to level because the tongue weight of the trailer will do the leveling. Or in cases like mine I only tow heavy about 10% of the time and I prefer the look of a leveled truck with larger tires. Do what ever your heart desires, it's your truck and your money!