Towing with leveling kit
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Towing with leveling kit
Hello-
I have a 04 F150 super crew larait 4x4 5.4 3:73 rearend with an AutoSpring 2 inch leveling kit. I am purchasing a Jayco 30' travel trailer that weighs 7300 pds unloaded. I has a tongue weight of about 850 pds. The trailer will have a weight distribution hitch and sway control.
My question is: Will this cause the truck to squat to much to safely tow? Should I remove the leveling kit from the front end to the truck?
Thanks
Tinman
I have a 04 F150 super crew larait 4x4 5.4 3:73 rearend with an AutoSpring 2 inch leveling kit. I am purchasing a Jayco 30' travel trailer that weighs 7300 pds unloaded. I has a tongue weight of about 850 pds. The trailer will have a weight distribution hitch and sway control.
My question is: Will this cause the truck to squat to much to safely tow? Should I remove the leveling kit from the front end to the truck?
Thanks
Tinman
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Joined: Nov 2004
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Sounds like that's light for that size trailer. My 23 foot Weekend Warrior weighs about 7000# loaded and ready to go. A 30 foot trailer probably is pushing the towing capacity of the truck.
Should do OK, but 4.10 gears and all the factory towing equipment would be a must. An additional oil cooler for the tranny wouldn't hurt. The towing capacity of your truck is about 8500#. Your trailer will weigh close to that with all your stuff in it. Fords are good.
I'd get the trailer weighed at a local scale just for fun. My WW was 5200# according to the factory. Weighed about 6200# as purchased. Manufacturers lie.
Should do OK, but 4.10 gears and all the factory towing equipment would be a must. An additional oil cooler for the tranny wouldn't hurt. The towing capacity of your truck is about 8500#. Your trailer will weigh close to that with all your stuff in it. Fords are good.
I'd get the trailer weighed at a local scale just for fun. My WW was 5200# according to the factory. Weighed about 6200# as purchased. Manufacturers lie.
Post Fiend
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 5,324
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From: Denton,TX
That's a lot of trailer with a 1/2 ton truck. The leveling kit effectively kills the effectiveness of the rear springs to prevent sag. I'm sure you could get away with it, but in order for the trailer to sit level you may end up having to redirect too much of the weight with the torsion bars on your hitch. If I was in your shoes and it was my decision I would either remove the leveling kit, add airbags to the rear of the truck, buy a 3/4 ton truck (which isn't a bad idea for a trailer that big anyway), or buy a lighter trailer.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 849
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From: Leesburg , Fl.
A properly adjusted weight distributing hitch should allow the truck and trailer to set level . By adjusting the head ( angle and height ) and then adjusting the spring bars should be all that's nessesary , but check to make sure this is NOT too much trailer ( weight ) for your truck . I would feel alot better with the 3/4 ton also but if the weights are within Fords specs you should be ok .
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