I Have 2001 EX and pull a 9800 lb trailer with 1000 lb hitch weight , I have an equilizer brand WD and Ras installed but it still squats in the rear end. I was wondering if anyone uses both RAS and timbrens together to make the ride more level. I have the WD setup rightand have a rear hellwig sway bar. Thanks -John

 

John,

When you say 'squat'...how much exactly?

I have an 1100# tongue weight and use the RAS...I get about 1.5" of 'squat' in the rear of my Ex when hitched up with the WD engaged. I feel that is more than acceptable.

We have springs in the rear of our Ex and using them is not unacceptable in my opinion.

Have you ever seen a 3/4 or 1 ton truck when hitched up to a 5th wheel...they get some squat...so 'some' squat is acceptable IMO...please define your 'squat' level.

Thanks,
Joe.

 

Hi Joe, I hav'nt measured it for the exact amount but I know its more than 1.5" , the front is way higher than the rear , its probaly about 4' lower in the back compared to the front when hooked up , I have the WD set to about max I will go out this evening and measure the exact amount , Thanks -John

 

John,

Couple of observations.

First...if you mean that when you are hitched the front is HIGHER than when unhitched...you are not set right on the WD.

I believe if you have the Equal-i-zer BRAND hitch you can tilt the hitch head and get more WD transfer to get the front back down where it should be.

It is critical that you shift the front axle weight BACK thru WD FIRST. Using Timbrens, air bags or any other method in the rear to level the rear when you aren't transfering weight back to the front...is not the right approach.

First thing to do is get a tape measure out and measure the FRONT UNHITCHED height and then hitch up and adjust the WD until the FRONT HITCHED height MATCHES the UNHITCHED height...THEN you can make an assessment of needing more spring.

My guess...your WD bars may not be rated for the tongue weight of your trailer.

Also I believe that your tongue weight is much higher than you are estimating.

When I first weighed my camper it scaled out at just over 9000#'s...BUT the tongue weight was 1400#'s!!!...moving cargo out from under the front bed to the dinette benches got me to my 1100#'s of tongue weight...

So...my advice...get your WD set first and then we can attack the sag.

Also...a trip to the scale is the ONLY way to know for sure if you have your WD set right.

Finally...are you sure you have your RAS pre-tensioned correctly?

Good luck,
Joe.

 

JOe ,thanks for the advice I am using 6 washers and the brackets are up level with the bottom of the hitch rail, i guess I need to see if the RAS has enuogh tension, I will look at that in the next day or so thanks-John