How much pre-load with weight distributor?

[FDNYMOPARGUY]

When I bought my travel trailer (Dutchmen Sport 26B) the dealer initially hitched it up by coupling the ball to the hitch, jacking the trailer up until the rear springs were fully unloaded, and then attached the spring bars with a high amount of tension. Needless to say, the ride was downright scary! Since then I couple the trailer, and the truck squats about 3 inches. I then jack up the trailer 1 1/2 inches and attach the spring bars with only slight tension. The ride is nice and stable. Does this sound right? Once I didn't jack up the trailer at all and only applied slight tension on the spring bars and the truck rode great, but I was concerned about exceeding the tongue weight on the hitch(factory unit rated for 500lbs without weight distributor). The loaded tongue weight on the trailer is about 950lbs. Is thier a right "scientific" way to do this, or is it done just by feel?

 

[Batman]

I may be wrong, but... ... . from what I remember from the instructions I got with my weight distribution is there is no need to jack the trailer at all, hook-up, insert the bars into the reciever, hook chains as tight as you can, lift chain (hoist? part on trailer) and lock in place.

I've used this on my cargo trailer and never had a problem... ... ..... even when I overloaded it

Hope someone else will chime in.

George

 

[B.G. Smith]

Hitch

First, back tow vehicle up near trailer tongue with trailer level front to back. Now make sure the hitch on the tow vehicle is the same height as the trailer hitch. Hook up the trailer and adjust the torsion bars so both vehicles are level. After this has been done one time, count the links on the chains (and record it if you are as old as I am). Next time you hook up you may find it easier to hook up then jack the trailer up to hook the chains where they were the last time. I have found that the trailer and truck drive and ride better with the rear of the truck slightly lower than the front, if I get the rear of the truck too high mine tends to wander. bg

 

[BV]

WDH

Hit the Draw Tite Hitch site then click on the info tab near the top. Lots of good information.



My Reese WD set came with instructions on how to level the trailer, level the ball mount and then use the bars to bring the truck back to level. Personally I like a little more wieght on the back end so I don't level it up with the bars. The back end will drop 3" without the bars and I bring it back up 1 or 2".

 

[FDNYMOPARGUY]

Thanks for the info!