question about new WD hitch

[Backcountry]

Hi all,



Sorry for the silly question, but towing and WD hitches are new to me (not to mention diesels too!).



I've got a new, 2006 3500 4x4 QC dually CTD... I upgraded to a Class V receiver rated to 12,000 if using a WD hitch. I am towing a H&H box trailer with twin 7,000 lb axels. I had a WD system added today for extra peace of mind because the trailer is used to haul a 10,500 pound tracked drill rig, and the total trailer weight is surely around 12,000 pounds loaded.



Here's my question... because I load and unload the drill rig daily, and because I hitch and unhitch the dually most days, how should I set the WD system when I prepare to load the drill rig? Should the chains and spring arms be loose before I drive the drill rig into the back of thr trailer, or should they be tight, the way they were when I brough the trailer home (empty) from the shop today?



My concern is if I have it set wrong, when I drive the heavy, 10,500 pound drill rig into the back of the trailer, am I (1) going to bust something if I already have tension on the spring arms, or (2) not be able to use the chains to put tension on the spring arms once I have the trailer loaded.



Any advice would be great because I have a job to drill tomorrow morning and I need to load up and get going at 6:00am.



Thanks folks,



Backcountry

 

[MAshley]

You mention you upgraded to class V hitch, What did you get?



I tow heavy "14k rated trailer, usually at 14K or more" I know I need a bigger trailer, working on it..... " Anyways I have some idea what Im talking about.



the issue I see with the WD hitch is this. If you have the bars set and unload the drill and then drive off the bars are still set for the 12K weight and your going to have issues driving and posably issues unhooking the trailer. When the trailer is empty, pull the bars and throw them in the bed. I would only install and uninstall when the drill rig is on the trailer. IE total load is acheaved. If I was going to unload and then a few hrs load back up but not move the truck I would just leave them on and not mess with them.

Also I'm willing to bet if you run accross a scale your trailer axles are closer to 13, 500 lbs, + about 500-1100 lbs on the truck, so your 12K hitch may be under rated, also what is the ball it self rated for?



My setup... . Super hitch, using a dual shank reciever that is rated for 15K dead pull no bars needed. and a 30K rated ball. If I perchase a Tow beast head and use the bars, I'm rated for 17K In my curent setup the truck pulls great, 06 4X4, SLT, quad cab, exhaust brake, dully. Just under 26 over the scales.



Latter David