Hitch set up, scales, and test drive

[cabinfever]

I took our Springdale to the local casino parking lot and set up the weight distribution. Front height raised 1/8" and the rear lowerd 1 3/8". Then went to the scales. Front 3360lbs...rear 3880lbs....trailer axles 7640lbs. Truck by itself, front 3580lbs......rear 2680. Total weight of the camper 8620lbs. Those numbers are with a full tank of fuel and me behind the wheel. Then went for a 24 mile test drive on interstate 90. Slight breeze today of 15mph from the north so it was blowing across the highway. I could tell the camper was there, but no sway at all. I have duel friction sway control. Only went to 60mph, speed limit in the area I was on is 55. I was passed by 5 frieght trucks and the camper didn't move when they went by either. Very pleased with how the camper towed. "bouncey:

[mhs4771]

I would think you might want to tweak that WD hitch some more. You're still 220 Lbs lighter on the front axle when loaded, so you head lites will be pointing towards the sky, plus your front alignment will be way off. Just my thoughts.

[cabinfever]

I changed head tilt and chain links many times to get it here. I'm only 1/8" higher on the front. When I tightened one link the front was the same as no load and the rear was down 1/2", but the camper was slightly high in the front. Thats why I left it where it is at and then weighed. I believe the way it is I can add water to the fresh water tank then tighten one more link and I will have good weight distribution. I guess what I'm trying to say in a long way is I have some adjustment without moving the head tilt or height.

[f6bits]

If it's only ⅛" higher in the front, I'd say you've pretty much hit it.

My Equalizer manual says to cut the rise in half, but my Ford manual says to get it down to about a half-inch rise.

[chuck&gail]

Personally I never want the front of my TV to get lighter when towing, those are the wheels that steer, and do most of the braking. I would redo the setting, but it is your choice.

[warsw]

You don't want to remove weight from the front. Your goal should be to put the weight back on the front to what it was before the trailer was connected or maybe even a tad more. I always shoot for 50# more than it was with no trailer.

[f6bits]

The front end is only 7% lighter. I wouldn't stress about it.