Towing questions

Waaazooo · November 9, 2016

The rule of thumb with weight distribution is to just put most of the weight over the trailer axles. If you put too much behind the axle(s) then the trailer will want to sway and may make you lose control. From my understanding, trailers have the axles where the center of balance will be with a load so that's where you want the weight.

My consideration wasn't to place all of the weight behind those axles but just help reduce some of the tongue weight from 14% to 10-12%.

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SouthernSilveradoGuy85 · November 9, 2016

My consideration wasn't to place all of the weight behind those axles but just help reduce some of the tongue weight from 14% to 10-12%.

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Personally I would rather have weight on the front than behind the axles as long as the tongue weight isn't exceeded. I haven't towed with a pickup much, a couple times, but I did try out trucking and I moved the rear axles on the trailer all the time to change the weight distribution.

Waaazooo · November 15, 2016

Ok, can we dispel a rumor?

I was camping this last weekend and the guy was telling me that the payload recommendation isn't critical, it's the tow capacity that's critical. I was commenting on being worried about being at my limit with 3 kids and tongue weight. He said that the the weight capacity has to deal with the sag in the ass of the truck not the capability.

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BigBadSierra · November 15, 2016

Like other said it's all with how you load. I will throw a few heavy items at the back of the trailer just to help balance it out a bit. After a few years everything just has it's place in the camper.

I more concerned with what the front of the truck does and keeping it a level as possible.

I freak out when I see people loaded with the back end down and the front end up floating around.

Waaazooo · November 15, 2016

My weight is obviously bias forward and the tongue weight is about 850 lbs (12%) of the net weight.

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Lamby66 · November 15, 2016

Waaazoo, that does not look like that hitch is set right at all. You look way too nose high. You should be 0-1/2" high on the front compared to unloaded height. And looking at your bars I think you need to tilt your head down or get heavier bars. Does it tow ok? Looks like you would have a loose wandering feeling.

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Waaazooo · November 15, 2016

Waaazoo, that does not look like that hitch is set right at all. You look way too nose high. You should be 0-1/2" high on the front compared to unloaded height. And looking at your bars I think you need to tilt your head down or get heavier bars. Does it tow ok? Looks like you would have a loose wandering feeling.

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no it drives pretty straight and doesn't wander. The bars are 1000lb bars. The ball is almost at 90degrees and the but drops 2" from unloaded to loaded

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Lamby66 · November 15, 2016

If it tows ok I guess that's the key, but from all I read and what reese states. The front height is the key to the weight transfer, and should not exceed 1/2" higher than unloaded ride height. I tried exactly the same front height via the hitch and the air bags, and I lost rear traction in the rain. I would spin my tires during hard acceleration from a stop. I found 1/4" above unloaded works best be me. My trailer is quite a bit heavier than yours though. I have 1100 lbs of tounge weight with the wd hitch unloaded.

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Waaazooo · November 15, 2016

If it tows ok I guess that's the key, but from all I read and what reese states. The front height is the key to the weight transfer, and should not exceed 1/2" higher than unloaded ride height. I tried exactly the same front height via the hitch and the air bags, and I lost rear traction in the rain. I would spin my tires during hard acceleration from a stop. I found 1/4" above unloaded works best be me. My trailer is quite a bit heavier than yours though. I have 1100 lbs of tounge weight with the wd hitch unloaded.

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I'm sorry you meant that trailer. I thought you meant the truck. Ha ha.

On the floor or the trailer it's level. It's deceiving from the picture

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ember1205 · November 15, 2016

Front wheel well of the TRUCK should be no more than 1/2" higher than with no trailer attached / loaded. When you add tongue weight, the rear sags and the front can lift.

Lamby66 · November 15, 2016

I was talking about the truck. The height of the front wheel well before and after the trailer is connected.

You might have eliminated all your rake with a leveling kit and that is why it looks nose high. I am not sure. Again, if it tows good you should be good to go. :-)

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Lamby66 · November 15, 2016

Ok, can we dispel a rumor?

I was camping this last weekend and the guy was telling me that the payload recommendation isn't critical, it's the tow capacity that's critical. I was commenting on being worried about being at my limit with 3 kids and tongue weight. He said that the the weight capacity has to deal with the sag in the ass of the truck not the capability.

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Waaazoo, what configuration is your truck? I don't see how you can be near your payload with that little tounge weight and your family. The only thing I am close to when loaded with firewood and everything else is my rear axel weight limit. I am close to 100lbs from that but have almost 800lbs of "gvwr" left. That is with a 6.2 nht (which looking at your mirrors you do not have)

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Waaazooo · November 15, 2016

Waaazoo, what configuration is your truck? I don't see how you can be near your payload with that little tounge weight and your family. The only thing I am close to when loaded with firewood and everything else is my rear axel weight limit. I am close to 100lbs from that but have almost 800lbs of "gvwr" left. That is with a 6.2 nht (which looking at your mirrors you do not have)

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i have a 2016 LT z71 5.3l 3.42 rear

Sticker says 1586 cargo

850 tongue weight

I'm 220

Wife is 130

Daughter is 120

Daughter is 110

Son is 80

Bull bar -30lbs

Bed cover - 15

WDH -45

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Sierra Jon · November 15, 2016

i have a 2016 LT z71 5.3l 3.42 rear

Sticker says 1586 cargo

850 tongue weight

I'm 220

Wife is 130

Daughter is 120

Daughter is 110

Son is 80

Bull bar -30lbs

Bed cover - 15

WDH -45

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I have the same. Maybe a helper spring to help level it out? Have you weighed your tongue to make sure it's 850 and not over weight at the tongue?

My trailer is a little lighter than yours and I have hellwig 987's to install. Just haven't had the time and haven't towed in a month. I'd rather the weight be on the tongue than at the rear of the trailer.

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