F250 - squatting towing 8328BS

[Dprov6716]

There is an angle adjustment screw that allow you to change the downward angle of the spring bars. I just had a thought too - I bought this truck used and it sits level with no load. I’m thinking there’s a leveling kit installed on the front. If I have that removed wouldn’t it have a positive effect?

[Dprov6716]

Bruce -here’s the loading sticker from the truck and the loading stickers from the trailer

[Dprov6716]

Also, the tire loading sticker from the truck

[woo10-210]

Originally Posted by Dprov6716

There is an angle adjustment screw that allow you to change the downward angle of the spring bars. I just had a thought too - I bought this truck used and it sits level with no load. I’m thinking there’s a leveling kit installed on the front. If I have that removed wouldn’t it have a positive effect?

Well, that changes everything. Stock F250's sit high in the rear to compensate for load. If it sits level unloaded it will never sit level with the TT attached without compensating for the load somehow. Either remove the leveling kit or add air bags. Sumos, Timbrens, or overload springs will still allow it to squat, just not as much. In fact, they won't do anything until the load is enough to allow them to contact the axle.

By your payload sticker, you have plenty of reserve capacity for passengers, firewood, etc., maybe 1,500 pounds or more. The yellow sticker isn't just for the tires, it's for the tires and maximum vehicle payload.

[TheWolfPaq82]

How does it tow ? have it on Hwy / Interstate yet ? uncontrollable sway ? feels like a death trap ??

[tomkatb]

I go with post #4.

Your rear is low. Your headlights will irritate others. Most of us do not drive at night much.

I would correct it with air bags or Timbrens.

The less you stress the universal joints the better.

Is it possible a previous owner changed springs? i would have assumed the WD hitch would have leveled it up. You are well under payload. Seems odd.

[TheWolfPaq82]

I put a level kit on my 2013 Silverado, had the headlights reset...as they shot a little high and towed my 2008 Jayco for a couple years with it. Had the same squat as your's but didn't affect the way it handled. I had the Equalizer 4 point.

[Dprov6716]

Thanks all! It handles fine. Sucks gas, but that goes with the territory. Airbags are sounding more likely all the time...

[TheWolfPaq82]

I did throw on bags as I had a little bounce I didn't like and that took care of that. Ran like 15-20lbs max in them.

Skould've thrown that in one first post.

[brian0830]

I have the same trailer. pulling w/ 2013 ram 2500. w/ blue ox 1500#wdh. readjust hitch

[CaptnJohn]

Are you sure the PO did not lift the front? Is the truck suspension stock? The truck should not need bags or anything from stock settings.

[nomad297]

Originally Posted by Dprov6716

Also, the tire loading sticker from the truckAttachment 203753

You definitely have the available payload capacity.

As previously mentioned; if you do have the leveling kit installed, it will never be right without either removing the kit or compensating in the rear with some sort of lift there. I would do away with the front leveling kit — why add more stuff at additional expense when you can remove unnecessary stuff at no, or little expense?

Bruce

[TheWolfPaq82]

Originally Posted by nomad297

You definitely have the available payload capacity.

As previously mentioned; if you do have the leveling kit installed, it will never be right without either removing the kit or compensating in the rear with some sort of lift there. I would do away with the front leveling kit — why add more stuff at additional expense when you can remove unnecessary stuff at no, or little expense?

Bruce

Not necessarily true. Depending on the level kit...if one was installed...I had to cut off the tops of the "Factory" bolts that the spacer sat on and to go back to stock would've required me to replace the entire shock assembly as the bolts for the coils would be too short then.

[nomad297]

Originally Posted by TheWolfPaq82

Not necessarily true. Depending on the level kit...if one was installed...I had to cut off the tops of the "Factory" bolts that the spacer sat on and to go back to stock would've required me to replace the entire shock assembly as the bolts for the coils would be too short then.

Yeah, I’m really getting out of the realm of things I know about when it comes to things like this because I’ve never done any significant modifications to my trucks’ suspensions other than adding a leaf spring or two on my work trucks that I add utility bodies to. I did install air bags on one truck and later wished that I had just added a spring.

I’ve just read so many times where people write that adding a front leveling kit is a piece of cake. I just assumed it would also be a piece of cake taking them off. Apparently it’s not.

Bruce

[Dprov6716]

So, final try at adjusting the wdh- I set the adjustment knob for the spring bars to the maximum12° drop - and it leveled out nicely only 1” on rear bumper and front wheel well no change. Problem is there was such a load on the spring bars they were bending - I didn’t even try driving it. I don’t think they gave me a large enough wdh to handle my weight. The spring bars are rated for 1200# and my trailer TW IS 1150#. I’m going to back to them for an upgrade. Here’s a pic of the spring bars under load...

[RET.LEO]

Originally Posted by CaptnJohn

Are you sure the PO did not lift the front? Is the truck suspension stock? The truck should not need bags or anything from stock settings.

X2

[tomkatb]

The dealers are not exactly smart for the most part.

I would calculate your tongue weight with a hitch and load of normal stuff at #14-1500. Got to assume the max times 13%. Plus the hitch. #1152+#260 for stuff+#150 for the hitch.

A HD truck is 2-3" high in the rear unloaded. Something was modified.

[TheWolfPaq82]

Originally Posted by nomad297

Yeah, I’m really getting out of the realm of things I know about when it comes to things like this because I’ve never done any significant modifications to my trucks’ suspensions other than adding a leaf spring or two on my work trucks that I add utility bodies to. I did install air bags on one truck and later wished that I had just added a spring.

I’ve just read so many times where people write that adding a front leveling kit is a piece of cake. I just assumed it would also be a piece of cake taking them off. Apparently it’s not.

Bruce

Your're not totally off base. Some of the kits can be reversed just by taking out a spacer and bolting it back together. Zero dollars to reverse. Mine wasn't that easy.

[tomkatb]

Why would one raise the front of a truck to level it.

To accommodate a big lift kit?

If you did you would have to readjust the headlights!

[TheWolfPaq82]

and that's all you have to do.

Oh Wait ! good thing to get an alignment afterwards too.