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Old 12-13-2017, 08:49 AM   #1
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Looking for any changes or tips for towing my camper

Hello Everyone,

does this look correct on my towing set up? This is my first toy hauler. We have a 10,000 lb equalizer WDH. Truck is a 2012 1/2 ton Silverado 6.2 gasser with 3.42 gears. The truck seems to have plenty of power. Any recommendations would be great. Truck does have a lift kit. But I had truck way before I bought the camper.

Dry Weight 5,030 lbs.Payload Capacity 2,745 lbs.GVWR 7,775 lbs.Hitch Weight 775 lbs.
Camper is a Grey Wolf 26RR 2017
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Old 12-13-2017, 09:08 AM   #2
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Old 12-13-2017, 10:03 AM   #3
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Without knowing specifics or weights it looks "ok". The truck looks to be nose high. This could be a setup issue, you have a toyhauler (equals heavy TW till you load the back with a toy). If you have a toy back there and your are still nose high then it could be a problem. Also, what is your TW, 10K bars might not cut it, may need heavier bars to be effective. Post up your specs and weights and Im sure you'll get more specific answers, otherwise it is pure speculation.
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Old 12-13-2017, 11:18 AM   #4
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As mentioned above, truck is nose high. Trailer appears very slightly nose low. I don't see a WDH installed. Based upon these observations:
1. Install a WDH
2. When installing a WDH, you will need to purchase a stinger that will allow you to drop the ball height since your trailer is nearly level and your truck is nose high. Most rule of thumb measurements for the ball height is around 1-1.5" higher than the trailer hitch measured when truck and trailer are not connected and on level ground.
3. After correctly installing and adjusting WDH, if your truck is still a little nose high, you might consider air bags. But there is a good chance that you can get everything level without air bags.
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Old 12-13-2017, 11:33 AM   #5
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The Equalizer WDH hitch is installed on this pic.
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Old 12-13-2017, 11:42 AM   #6
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ok. I would suggest going through the Equalizer installation procedures again. Both the truck and the trailer should be level when adjusted properly.
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Old 12-13-2017, 12:10 PM   #7
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If that is your fully loaded towing setup you should lower the ball on the truck and put more tension on the WDH bars. Should bring everything back to level.
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Old 12-13-2017, 01:06 PM   #8
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All the above. No question that an equalizer is called for. If installed, then it needs some adjustment.
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Old 12-13-2017, 03:02 PM   #9
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All good recommendations. That 6.2L will pull that but you are WAY nose high and will need to completely reconfigure the WDH to get that truck and trailer leveled properly. Once set up properly, it should tow like a dream. Just watch cross winds with a rig that long and the 1500. It will get exciting.
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Old 12-13-2017, 03:59 PM   #10
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From the picture, you are way light on your front wheels. That configuration leads to a loss of steering control...
Check the instructions in your truck and hitch owner / installation manuals.
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Old 12-13-2017, 04:35 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mikegernes View Post
Hello Everyone,

does this look correct on my towing set up? This is my first toy hauler. We have a 10,000 lb equalizer WDH. Truck is a 2012 1/2 ton Silverado 6.2 gasser with 3.42 gears. The truck seems to have plenty of power. Any recommendations would be great. Truck does have a lift kit. But I had truck way before I bought the camper.

Dry Weight 5,030 lbs.Payload Capacity 2,745 lbs.GVWR 7,775 lbs.Hitch Weight 775 lbs.
Camper is a Grey Wolf 26RR 2017
I have pretty much the same set up you have. Truck and trailer. All same weights and the same hitch. You definitely need to dial in the WDH a bit. There are lots of youtube videos on how to do this.
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Old 12-13-2017, 06:14 PM   #12
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Equalizer hitch video

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Originally Posted by SailorSam20500 View Post
From the picture, you are way light on your front wheels. That configuration leads to a loss of steering control...
Check the instructions in your truck and hitch owner / installation manuals.
I agree the front of your truck is too high and doesn't provide enough weight on the front tires which can be problematic in wind and any kind of slippery road surface. To get an idea of how to set up your equalizing hitch look at this video: How to Set Up a Weight Distribution Hitch - YouTube (copy of paste). This may help you get a more level weight distribution across the trailer and truck. Agree the the truck ball should be 1" - 1.5" higher than the trailer hitch when all sitting level on a flat surface.
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Old 12-13-2017, 06:51 PM   #13
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Way too light in the loafers (front wheels of TV). I tow with a very similar vehicle and very similar trailer and mine sits completely flat but I did have to adjust the hitch a bit more than what they had set at the RV dealer.

After adjusting my hitch, I have 920lbs on the hitch of my GMC Sierra 1500 6.2L and I don't lift the truck nose more than an1/8 inch, you are looking at several inches like I was prior to adjustment. The truck is capable, the WDH is out of whack.

The 6.2L/6 speed only has issues towing 9200lbs (Cherokee 264L, fully loaded and 40 gallons of water or waste) on long 9% grades in 108 degree heat. I had to slow down and rev a little higher to keep the tranny below 220 degrees. I was fully loaded and at the end of a 400 mile drive in a mountain range so I expect most trucks would have been a little hot. My theory is that thee higher RPMs allow the tranny fluid to move faster and cool better.

I think the truck is full capable for vacations, however, it will take a beating if you try to full time cross country. I just did 2500 miles mostly mountainous driving in blistering hot weather and the truck did just fine.
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Old 12-13-2017, 07:38 PM   #14
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No it does not look good. I suggest you add air bags to the truck. Air bags will level out the truck and help with weight distribution. I had to add air bags to my F250. The bags are not cheap at $700 plus depending on the options but they are worth every penny.
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Old 12-13-2017, 08:00 PM   #15
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Originally Posted by mikegernes View Post
Hello Everyone,

does this look correct on my towing set up? This is my first toy hauler. We have a 10,000 lb equalizer WDH. Truck is a 2012 1/2 ton Silverado 6.2 gasser with 3.42 gears. The truck seems to have plenty of power. Any recommendations would be great. Truck does have a lift kit. But I had truck way before I bought the camper.

Dry Weight 5,030 lbs.Payload Capacity 2,745 lbs.GVWR 7,775 lbs.Hitch Weight 775 lbs.
Camper is a Grey Wolf 26RR 2017
Welcome to the forum, Mike. I agree with the other posters that it looks like the front of your 1500 is pointing up. When it’s like that, it’s not only light on the front axle which means reduced steering control but also your headlights may be aimed directly into the eyes of oncoming drivers. You definitely need to fix the setup.

You said the Equal-i-zer is installed in the picture. Did you have your toys loaded in the back of the trailer for that picture?

Those specs that you posted - are they the brochure specs for the Grey Wolf trailer? Brochure dry weights and tongue weights are notoriously inaccurate. Do you have your actual tongue weight once your toys are loaded? The 6.2L engine will be plenty powerful enough to pull your Grey Wolf. When fully loaded, are you within or not too much above your truck’s GVWR?

Also, since your truck has a lift kit you may need to buy another shank with a longer drop in order for the truck and trailer to both sit level. That’s assuming your Equal-i-zer and truck are sufficient for your trailer’s loaded weight. The Equal-i-zer website has a “find your shank size” calculator to tell you what drop you need for the shank. You’ll need to take 3 measurements that are explained on that page. Make sure you take the measurements with the truck unloaded on level ground, and the trailer coupler measurement with the trailer level (on level ground).
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Old 12-13-2017, 09:10 PM   #16
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ok. I would suggest going through the Equalizer installation procedures again. Both the truck and the trailer should be level when adjusted properly.

Both should be a straight line if possible
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Old 12-17-2017, 09:27 AM   #17
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You mentioned you're lifted. Please say it's not a block lift. These lifts are notorious for throwing off the factory geometry causing handling problems with out a trailer. I would recommend never towing with a block lift.
Yes it is a little nose high. Adjust your WDH if possible. Maybe unlifting is the answer.
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Old 12-17-2017, 09:32 AM   #18
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I’m guessing you need a longer shank for your equalizer. I had the same issue with my truck. With the trailer level, and the hitch on the last hole of the shank, it was still 3” higher. Longer shank would be my first step.
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Old 12-17-2017, 09:42 AM   #19
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Originally Posted by mikegernes View Post
Hello Everyone,

does this look correct on my towing set up? This is my first toy hauler. We have a 10,000 lb equalizer WDH. Truck is a 2012 1/2 ton Silverado 6.2 gasser with 3.42 gears. The truck seems to have plenty of power. Any recommendations would be great. Truck does have a lift kit. But I had truck way before I bought the camper.

Dry Weight 5,030 lbs.Payload Capacity 2,745 lbs.GVWR 7,775 lbs.Hitch Weight 775 lbs.
Camper is a Grey Wolf 26RR 2017
From your Pic.your set up for "Coon Hunting" not Towing a RV! Longer/Lower shank and Start Again on the set up,Loaded as if "In Use"! Youroo!!
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Old 12-20-2017, 04:28 PM   #20
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NO. The tow vehicle AND trailer should be LEVEL (or VERY close to level).
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