New truck ball height ?

[joe in pa]

hello all, we just picked up a new chevy 2500hd and traded in a gmc 1500 truck, before trading in I measured the ball height on the gmc now if I adj the ball height the same on the new truck will that get me in the ball park ? thanks joe

[bluewoo]

Its a starting point - Your new TV wont sag as much as the old one thats for sure.

[aceinspp]

Yep should get you close and probably less sag on the truck due to heaver springs. Later RJD

[DDC]

I just got a new 2500 HD chev.to the height difference is huge, I have a Hensley and have gotten a replacement shank that takes it from a two inch drop to an eight inch drop, have not connected it yet so don't know how it will work yet.

[aceinspp]

Depending on what type receiver set up you have hopfully you can adjust for right height. Later RJD

[locogk]

i just went from a 2013 ram 1500 2 wheel drive to a 2015 ram 2500 4 x 4 big difference had to get a new drop for my hitch truck and camper are level. the truck didn't move when i hooked it up with the original set up but the back jacks were about 4 inch off ground all the way up

[ben31]

That should be a decent starting point. Get on youtube and watch a video on how to level a weight distribution hitch. It is fairly easy. You just need somewhere, which is somewhat level.

Congratulations on your new truck!

[speedozeke]

Just one more thing is the new GM 2500 HD HAS A 2 1/2 receiver opening. They do give you a adapter but it does flex more with the adapter and weight distribution hitch and bars. Bottom one if you need a new shank get a 2 1/2 inch shank.

[Flybob]

I think I would start with 2" lower, I upgraded from an 05 2500HD to the 2015 2500HD Z71 and I have almost no rear end sag without the WDH bars installed. Had about 2" drop before bars instaled on 05.

[magpi26]

The beginning point to set up a WD hitch is to set the ball height the same as the TT coupler when the TT is level.

[Briorick]

Originally Posted by joe in pa

hello all, we just picked up a new chevy 2500hd and traded in a gmc 1500 truck, before trading in I measured the ball height on the gmc now if I adj the ball height the same on the new truck will that get me in the ball park ? thanks joe

Joe,

Here is an excellent video review from etrailer.com of how to set up your WDH properly. With all the reading and reviews I myself checked out, prior to getting a WDH, this video was the most helpful for myself being a beginner. After I got my WDH it was a breeze setting it up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1ASWIV38-o

[WolfWhistle]

Originally Posted by magpi26

The beginning point to set up a WD hitch is to set the ball height the same as the TT coupler when the TT is level.

That was how I started the setup, too. I figured the 2 to 2-1/2 drop (without WDH) would be negated with WDH correct... and it was. What I have to redo is to add more tilt to the ball... the WDH arms are too close to the trailer frame now... always something.

[joe in pa]

hey thanks for all the replies, our trailer sits in our grass yard that's somewhat level so I will try to get it close there and fine tune it after hooking it up and finding some level pavement somewhere, the salesman showed me the hitch reducer insert, I was thinking about putting a couple tack welds on it and if I ever had to go to the larger size just grind the welds off, were looking forward to trying out the new truck looks like the weekend after labor day, our 1st setup was done bye the dealership where we bought our trailer and it towed pretty straight. thanks again for all the replies. joe

[Rick_Geneseo]

Make sure the area around the truck and trailer is level. I'd start at 23 inches. Drop the full weight on the hitch and put the weight bars on. Make sure the trailer is level afterward. You may need to adjust the ball up or down depending on the weight carried in the box plus how you load your trailer.

[OldCoot]

[QUOTE=joe in pa;969632]...I was thinking about putting a couple tack welds on it and if I ever had to go to the larger size just grind the welds off.../QUOTE]

Sounds like a good plan to tack weld the insert.

[hdmtnrider]

Joe, Congrats on your new TV! I guess I'm stuck with my Chevy 1500 CC for now.


HAPPY RVING!

[j free]

Speedozeke you should check with your dealer My truck came with the drop down to a 2 inch receiver it was in the glove box.

[speedozeke]

J Free I have the adapter, but the issue I have is after 6,000 Miiles in 3 months on this summer trip I am on I see the pin getting wear from the step down sleeve not a perfect tight fit and the weight distribution lifting up and then the road bounce. My point is with a straight 2 & 1/2 shank you do not have that extra space that lets the head bounce in the sleeve of the hitch receiver. A straight shank with no adapter is much better. I have lots of tongue weight with a front kitchen unit. 998 lbs. on scales loaded and ready to travel.

[joe in pa]

finally got around to readjusting the hitch, moved it down one set of holes on the shank which has me about 23 inches from the ground, I called my dealer where they installed my original setup and they suggested level the trailer and measure from the ground to the frame between the trailer tires and that will be right on, guess what I must have got lucky because the measurement is 23 inches l.o.l. I will be hooking up and trying it out next weekend, thanks again for all the tips. joe