Trailer setup and OCD

[Dawiz]

I am using an Equalizer WD hitch. I took measurements as recommended in the manual.

Measurements at the front fender are as follows:
Empty 36 3/4"
Loaded no W/D 37 1/2"
Loaded with W/D 37 1/8"


The height of the top of the coupling and the hitch are set at 23 3/4" with a level trailer.

By the time the weight is on and bars connected, the hitch drops to 19". I know that Dodge Rams are known for low payloads. I guess my OCD is my biggest issue. The rig tows very well, no complaints there. As you can see if the picture below, the front of the trailer saggs down and I would prefer it be closer to level. Would I be wrong to raise the ball to allow for the sagging, and then re-adjust the WD?

[CedarCreekWoody]

What is the height of the top of the ball before hitching up? It should be approximately the same as the coupler height when sitting level. It sounds like you are transferring enough weight based on your measurements.

[Dawiz]

Originally Posted by CedarCreekWoody

What is the height of the top of the ball before hitching up? It should be approximately the same as the coupler height when sitting level. It sounds like you are transferring enough weight based on your measurements.

Both measure 23 3/4".

[DavidBo]

The end result should always be a relatively level trailer and the bars should be parallel to the frame. I followed the YouTube video that Equalizer posted to the letter, do that and you can't go wrong.

[47driver]

I don't think you W/D is set up right. You shouldn't lose 4".

[CedarCreekWoody]

I misread your measurements. You are not returned to your unloaded height. Might stand a bit more adjustment (another washer or adjust L bracket). How many washers do you have now? A trip to the scales can give you a better reading on weight transfer.
Your truck looks similar to my 2016 Ram. I added air bags to the coil springs. Easy to do at a a $90 cost. It helps adjust the sag and removed some bounce.
FYI. Be sure the L brackets are set at a height that puts the weight bars pararell to the trailer frame or else they can be very noisy as you turn.

[Canadiancrew]

Looks like you do need to raise the ball. The trailer should be level. But even though your front fender numbers look not bad your back end is squatting by over 4 inches so you also need your WD bars tighter to transfer more weight from the back of the truck to the front. The truck should also ride just about level but I like to let the back squat a little. You get a very bad white knuckle ride if you transfer too much weight to the front.

[babock]

Out of curiosity, what's your tongue weight and what does the payload sticker say?

[Dawiz]

Originally Posted by babock

Out of curiosity, what's your tongue weight and what does the payload sticker say?

Max towing 10,100 and payload max is 1430. I don't know the tongue weight and don't have any local access to scales. According to trailer specs 650 which I am sure is probably off.

[emoney]

Raise the ball and you’ll be fine. One measurement at a time

[clarkbre]

Originally Posted by Dawiz

.....Measurements at the front fender are as follows:
Empty 36 3/4"
Loaded no W/D 37 1/2"
Loaded with W/D 37 1/8"......

The bars are returning about 1/2 the weight back to the front. That's about right. Maybe needs just a little more tension on the bars to sink it to 37" or less.

Originally Posted by Dawiz

.....The height of the top of the coupling and the hitch are set at 23 3/4" with a level trailer.......

OK. So you know the finished height, once the bars are set up, should be about 23 3/4". Once the bar tension on the hitch is set properly, the ball height can be adjusted to this height.

Originally Posted by Dawiz

.....By the time the weight is on and bars connected, the hitch drops to 19"......

This tells me things:
1. More tension on the bars is needed to push the front fender down and the rear fender up slightly.
2. Once 1 is done, raise the ball on the hitch approximately 2-3" to get the trailer riding totally level.


This is a serious trial and error scenario to set up these hitches. My Husky hitch was very similar.

My best recommendation is to get the tension set right on the bars first to allow the front fenders to lower back to your liking. Once that is done, keep the washers and L brackets in the same settings, but only adjusted the height of the ball assembly in order to level out the trailer.

Let us know how it goes.

[babock]

Originally Posted by Dawiz

Max towing 10,100 and payload max is 1430. I don't know the tongue weight and don't have any local access to scales. According to trailer specs 650 which I am sure is probably off.

Mine is spec'd at 610 and actual is close to 800. You are likely very close to your payload limits.

As far as the WDH, my goal is always to get the front fender back to original height with my truck.

[CUBS_WIN]

I have a 2014 Ram 1500 and I added an Airlift 1000 and leveled it right out. Dodge trucks sag in the back just from spitting in the back of them...lol. It was only about $85 and very easy to install.

[My17Ram]

Tuftruck coil springs are another good option for Rams. The 1227v springs are variable rate and do not change the unloaded ride height. No air pressure to adjust either.

[DavidBo]

I installed a Timbren Suspension Enhancement System in my Frontier and I love it. This truck would hit the stops out back when hitting bumps under any load, the Timbren kit stopped that and needs no maintenance or compressed air. When unloaded the truck rides like normal. Very easy to install as well.