weight distribution?

travellvr · 01-11-2018, 08:06 PM

My TV is a Ford F-150. My TT is a 24' Coachmen Freedom Express. Trailer weighs about 4000 lbs and we have put about 500 pounds of stuff in it. The bed of the truck probably has 200 pounds of stuff. We have an E-2 weight distribution hitch with sway bars that we are fairly sure was positioned properly at the dealer. Today while driving in 40-50 mph crosswinds (dry pavement), I felt I was hydroplaning. Could it have just been the wind? Or my imagination?This is only the third time we have driven this combo and the first time with any winds.

Ron045 · 01-11-2018, 09:40 PM

How did your truck sit? Did it appear level or was is squat a little in the rear?

My initial thought was crosswind + nose high (less weight on front wheels) could cause the effect you describe.

Ron

CedarCreekWoody · 01-11-2018, 09:49 PM

In 40 to 50 mph crosswinds you are lucky to keep any trailer on the road!

Oaklevel · 01-11-2018, 09:56 PM

40 - 50 MPH crosswinds will do that but....... I do believe that you would be surprised if you put that trailer on the scales that you would find that it weighs considerately more. Not knowing the exact model or year but I do not think that the weight is going to be closer to 6000 lbs with your gear, propane etc going by their website.

LynnGlaze13 · 01-11-2018, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oaklevel

40 - 50 MPH crosswinds will do that but....... I do believe that you would be surprised if you put that trailer on the scales that you would find that it weighs considerately more. Not knowing the exact model or year but I do not think that the weight is going to be closer to 6000 lbs with your gear, propane etc going by their website.

From looking at their website I would agree!

There is only one way to know and that is not by assuming or guessing.

Load her up and put everyone in it just like you are going camping and head to the CAT scales.

travellvr · 01-12-2018, 02:10 PM

Thanks to all. We have seen signs for the CAT scales but didn't realize that they accommodate RVs. We will get it properly weighed the next time we go out and then make the proper adjustments. Our truck bed has very little in it when we travel so maybe we will put more stuff in there and less in the TT when we are on the move.

rsdata · 01-12-2018, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Our truck bed has very little in it when we travel so maybe we will put more stuff in there and less in the TT when we are on the move.

I don't believe that will help at all, as the rear hitch is probably too much load now. Moving some heavier items from the front of the trailer to a location over the axles of the RV may do the most good. You are trying to remove weight from the rear hitch area (also the front of the trailer)and increase weight on the front tires of the truck. That is not accomplished by loading more into the rear of the truck.

There may also be adjustments to the hitch that will help. Your truck and camper should be all level when adjusted properly.

Not traveling in high crosswinds will also help.

Oaklevel · 01-12-2018, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by travellvr

Thanks to all. We have seen signs for the CAT scales but didn't realize that they accommodate RVs. We will get it properly weighed the next time we go out and then make the proper adjustments. Our truck bed has very little in it when we travel so maybe we will put more stuff in there and less in the TT when we are on the move.

Here's the CAT scale how to weigh .................... scroll down for RVs and campers

https://catscale.com/how-to-weigh/

llr · 01-12-2018, 07:15 PM

Personal opinion if you really had 40-50 MPH crosswinds you are very lucky you didn't wreck even if the hitch is set perfect.
How does it do in little to no wind? A scale is a good idea but I suspect it is pretty good already if even close on wind.

mopwr4me2003 · 01-12-2018, 09:23 PM

Get the weight. Hit the scales and know before you go.

**ependydad** · 01-12-2018, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by travellvr

Thanks to all. We have seen signs for the CAT scales but didn't realize that they accommodate RVs. We will get it properly weighed the next time we go out and then make the proper adjustments. Our truck bed has very little in it when we travel so maybe we will put more stuff in there and less in the TT when we are on the move.

Hope this helps you when you go to weigh. Between it and my towingplanner.com, you should have what you need to dial in your hitch

http://learntorv.com/how-to-weigh-a-travel-trailer/

Note, I didn’t read anything else regarding towing in the wind.

Hugeez · 01-12-2018, 10:18 PM

I did not see anyone mention anything about tires. When we purchased our first TT we replaced the P rated tires to 10 ply LT. tires on our tow vehicle. Made a big difference. That’s a lot of wind and not sure tires would have really mattered in that situation but just wanted to give my two cents.

mopwr4me2003 · 01-12-2018, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hugeez

I did not see anyone mention anything about tires. When we purchased our first TT we replaced the P rated tires to 10 ply LT. tires on our tow vehicle. Made a big difference. That’s a lot of wind and not sure tires would have really mattered in that situation but just wanted to give my two cents.

I also agree with the tires as well. There are so many pieces to this puzzle but you will get it figured out.

clarkbre · 01-13-2018, 12:26 AM

Realistically, the P or LT tires are about the last thing to worry about in this set up.

Knowing what your truck weighs empty on each axle is a start.

Then, knowing what the tongue weight and trailer weight are is the next step.

After that, you'll reweigh with the WDH engaged and know whether or not it's set correct.

I have concern over an OP stating:

Quote:

Originally Posted by travellvr

...Trailer weighs about 4000 lbs and we have put about 500 pounds of stuff in it. The bed of the truck probably has 200 pounds of stuff....

The OP ownes a trailer with a UVW of 3991 and a GVW of 6000. It's 24'7" long. The truck should be fully capable of towing this trailer with ease.

Quote:

Originally Posted by travellvr

....We have an E-2 weight distribution hitch with sway bars that we are fairly sure was positioned properly at the dealer.....

NEVER....EVER.....EVER....Trust the dealer. They sell things...your money is now in their account...from this moment forward, they don't care. They also set the hitch with an unloaded trailer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by travellvr

....Today while driving in 40-50 mph crosswinds (dry pavement), I felt I was hydroplaning. Could it have just been the wind? Or my imagination?This is only the third time we have driven this combo and the first time with any winds.

Wind will effect how the truck and trailer feel rolling down the road. I have no doubt that you encountered wind and it blew your truck and trailer around. I've had the same. However, I knew from my scale weights going into the windy situation that I was set up correctly. Do yourself a favor and get it weighed. Eyeballing and measuring the fenders is one thing....actual pound numbers tell the complete story.

I used the below spreadsheet and it absolutely helps getting the hitch dialed in for safe travels.

elchilero53 · 01-13-2018, 01:00 AM

Towing in crosswinds over 40 mph or even 30 mph is very dangerous, no matter what rig you are pulling. We were pulling in strong crosswinds this past summer and it was a white knuckle ride. We slowed down to 55 mph and that helped but it wasn't fun. Based on tree movement and flags, we were in 20-30 mph crosswinds with gusts to 35 mph. Motorhomes were having trouble and many decided to park. I almost did myself. Some 5ers passed us by but I could see that even they were having difficulty. Next time, I will and so should the OP.

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