Weight Distribution bars only 6" off ground

GVJeeper · 01-31-2014, 06:37 PM

I have a 2007 GMC 2500 and a 2013 Rockwood 8325. I just had the Weight Distribution installed and the bar on each side, that hangs form the chains, is only 6" off the ground. I hit bottom (the bars) when going into a regular driveway. It looks like it will even hit (on the bars) going over a speed bump. I can't believe that is normal with my set-up. Also the mechanic said I had to raise it up a high as possible to undo it...I topped out on the high and the chain was still too tight to unhook the bar. Any help with this problem?

MtnGuy · 01-31-2014, 07:10 PM

Some pictures would be good, as well as the make and model of your WDH.

canterburyshoe · 01-31-2014, 07:16 PM

I had the opposite problem, the bars were too high and hitting the frame. The part where the ball is mounted and where the bars install should be able to be tilted on the shank. If it is tilted down too far the bars will hang low, if it is tilted up more this should bring the bars up higher. This will also change how many links you use on the chain. The higher the bars the less links. You may just have to try a few settings to see what works the best. Good luck.

GVJeeper · 01-31-2014, 07:24 PM

It's not hooked up right now so I can't take any pictures. I think they installed it on ground that wasn't level. The number of links is 11 and that sounds like way too many. I'll send photos when I hook it back up.

canterburyshoe · 01-31-2014, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GVJeeper

It's not hooked up right now so I can't take any pictures. I think they installed it on ground that wasn't level. The number of links is 11 and that sounds like way too many. I'll send photos when I hook it back up.

You should only have about 5 or 6 links. Go to etrailers website. They have some very informative videos.

Weight Videos | etrailer.com Distribution

ironj · 01-31-2014, 07:39 PM

you should have between 5-6 links used on the chain (prob 4-5 hanging loose)

the bars should be PARALLEL to the trailer frame

you use the tilt of the head to adjust the weight distribution and bar angle....

on mine i have the washers at maximum (tilting the head/bars DOWN while unhooked) when cinched up the bars are parallel to the frame....in this configuration, you are using the maximum potential load distribution of your bars (in my case im using 1000lb bars)

so if you put your chain on the 5-6 link to cinch up and the bars are pointing DOWN or not parallel, then you need to take OUT washers and tilt the head back up

GVJeeper · 01-31-2014, 07:48 PM

Thanks for the info on the 5-6 links. I've made an appointment at a hitch guy to check it out. I'm a lady and not strong enough to mess with it..the installer made it too tight to hook back up so I'll have to drive to the appointment without the bars on. I'm just really irritated that the installer yesterday seems to have done a p*ss poor job and now I'll have to pay someone to fix it.
Thanks for your help on this!!

AquaMan · 01-31-2014, 07:56 PM

I think the problem comes from the hitch being mounted on the underside of the frame. I'm not sure why they do that! I have a friend who has an 8311 and is in the same situation. One possible solution is to put a lift kit on the trailer. I saw a thread recently on it. You have torsion axles, correct?

AquaMan · 01-31-2014, 07:59 PM

Just to be clear, I'm talking about the trailer side of the hitch being mounted on the underside of the trailer

ironj · 01-31-2014, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GVJeeper

Thanks for the info on the 5-6 links. I've made an appointment at a hitch guy to check it out. I'm a lady and not strong enough to mess with it..the installer made it too tight to hook back up so I'll have to drive to the appointment without the bars on. I'm just really irritated that the installer yesterday seems to have done a p*ss poor job and now I'll have to pay someone to fix it.
Thanks for your help on this!!

sorry to hear that.....hopefully they will get it adjusted correctly...and make sure the "hitch guy" shows you how to use the tongue jack to release the pressure on the bars and make them very easy to install on the correct links for your needs/tongue weight...

good luck!

GVJeeper · 01-31-2014, 08:11 PM

torsion axles are over my head.

The installer showed me now to use the tongue jack to release pressure but when I got home and raised it to the very top, the chains were still very tight....that seems like more that is wrong. He did say to put a 6" block under it to raise it even higher but I don't have one so didn't try that and that seems waaaay too high to be right.

ironj · 01-31-2014, 09:15 PM

Well I dontn know how high your jack goes, but more than likely it will need some blocks under it (I use the yellow cone from camping world, much lighter than carrying wood blocks around!).. ...there have been times when the back of my truck looks like its coming off the ground to get the chains on!...

The back of your vehicle has to come up at least as much as the trailer pushed it down...and then MORE to reduce chain tension

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Brother Les · 01-31-2014, 10:01 PM

Are you new to this? Do you understand the mechanics of what the bars do and how they are adjusted and how they are used to lift the tongue and the back of the truck up when in the correct position.

youroo · 02-01-2014, 05:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MtnGuy

Some pictures would be good, as well as the make and model of your WDH.

You are correct MtnGuy,she needs to supply Info & Pics. I venture to say she has a (Round Bar)type,they hang very low unlike other types. With the (Under Mount)setup that F/R uses on some of their units,this is Not the Type to use,for Max clearance.

Youroo!! Just guessing until more Info!

acadianbob · 02-01-2014, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by youroo

You are correct MtnGuy,she needs to supply Info & Pics. I venture to say she has a (Round Bar)type,they hang very low unlike other types. With the (Under Mount)setup that F/R uses on some of their units,this is Not the Type to use,for Max clearance.

Youroo!! Just guessing until more Info!

I bet you are onto something here . . it will be interesting to resolve this one.

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