Who do you trust? Weight distribution setup

Fluffywhitedogs · 07-23-2018, 02:00 PM

I have a new tv and don’t have the tools required to change up the wd hitch setup.
I was going to have my mechanic do it but turns out he knows even less than I do. He thought it was fine but I had it out this weekend and it definitely didn’t feel right.
I’ve heard here that dealers don’t tend to set them up properly...so what kind of shop does???
Any recommendations in the Burlington/Hamilton Ontario area? Lol or anyone here that knows what they’re doing want to come and do it for a case of beer? [emoji13]

MontyPP · 07-23-2018, 02:16 PM

For a case of Blue or even Northern I'm tempted. Watch a few of the maufacturers' YouTube videos. Maybe you can borrow the tools needed.

**KyDan** · 07-23-2018, 02:26 PM

Watch hitch video's on the web.
If you can park it on a level area.
Unhitch and sit both truck and trailer very close but not touching.
Measure height to fender well on front and rear wheels of truck.
Write hose measurements down.
sit trailer level with tongue jack.
Adjust hitch ball so it's more or less in line with the trailer socket.
Hitch up and use enough links on the spring bar chains so the truck stays level.
It will be a little lower but should be the same amount lower front and rear.

Go for a spin and see how it feels.
IF rear wheels are light and spin easily you have too much tension on the spring bars.

Good luck!

RACarvalho · 07-23-2018, 02:26 PM

One of the best I heard of is CanAm:
Can-Am RV Centre, 6068 Colonel Talbot Rd, London, ON N6P 1R1, Canada
I learned a lot with Andy's articles...

Hitch Hints: Understanding Ball Mount Angle (44.2)

and

Hitch Hints: On the Topic of Equalizing Hitches (43. 2) - Blog - Can-Am RV Centre

Teetime · 07-23-2018, 02:28 PM

Yes to all of the above, and don't forget going to a CAT scale.

Fluffywhitedogs · 07-23-2018, 02:59 PM

I’ll have another look and see if it’s something I want to attempt, but I’ve already asked...nobody I know has a torque wrench that goes that high, and nobody rents them, so it would mean buying one...

wildcatter · 07-23-2018, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fluffywhitedogs

I’ll have another look and see if it’s something I want to attempt, but I’ve already asked...nobody I know has a torque wrench that goes that high, and nobody rents them, so it would mean buying one...

I can just about tell you the RV dealer probably didn't torque your nuts, they probably just used an impact. Look online at sears, they have some good prices on torque wrenches, you should probably buy one, you will need it in the future. If you do go to sears and look at the ones in the store verses online the price will be cheaper online, they will price match but the clerk will need to order it off line and then you go to the dock to pick it up.

Kaadk · 07-23-2018, 03:16 PM

Wish I knew you needed help last weekend when I was (kind of) up that way. How high of a torque do you need?

Kaadk · 07-23-2018, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wildcatter

I can just about tell you the RV dealer probably didn't torque your nuts, they probably just used an impact. Look online at sears, they have some good prices on torque wrenches, you should probably buy one, you will need it in the future. If you do go to sears and look at the ones in the store verses online the price will be cheaper online, they will price match but the clerk will need to order it off line and then you go to the dock to pick it up.

Sears doesn't exist for us anymore.

Retired JSO · 07-23-2018, 03:27 PM

O’Reilly rents a 1/2” drive rated at 250 ft lbs, my Husky is also rated at 250. All the hitch heads I’ve seen are showing the 3/4” bolts be torqued to 200.

MillMitch · 07-23-2018, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fluffywhitedogs

I’ll have another look and see if it’s something I want to attempt, but I’ve already asked...nobody I know has a torque wrench that goes that high, and nobody rents them, so it would mean buying one...

I found a 250# torque wrench online for under $80 (i just looked and Amazon has a 250# Tekton for $57usd), another $25 for a large 1/2" socket set and I'm good. I'm not messing with the ball, the dealer can torque that on. My son helps me when I adjust the hitch - 250# is a lot with a 26" torque wrench.
Good luck with whatever you decide.

**KyDan** · 07-23-2018, 06:26 PM

A big breaker bar and correct socket and a pipe cheater on the breaker bar.
No torque wrench needed.

Also unless you use large air hose without quick connects you're air volume will drop and you won't get the max torque that the wrench advertises.
A better alternative is a 120 v AC torque wrench. They will do the job.

Fluffywhitedogs · 07-23-2018, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaadk

Wish I knew you needed help last weekend when I was (kind of) up that way. How high of a torque do you need?

Lol and I spent last weekend in Amherstburg! Thanks

It needs 250ft/lb...

stormer · 07-24-2018, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fluffywhitedogs

I have a new tv and don’t have the tools required to change up the wd hitch setup.
I was going to have my mechanic do it but turns out he knows even less than I do. He thought it was fine but I had it out this weekend and it definitely didn’t feel right.
I’ve heard here that dealers don’t tend to set them up properly...so what kind of shop does???
Any recommendations in the Burlington/Hamilton Ontario area? Lol or anyone here that knows what they’re doing want to come and do it for a case of beer? [emoji13]

I had to have my hitch readjusted after we towed it down from Ohio to North Carolina. They adjusted it for an empty trailer on initial tow. After we put all our stuff in it... yep, needed to be readjusted. We just went to an RV service (dealer that does service) and they fixed us right up. I think it cost $50? Wasn't that expensive. I'm sure buying the "tools" and time would be much more expensive. Our's is pretty much set and forget. (unless our weight changes)

Good luck!!

James

Oaklevel · 07-24-2018, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaadk

Sears doesn't exist for us anymore.

Is Sears gone then from Canada??? Wow ....We do still have Sears in the US

.

rsdata · 07-24-2018, 02:19 PM

Quote:

We just went to an RV service (dealer that does service) and they fixed us right up.

BEST OPTION here

amblt · 07-24-2018, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fluffywhitedogs

I’ll have another look and see if it’s something I want to attempt, but I’ve already asked...nobody I know has a torque wrench that goes that high, and nobody rents them, so it would mean buying one...

If you have to go that route, Canadian Tire has Fat Max torque wrenches on for a very good price right now.

uhduh camping · 07-24-2018, 06:33 PM

You should have the tools you need just to check a couple times a year to be sure everything is tight. However I would get things as tight as possible then take it to mechanic for final torques if nothing else. Harbor Freight will have tools you need at a decent price. Their stuff is good enough for occasional use.

Tiguan Tow r · 07-24-2018, 06:38 PM

Niagara Trailers and Cam Am know what they are doing on hitch set-up.

Kaadk · 07-24-2018, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fluffywhitedogs

Lol and I spent last weekend in Amherstburg! Thanks

It needs 250ft/lb...

Just went out and checked mine, goes up to 250. I got this one from Canadian Tire back when I had my MX-5 and had to swap winter/summer tires. Just checked online and it looks like currently it’s 139. Could have sworn I paid more like 80 for mine, but that was 10+ years ago.

Princess Auto’s got one listed for $89:

https://www.princessauto.com/en/deta...ch/A-p8730327e

They’re handy to have around, especially for checking your lugs periodically. I also use mine for the anode rod on my water heater.

But, if you happen to be back down this way, and you’ve got your trailer with you, give me a PM and we’ll get you squared away.

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