Need to lose a little weight, tongue weight

[uhduh camping]

I got to reduce my tongue weight by 190# (190# over vehicle rating). My options are limited I only have 1 outside storage that I use for power cord, fresh water hose and a few small pieces of wood so I really can't reload items. It is a front bedroom with seriously nothing but the bedding in it. So do I hang 500# off the rear bumper? No, seriously any suggestions? I am using an Andersen WD hitch, which I think I need to replace. It just don't transfer enough weight back to the front axle. Unless I can find away to shave tongue weight. To be back to front axle original weight I would need to add 240# to that axle. All my other weights are great well within specs(cat scales).
I don't think that using water tanks as a ballast will help being that they are forward of trailer axles. But I am not sure how the balance works seems to me the tanks would need to be behind the axles.

[HONDAMAN174]

Maybe I can be some help since I am using an anderson myself but I would like more information on your set up. Please tell me about your tow vehicle, TT and how much cargo you plan on carrying.


2014 Stealth Evo 2850 "Woodstock"
2011 Toyota Tundra Rock Crawler TRD 5.7 "Clifford"

[asquared]

It sounds like you have been to the scales. Can you please post your weights. Also post your truck ratings.

[uhduh camping]

nissan titan with tow package 2015 8329ss rockwood ultra lite. As it is 8100# only plan to add 250# at most. 50# in the truck (dog left her home for the weighing).

[HONDAMAN174]

Also, if you can, post a picture of how your anderson brackets are sitting on your frame.


2014 Stealth Evo 2850 "Woodstock"
2011 Toyota Tundra Rock Crawler TRD 5.7 "Clifford"

[asquared]

Can you post your cat scale numbers. The answer is not likely moving weight to the rear of the trailer. If you go too light on the tongue and heavy in the rear, you can induce sway condition. Ideal tongue weight is 13-15% of loaded tt weight. Front truck axle should be as close to unloaded weight as possible without going heavier.

[uhduh camping]

From the certification label
front axle 3849
rear axle 4200
GVWR 7200
TV GCWR 15,100
max tow 9300
tongue 930
trailer GVWR 8849

Actual weights with WD
front axle 3060
rear axle 3900
trailer axles 7100

Actual without WD
front axle 2920
rear axles 4120
trailer axles 7060

Truck only
front axle 3300
rear axle 2620

and tongue weight calculated to 1,120# with WD

And because you are familiar with andersen I have cranked it down to 8 threads showing thats really tight.

[The_Rhino]

Because your TT has a front BR slide, it has more tongue weight (850+ dry) than some other TTs in the same weight range (7500 dry). However, IMO TTs this size (35') tow best with about 13% on the tongue.

For instance, our 6,500 empty Tracer becomes 8,000+ ready to camp with about 1,100 on the tongue even though the "dry" tongue weight was listed at 650... The added weight comes from full propane tanks, battery, a comfy replacement mattress, clothes in the wardrobe, outdoor chairs under the bed, and a totally FULL pass-through storage.

I really don't think running 190 lbs. over payload is the big issue as long as your GCVW is within specs... The bigger issue having to pack so light for EVERY trip.


EDIT - saw you have the Titan... Tough truck w/plenty of power... Don't think you will hurt anything running 200 over payload as long as she sits pretty level with WDH. Much better being 200 over vs. a tail-heavy TT... I don't recommend running over GCVW on a 1/2 ton because IMO they are pushing tow capacity numbers in the first place...

[HONDAMAN174]

You do have a large TT and a very nice one at that. If you really like the anderson you could get support brackets welded to your frame like these:

I decided to have braces welded so if I wanted to move/sell the hitch the brackets would not be damaged. I needed to weld because the brackets commonly shift forward on the frame making it hard to get equal tension. After the welding, my next trip was very different as it did feel like more weight was back on the front end. I have never had all the weight balanced out and have had a light feel with the steering and ride since I bought this unit. It does feel better to me.

Second, may look at a helper spring set for your rear just to help with sag.

Or you can get a 1200/1400# hitch and go a different way. You are probably at 1050 TW loaded and you have to decide if you are comfortable towing that way or if you have another vehicle in mind.


2014 Stealth Evo 2850 "Woodstock"
2011 Toyota Tundra Rock Crawler TRD 5.7 "Clifford"

[uhduh camping]

It pulls well would like to shave some tongue weight if possible.

[dacheedah]

Does the trailer sit level connected to the truck, on flat ground put a long level on the trailer floor and see where you sit. If you were too high at the hitch you could be transfering some weight forward.

[uhduh camping]

Originally Posted by dacheedah

Does the trailer sit level connected to the truck, on flat ground put a long level on the trailer floor and see where you sit. If you were too high at the hitch you could be transfering some weight forward.

It is a inch higher than level at coupler but I can't get it any closer tried.

[uhduh camping]

Originally Posted by HONDAMAN174

You do have a large TT and a very nice one at that. If you really like the anderson you could get support brackets welded to your frame like these:

I used the Andersen on my 29' jay flight it never moved in the two years that I had that trailer. I also marked the brackets on both units to see if they move. they have not budged. I will weld them if they ever move the tiniest bit.

[hbillsmith]

When I was towing a TT with my Andersen, I wanted it more level so I traded the 6" hitch ball carrier for an 8". When flipped, I could drop the tongue another inch.

[dacheedah]

My thoughts are if you are high you are taking weight from the front axle and putting it on your hitch. If you know someone with a lower hitch height you can test this easily, I was always taught if you pull off level, it's always better to be slightly low than above level with level being preferred.

[uhduh camping]

Originally Posted by hbillsmith

When I was towing a TT with my Andersen, I wanted it more level so I traded the 6" hitch ball carrier for an 8". When flipped, I could drop the tongue another inch.

I already have 8" drop drawbar. If I flip it the ball sits 4" higher but thanks.

[lbrjet]

Have you thought about seeing if you can replace the receiver with something rated higher? A new WDH is not going to solve your problem.


2010 F250 5.4L 3.73
2011 Flagstaff 831FKBSS
Equal-i-zer 4pt 12K

[uhduh camping]

Originally Posted by lbrjet

Have you thought about seeing if you can replace the receiver with something rated higher? A new WDH is not going to solve your problem.


2010 F250 5.4L 3.73
2011 Flagstaff 831FKBSS
Equal-i-zer 4pt 12K

Well was trying to solve two problems lower tongue weight and more weight to front axle. If I get the tongue weight down, I will get more weight to front axle. Not a lot but some. I know WD won't change tongue weight. A different hitch doesn't help with cantilevered tongue weight on rear springs.

[lbrjet]

Would have a bit less coming off of the front axle with a lower tongue weight, but lowering the tongue weight by a significant amount is going to be difficult, if not impossible. The 240lbs light in the front would not be a major concern for me. Overloading the receiver would be. I'm 160 lbs light in the front and it doesn't affect a thing, that I can tell. Then again I loaded a full bed of firewood a couple of times (without trailer) which took way more than 160 off the front and I could notice a difference in handling. The way I look it is that pickups are designed to have a load in the bed and still function.


2010 F250 5.4L 3.73
2011 Flagstaff 831FKBSS
Equal-i-zer 4pt 12K

[OldCoot]

Just put air bags on it and level it out and put the wt back on the front.