Check my wd #'s and your opinion

[cyclepuck]

Since my dealer just slapped on my wd hitch I decided to set it up per manufacture spec's. So this is where I'm at.

truck unloaded fr 36-1/2 rr 39-1/2
trailer level unloaded- 22-3/8 fr & rr

wd chains on 6th link
truck fr 37 rr 37-1/2
trailer fr 21-7/8 rr 22-3/4

wd chains on 5th link
truck fr 36-1/2 rr 37-5/8
trailer fr 22? rr22? forgot #'s but was level

I guess my question is where would you run it? GM wants level in front, curt says within 1/2" rise. And on the 5th link truck sits perfect but trailer is level and I know you want a little lower up front to prevent sway.

Either way it's a lot better then when they put it on. Before the front was quite a bit higher in front vs rear. And trailer was a lot lower in front. So I raised head one hole and put in three washers where they had zero.

Sorry kinda of long just getting the more experienced opinion.
Thanks

[donn]

Take it to a set of scales and get the before and after weights on each axle. That will tell the story.

[MtnGuy]

Originally Posted by donn

Take it to a set of scales and get the before and after weights on each axle. That will tell the story.

Agree with weighing just to double check. Either 5 or 6 links looks good, but I would be inclined to go with the 5 links if the weights check out good.

It is great that you went to the trouble to tweak your system........the dealers just don't put the time into that.

[thebrakeman]

The goal is to have the trailer level, and to have all lost weight returned to the trucks front axle. Without a doubt, using the 5th link sounds perfect, as the trailer is level, and the front axle well height is returned to it's original 36.5".

Some would say that if your front axle can handle a little extra weight, that the goal should be "equal compression of the front and rear axles". So you might even try the 4th link. Either way, 6th link does not sound like what you want.

PS - Weight distribution (10-15% on the ball) affects tendancy to sway more than trailer level. Being level is more about (IMO) wind resistance and keeping weight distributed between the 2 axles than actual stability.

[MtnGuy]

Originally Posted by thebrakeman

The goal is to have the trailer level, and to have all lost weight returned to the trucks front axle. Without a doubt, using the 5th link sounds perfect, as the trailer is level, and the front axle well height is returned to it's original 36.5".

Yes, the ultimate goal is to have a level trailer with the front axle having most, all, or even a little bit extra weight back on the front axle. But, a WDH is not supposed to be used to level a trailer......that is the done by the hitch ball height.