KoolaidOhYeah
what?
New Member
Joined: 09/14/2008
View Profile
 Offline
|
I have just set up my 07 Dutchmen lite with an Equal-i-zer hitch. I am using a Chevrolet Avalanche to tow it. I took it to a scale this morning to get the weights on it and found something odd (I think)
Everything appears to be adjusted properly and the TT is just a bit nose down. The TV also appears to be level and does not sag.
My front axle weight with the TT is #3000 Rear is #3620
Front axle weight W/O TT is #3040 Rear is #3040
Can anyone tell me if this is correct in their experience? I would assume if the hitch is doing its job, that some of the weight on the rear axle would be sent up to the front increasing it, not taking it away. Strangley it is not the case for me.
|
chadsalt
sc
Senior Member
Joined: 04/04/2005
View Profile
Offline
|
You're fine. Most vehicle owners manual state to use the WDH to return the front axle to unhitched height/weight. You've done that. The hitch has moved weight back to the front or it would weigh less (40# is not less) than when unhitched.
Are you having a problem? Or did you weigh out of curiosity?
I would'nt change anything. Others will be along shortly telling you that more weight needs moved to the front and that the hitch on your Avalanche needs replaced......stand by.
|
mkirsch
Rochester, NY
Senior Member
Joined: 04/09/2004
View Profile
|
Run 'er across the scale one more time, this time without the Equal-i-zer engaged.
You'll see that your rear axle weight is going to be about 4000lbs, and your front will be in the 2700-2800lb range. The trailer will also be "lighter." Overall weight should be the same, within the error of the scales.
The trailer pushes down on the back of your vehicle behind the rear axle, which lifts the front end of the vehicle off the ground. It's that see-saw effect.
You're fine, as long as that rear axle weight is within the truck's rating.
|
beemerphile1
NE Ohio
Senior Member
Joined: 04/20/2007
View Profile
Offline
|
You setup is in the correct neighborhood. It is nothing to worry about. However if it was me, I would add another washer and put more weight on the front.
Did you go through the process of measuring the height of the front and rear before and after? You did not mention doing that during the setup. The TV appearing level does not mean anything, it is all relevant to what the unhitched vehicle attitude is.
Tim
"Okay, I admit it, the only thing I'm really good at is being me."
Support the "No Child Left Inside Act"
2006 Weekend Warrior FK1900
1998 Ford E150 4.6L
1996 BMW R1100GS
2005 Trek Madone 9spd.
1995 Burley tandem
|
KoolaidOhYeah
what?
New Member
Joined: 09/14/2008
View Profile
Offline
|
chadsalt wrote:You're fine. Most vehicle owners manual state to use the WDH to return the front axle to unhitched height/weight. You've done that. The hitch has moved weight back to the front or it would weigh less (40# is not less) than when unhitched.
Are you having a problem? Or did you weigh out of curiosity?
I would'nt change anything. Others will be along shortly telling you that more weight needs moved to the front and that the hitch on your Avalanche needs replaced......stand by.
Thanks, this is just what I was looking for. No, no problems. I guess I just assumed that there would be some additional weight on the front axle and a little less on the rear. I guess it does make sense that it is just balancing more of the vehicle weight forward.
beemerphile1 wrote:Did you go through the process of measuring the height of the front and rear before and after? You did not mention doing that during the setup.
I guess I didn't think I needed to say I did it, since that is part of the setup according to the directions, but, Yes I did.
|
|
|
