Distribution Hitch Preload
I am wondering how much tension (preload) I can put on the weight distribution hitch "springs". Mine use chains attached to the spring or trunion bar and tension is applied by pulling up on the chain...
Forum Discussion
X2. If you are using it to bring the REAR of the truck back up to unloaded height, you are using it wrong, and probably explains why you have so much pressure on the bars that is making you so concerned.
You don't need a scale, just a tape measure, some low-tack masking tape (if you don't want residue on your paint) and a reasonably flat area such as a paved driveway or parking lot.
PAY NO ATTENTION TO THE REAR SAG OF THE TRUCK.
It looks like you have a new truck, a 2010 F250?
That truck probably has "jounce bumpers" on the front end (most modern 4x4 trucks do) that prevent the springs from compressing past unloaded height. SO you can't just go by the front end measurement anymore. Once you hit unloaded height, it's just going to stay there no matter how much additional pressure you add to the springs. The additional pressure can cause suspension damage if you crank enough in.
When adjusting your hitch, you need to sneak up on the unloaded height, and actually stop a little BEFORE you get there. This will leave your rear end sagging, probably. That is something you would mitigate with suspension aids such as airbags, but really the truck is meant to squat as much as 4" with a load before you need to start thinking about suspension aids.
You don't need a scale, just a tape measure, some low-tack masking tape (if you don't want residue on your paint) and a reasonably flat area such as a paved driveway or parking lot.
PAY NO ATTENTION TO THE REAR SAG OF THE TRUCK.
It looks like you have a new truck, a 2010 F250?
That truck probably has "jounce bumpers" on the front end (most modern 4x4 trucks do) that prevent the springs from compressing past unloaded height. SO you can't just go by the front end measurement anymore. Once you hit unloaded height, it's just going to stay there no matter how much additional pressure you add to the springs. The additional pressure can cause suspension damage if you crank enough in.
When adjusting your hitch, you need to sneak up on the unloaded height, and actually stop a little BEFORE you get there. This will leave your rear end sagging, probably. That is something you would mitigate with suspension aids such as airbags, but really the truck is meant to squat as much as 4" with a load before you need to start thinking about suspension aids.
