Front up 1/2". Tons on bars. Bags help?

Hi
Sorry I wish I did have real weights and I unfortunately didn't take a pic when it was hooked up. I don't think though the pic would show much - except that you would see the bars close to the frame as I only have one link free - one full link under tension in addition to the two on either end that are attached to the hitch parts.

The trailer is a bullet 281BHS. The shipping weight is 5180 and the hitch is 510. I'd say we have it loaded up average - not sure what this equals to in real weights but still seems doable for a half ton - pulled with the Durango for the last couple of years through the mountains with no issues.

The bars are round and are 1000lbs. It looks like Reese makes 1200lb ones now.

I've used the hitch for 6 years on two trailers and it always made some noise but I've never had this much force on it before - I used to use it with two full links under tension - I can't imagine it was designed to have more force on it than you would be able to lift up with a snipe - I need to use the jack on the trailer.

I'm not real thrilled about the thought of driving it with likely too much force on the bars or if I back off the bars possibly too little weight on the steering. Neither sounds good. I guess I was likely in ignorant bliss when I used the Durango but now that I know better....

Thanks for the help.

As mentioned, post some weights up if possible.

If you can't, what model bullet do you have? Do you pack heavy, front pass through loaded???

Without actual weights for your set up we can only speculate.

My initial thought would be you need higher rated bars. But, it's hard to say for sure.

Also, it seems easier to state how many chains links are under tension (between the bar and bracket) since the total number of chain links can vary, instead of the loose extra links which it seems like you posted.

The popping and creaking is normal for a DC (Dual Cam) system as is needing to jack the trailer up to "latch" the bars up.

Do you have a round bar or trunnion system?

This is where a photo would help if you can. Also what is the actual tongue weight and some info. on the TT might help.

Does seem to drive ok. Front seems to steer and track well but until I'm in an emergency situation who really knows.

I'd be happier with the bars if I could slack them off a bit but that would take more weight off the front.

Wouldn't bags decease the amount of force I need to put on the bars? To me it seems that "lifting" the back a bit with bags would put more weight back on the front??

These supposedly slip into the spring space and are rated at 1000lb - http://m.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/air-lift-air-ride-rear-0225900p.html

They wouldn't help at all?


I can't find anything from dodge saying about what the front should go back to.

Does it drive OK. Idealy you want the front back to where it started. Or check your manual. Some want it to come back 1/2 way, and you have done that. If the Steering is normal, no sway. You are OK. A 2" drop in the rear isn't all that bad, and if the front is good. You are good.
Remember. Get the front right, and the rear will take care of itself.

NO Air bags will do nothing to return lost weight to the front.