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Taxman2436's avatar
Taxman2436
Explorer
Jun 06, 2021

Towing help

I have a 2019 Ford F-250 and recently purchased a 2021 Salem Hemisphere travel trailer. I’m struggling with the tongue weight. I had a 25’ Cruiser Shadow and no problem there as it had pass thru front storage. All storage on the new trailer is behind the axles. I have an equalizer hitch (10 “ shank using its lowest setting) and have adjusted the weight distribution but the best I can get is 25% with my current setup. I have the L bars installed at their lowest point and I have 4 washers on the hitch (I know I shouldn’t use more than 3). The trailer is about 1/2” lower in the front. I have taken the unit to a scale and my tongue weight is -300. In my storage I don’t believe anything out of the ordinary but my next move is to remove everything and reweigh. I am thinking I need a lower shank but hoping someone here can help guide me.

Lenny
  • mkirsch's avatar
    mkirsch
    Nomad II
    Jun 07, 2021
    Your trailer only/unhooked and no weight distribution numbers do not make sense.

    You're saying that the tongue adds ZERO weight to the truck? Only transfers 440lbs to the rear axle? That's not possible.
  • Taxman2436's avatar
    Taxman2436
    Explorer
    Jun 07, 2021
    When I purchased the trailer the dealer set up my hitch from my prior trailer (Equalizer). I have some sway at times that I attribute to passing trucks or the wind but on 2 separate occasions I had sway events that made me very uncomfortable. Because of that I took the unit to the scales. So between these numbers and the 25% weight distribution I felt like some change needs to be made.

    These are the weights:

    Truck only/unhooked
    Front axle 4,820
    Rear axle 4,940
    9,760
    Trailer axles 8,380

    No Weight Distribution
    Front axle 4,380
    Rear axle 5,380
    9,760
    Trailer axles 8,180

    With Weight Distribution
    Front axle 4,640
    Rear axle 4,920
    9,560
    Trailer axles 8,480
  • valhalla360's avatar
    valhalla360
    Navigator
    Jun 07, 2021
    LanceRKeys wrote:
    What are your weights? You say 25%, but you also say -300 ( negative 300??)


    Yep, lots of confusing information being thrown out and seemingly inconsistent.

    Give us the actual axle weights (while loaded for travel):
    - Truck only
    - Hooked up but WDH disconnected
    - Hooked up with WDH connected
  • LanceRKeys's avatar
    LanceRKeys
    Explorer
    Jun 07, 2021
    What are your weights? You say 25%, but you also say -300 ( negative 300??)

    The real question is how does it tow? I think too many people get bogged down with weights and don’t look at the big picture.
  • mr_andyj's avatar
    mr_andyj
    Explorer
    Jun 07, 2021
    Is the truck level with this set-up?
    Yes, then just raise the hitch ball up 1/2 inch, or to the next increment and readjust the WDH.
    3/4 ton truck likely unaffected by 25% weight.
    Move stuff away from the front of the camper to the axles or to the rear, the heavy stuff that is. Any distance you move weight back will lessen weight on the tongue.
    How does it drive and handle?

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