Towing Shouldn't Be This Difficult - Help Needed
Hello -
We took the maiden voyage with our new rig over the weekend. Camping was great. The trip there and back left a lot to be desired.
Here's our story -
All along I have been a lot more concerned with weights and measurements than my husband. So, after many discussions we purchased a new TV - 2003 F350 Crew Cab SRW. Surely that would be able to tow our reasonable sized camper. After last weekend, I don't want to ride in it... ever! I don't know what we are doing wrong but hoping that someone, anyone, can help.
The truck and trailer were all over the road. Like we were floating, with little control at speeds only up to 55mph. I realize the problem is probably a combination of the truck and the trailer because even when not towing, the truck does tend to wander. Maybe tires will help that. Currently it has D rated tires, which I have read is a no-no. We will upgrade to E rated. I doubt that will completely fix the wander in the Ford front end. We also just had a tie rod replaced, tire rotated and aligned. Little to no improvement.
Before the weekend we had the Equalizer Hitch adjusted for the new truck. I'm not sure it's set right (based on the way it tows), but how do you know....? And, how do you change it?
We went to the scales. If anyone would care to analyze our findings, that would be great! It seems to me we are within our limits, but I'm not an expert.
The truck door sticker - GVWR is 9900;
Front Axle is 4400
Rear Axle is 6830
Rig Weights -
Gross Weight = 14480
Front Axle = 3940
Rear Axle = 4120
Trailer Axle = 6420
Unhooked and Loaded Truck Weight -
Gross Weight = 7200
Front Axle = 4200
Drive Axle = 3000
From this I believe that shows our loaded trailer weighed 7280. Beyond that, I'm not sure what it all means. Is it normal that our front end weight would drop 260 pounds with the trailer hooked up? I understand the weight on the bumper lessens the weight on the front end, but are our weights in line with what is normal?
So sorry for such a long post and all the questions, I just don't know where to start. I thought getting a heavy duty truck to replace the Expy TV would be enough. So, pretty discouraged.
Thanks in advance.
Kristy
We took the maiden voyage with our new rig over the weekend. Camping was great. The trip there and back left a lot to be desired.
Here's our story -
All along I have been a lot more concerned with weights and measurements than my husband. So, after many discussions we purchased a new TV - 2003 F350 Crew Cab SRW. Surely that would be able to tow our reasonable sized camper. After last weekend, I don't want to ride in it... ever! I don't know what we are doing wrong but hoping that someone, anyone, can help.
The truck and trailer were all over the road. Like we were floating, with little control at speeds only up to 55mph. I realize the problem is probably a combination of the truck and the trailer because even when not towing, the truck does tend to wander. Maybe tires will help that. Currently it has D rated tires, which I have read is a no-no. We will upgrade to E rated. I doubt that will completely fix the wander in the Ford front end. We also just had a tie rod replaced, tire rotated and aligned. Little to no improvement.
Before the weekend we had the Equalizer Hitch adjusted for the new truck. I'm not sure it's set right (based on the way it tows), but how do you know....? And, how do you change it?
We went to the scales. If anyone would care to analyze our findings, that would be great! It seems to me we are within our limits, but I'm not an expert.
The truck door sticker - GVWR is 9900;
Front Axle is 4400
Rear Axle is 6830
Rig Weights -
Gross Weight = 14480
Front Axle = 3940
Rear Axle = 4120
Trailer Axle = 6420
Unhooked and Loaded Truck Weight -
Gross Weight = 7200
Front Axle = 4200
Drive Axle = 3000
From this I believe that shows our loaded trailer weighed 7280. Beyond that, I'm not sure what it all means. Is it normal that our front end weight would drop 260 pounds with the trailer hooked up? I understand the weight on the bumper lessens the weight on the front end, but are our weights in line with what is normal?
So sorry for such a long post and all the questions, I just don't know where to start. I thought getting a heavy duty truck to replace the Expy TV would be enough. So, pretty discouraged.
Thanks in advance.
Kristy
