Forum Discussion

Explorer

Feb 13, 2020

WDH Questions

I took my truck and TT to the CAT scales and have a few questions about the number. Hoping you guys can help.

TV is a 2018 F150
TT is an Alpha Wolf 26DBH

I know my TT is just about as big as you’d want to go with a half ton. So I want to make sure I load it correctly.

Unloaded truck wt - Front: 3120 Rear: 2520
Coupled with no WD: Front: 2680 Rear: 3960 Trailer: 5540
Coupled with WD: Front: 2920 Rear: 3640 Trailer: 5640
TT weight: 6540 loaded but with empty tanks

Based on my math, my tongue weight is right at 1,000 lbs - coupled/no WD weight on truck minus unloaded truck weight. That is the correct way to calculate this right?

Second, it looks like the hitch is only putting about 100 lbs of the tongue weight back on the trailer axles.

Third, I’m still not back to my unloaded weight on the front truck axle.

I assume I should adjust the hitch a bit more to get more weight distribution. Is that correct? My front wheel well distances are within the recommended range but it’s still about a half inch higher when hitched with WD than unloaded.

My plan is to move some of our **** to the rear storage compartment and adjust the hitch to get the tongue weight closer to 13% (right now it’s just over 15%) and further distribute the weight to the front and trailer axles.

I’m below all weight limits (axles, tires, hitch) but getting close on payload so I’d like a little more wiggle room.

Thoughts?

14 Replies

Mike134
Explorer
Feb 14, 2020
I have a '19 F150 pulling a TT with GVWR of 7500 lbs. I put all but 40 lbs back into the front axle when setting up my WDH. Works for me.
Bobbo
Explorer III
Feb 13, 2020
What does your tow vehicle owner's manual say? My Ford says to measure the front fender height from the pavement before attaching the trailer. Measure it again after raising the tongue jack. Use a WDH to put 50% of the difference back on the front end.
BarneyS
Explorer III
Feb 13, 2020
Were it me, I would adjust to try to get the front truck axle as close to unloaded weight as possible and always had comfortable towing. That is the way I have done it for years and have never had a problem. I fully realize that is not what some manufacturers recommend but I want my headlight aim to be normal and not blinding other drivers at night, and I want my truck to handle just about like normal. A half inch at the front wheel well may well translate to several feet high down the road at night.

That is not what some manufacturers recommend however so do what you think is best for you. I cannot say that you should do as I do because each situation is a bit different. The size or strength of your WD bars, the size and strength of the trailers A frame, the type hitch etc. all contribute to the decision.

I would recommend that you read what your truck manufacturer says, read what other members here say, and then make up your mind on whether to add more WD to your hitch. Good luck. :)
Barney
troubledwaters
Nomad
Feb 13, 2020
Nothing says you have to restore all the weight back on the front. You've restored over 50%, if your GVWR if greater than 6640 I'd say you're good to go.