weight distribution question???
have a '07 F-150 towing a '95 Dutchmen 280 classic travel trailer with a wt distribution bar 1000kg capacity. We travelled 260 miles for an weekend camping; upon reaching destination, heard a "crackin...
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When you hang the tongue weight on back of the truck, it adds weight to rear axle and takes weight away from the front axle. The weight distribution hitch restore some, sometimes all of the weight lost from the front axle. That means, with the bars engaged and set up correctly, the front axle would be approximately the same weight as when the trailer is not hitched up.
If the front axle has too much weight removed (ie: no bars and a lot of tongue weight), it can make the truck / trailer combination unstable. Subconscious hand movement could cause the truck to wiggle, which in turn would cause the trailer to sway. Passing big rigs could also induce some tail wagging the dog.
Many trunion bar setups, are known for their creaking, groaning, and an occasional banging sound. It's possible, that is what you heard. If so, it's probably nothing to worry about.
It's also possible, something did come apart in your front end, doubtfull weight distribution would cause that. More likely bad roads.
Do a close inspection of the front end parts. If you find nothing, take a close look at the trunion bars. I had a trunion bar crack, and thought something on the truck had broken.
How old, and how many miles on the truck?
How old is the hitch?
How much tongue weight is on the trailer?
If the front axle has too much weight removed (ie: no bars and a lot of tongue weight), it can make the truck / trailer combination unstable. Subconscious hand movement could cause the truck to wiggle, which in turn would cause the trailer to sway. Passing big rigs could also induce some tail wagging the dog.
Many trunion bar setups, are known for their creaking, groaning, and an occasional banging sound. It's possible, that is what you heard. If so, it's probably nothing to worry about.
It's also possible, something did come apart in your front end, doubtfull weight distribution would cause that. More likely bad roads.
Do a close inspection of the front end parts. If you find nothing, take a close look at the trunion bars. I had a trunion bar crack, and thought something on the truck had broken.
How old, and how many miles on the truck?
How old is the hitch?
How much tongue weight is on the trailer?
