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JDmouse's avatar
JDmouse
Explorer
Apr 13, 2024

Hitch ball height with Reese Weight Distribution System

Hello. I have a Ford F150 and a Reese WDS with dual cams. According to the installation instructions the hitch ball should be 3/4" - 1" above the coupler when trailer is level. I can't get the number of links to 5 with my ball set at that hitch ball height. If I put the hitch ball up one level on the shank I can get the 5 links and the front of the truck only lifts up 1/4". Is it a problem to have the hitch ball 2" higher than the coupler? Any thoughts would be great.

  • It’s not a problem if you have 2” instead of 1”, it’s not a problem if you have 4 links instead of 5 links, etc., etc., etc. What matters is the bars should be close to level when travel ready, and the front of the truck is at the position as recommended by the manufacturer when towing (the recommendation is different for different models and MY).

  • I have been using that system on three trailers since 2004 and the easiest way to adjust the chain length, which determines whether or not there will be contact during sharp turns, is to adjust the ball tilt. That brings the back of the bars up or down. Level or close to it is correct for the bars but cannot always be achieved. How much tilt is mainly a trial and error kind of thing as you are also adjusting transferred weight at the same time. Bars lower in the back are better than lower in the front.

     

  • Sounds complicated…lol. 
    How heavy is that trailer?  Can ya slap some airbags on or helper springs and go?  
    so much less bullcheese to deal with unless it’s REALLY heavy tongue weight or tows like a bag of d!cks and needs the sway control. 

    • JDmouse's avatar
      JDmouse
      Explorer

      It's only a 20 foot Gulfstream about 4000 pounds. Been playing around all weekend with ball height and tilts and got trailer level with 1/4" rise up front and 4 links between yoke and spring bar.

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