The FW and truck in my signature are well within specs for towing. When I hook up the FW the bed of the truck drops to just about level which seems about perfect. That said I noticed the other night while driving and towing the FW, folks were flashing their high beams at me. My high beams weren't on. Happened enough that I knew it was no coincidence. Then it occurred to me, could my headlights be aimed more upward when the FW is hooked up? I imagine they are dialed in when the truck is without any weight, when you add 3k lbs it lowers the rear, even if only a few inches and thus aiming the front up. Is this enough to make people think I have my high beams on?

Yup!That's a heck of a nice setup for first time towing (at night)! Have fun!

I would say it's pretty obvious. At night, park your empty truck 25 feet from a clean wall on level ground and mark the center of the high beam on the wall. Measure it. Do the same with the trailer hooked up and do the same. I'll bet you'll notice a serious difference.

Yes, a few inches down in the rear will make a noticeable difference. Are you blinding oncoming traffic?? Probably not, just people being too quick to flash their lights to announce your beam is a little high. Same people blow their horn the second the light turns green. Same people honk/flip you for pulling into traffic, making them slow to the speed limit. They can see your FW clearance lights, know you are towing heavy.Jerry

LED headlights only add to the problem.

Like most Ford owners it is time to bag it! Ford seems to have provided a soft suspension to improve ride. So air bags are a popular add on item. The closer that wants to sell you an extended warranty, paint and interior sealers should include air bags for Fords.

Headlights aiming up when towing? | Good Sam Community

Grit_dog
Navigator
Oct 12, 2020
Yup!
That's a heck of a nice setup for first time towing (at night)! Have fun!
Fisherman
Explorer
Oct 12, 2020
I would say it's pretty obvious. At night, park your empty truck 25 feet from a clean wall on level ground and mark the center of the high beam on the wall. Measure it. Do the same with the trailer hooked up and do the same. I'll bet you'll notice a serious difference.
MFL
Nomad II
Oct 12, 2020
Yes, a few inches down in the rear will make a noticeable difference. Are you blinding oncoming traffic?? Probably not, just people being too quick to flash their lights to announce your beam is a little high. Same people blow their horn the second the light turns green. Same people honk/flip you for pulling into traffic, making them slow to the speed limit. They can see your FW clearance lights, know you are towing heavy.

Jerry
ACZL
Explorer
Oct 12, 2020
LED headlights only add to the problem.
Me_Again
Explorer III
Oct 12, 2020
Like most Ford owners it is time to bag it! Ford seems to have provided a soft suspension to improve ride. So air bags are a popular add on item. The closer that wants to sell you an extended warranty, paint and interior sealers should include air bags for Fords.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Oct 12, 2020
Another reason to tow level...blinding oncoming drivers.
jaycocamprs
Explorer
Oct 13, 2020
A turn or 2 on the adjustment screws will fix the problem, or bag it. Since I'm nose high I turned the adjustment screws.
Edd505
Explorer
Oct 13, 2020
Me Again wrote:
Like most Ford owners it is time to bag it! Ford seems to have provided a soft suspension to improve ride. So air bags are a popular add on item. The closer that wants to sell you an extended warranty, paint and interior sealers should include air bags for Fords.

Maybe on 250's not the 350's. I agree the LED lights improperly aimed are a pain in the a$$, add the road lights they all seem to think need to be on at all times. Then add LEDS in the grill and over the windshield to be cool and blind everyone else.
:R
jdc1
Explorer II
Oct 13, 2020
ACZL wrote:
LED headlights only add to the problem.

Ain't that the truth. Then you have the clowns that add those aftermarket blue headlights.
wopachop
Explorer
Oct 13, 2020
Could try going a little bit tighter on the weight distribution hitch. Watch some videos and it will explain how to set them up.

Might be your headlights were set a little bit high from the factory. Thats another quick google search away on the spec and what the adjustment screw looks like. Normally the up and down adjustment is right above the headlight. Look for a 8 or 10mm.