How to Set Up a WDH

NCMODELA wrote:
One question, how do you know how much you are putting on the tounge with changing the angles, I want to be around 12%. Is taking it to the scales the only way?

I think so.

After filling with gas, I get on the CAT scale 3 times and get Drive, Steer and Trailer weights each time:
1) Fully loaded truck+trailer+WDH,bars normal
2) Fully loaded truck+trailer+WDH,bars slacked
3) Fully loaded truck+WDH, no trailer

Using runs 2 and 3, you can calculate the trailer's GVW and Tongue Weight. Run 1 lets you see what the WDH is doing and whether you are over any of your GAWRs or GVWRs.

CAT scales are cheap for multiple runs. Usually only 1$ or 2$ per extra run. So you can try different WDH settings and see what happens pretty quickly.

EDIT: 1400# bars might be too strong for your trailer. You will be at the limit of their adjustment, and will not be able to fine tune as well.

Trailer weighs 5700 UVW, estimated 6600 loaded.

On the Reese dual cam one turn of the washer on the hitch head is equivalent to 2 links on the chain. Do you have the straight line or the dual cam? As stated above the towing forum has the procedure for you. Use the wheel well measurements and trips to the scales to really check your setup. Also how much does your trailer weigh? 1400 lb bars may or may jot be too strong for what you need.

One question, how do you know how much you are putting on the tounge with changing the angles, I want to be around 12%. Is taking it to the scales the only way?

It is reese, i will check their website.

Thanks
Bill

Bill,

Find out the manufacturer of your hitch and go to their website. Usually install instructions are there for the taking. They will give you the straight answer.

Richard

You are on the right track, but try 1" above for the ball. Normal drop is 1-1/2" so you may be a little high on the front of the TT if you go 2".

The head angle is what gives you more weight transfer. It will make the ends of the spring bars tilt closer to the ground with the more tilt you put in the Wd head.

What brand hitch is it?

Go to the towing forum Clicky and look at the sticky topics at the top. All your answers are there.