Checking Truck For Level?

[Super_Dave]

Is it safe to assume that putting a level on the truck bed rail when loaded would indicate how level the overall truck is riding?

[Cummins12V98]

Truck LOOKS level.

[ETCrockett]

mtofell1 wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Park on flat ground. Stand back at the side, does it LOOK level???

Yeah.... I'm kind of in favor of this method. I guess the question is what is trying to be achieved by having the TV perfectly level? I understand the 5th to TV and bed rail clearance but I can't see a problem with a TV being a few degrees one way or another off level. Certainly, the trustworthy eyeball test Cummins eludes to should be close enough.

I agree about the bed clearance and the FW towing level. However, you want to also avoid excessive squating on the TV when loaded. I have always been told that when towing from the bumper hitch that excessive squat puts a strain on the drive shaft and cause major problems. I just assume the same would be true when towing a FW.

[edbehnke]

relax. just do a visual...that will do it. and even if it isn't there isn't a lot you can do unless you have air bags.

[mtofell1]

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Park on flat ground. Stand back at the side, does it LOOK level???

Yeah.... I'm kind of in favor of this method. I guess the question is what is trying to be achieved by having the TV perfectly level? I understand the 5th to TV and bed rail clearance but I can't see a problem with a TV being a few degrees one way or another off level. Certainly, the trustworthy eyeball test Cummins eludes to should be close enough.

[Cummins12V98]

Park on flat ground. Stand back at the side, does it LOOK level???

[Super_Dave]

Parked on flat ground, I put an 8', 2x4 on the bed rail and a long level on the 2x4. The rake over 8' is about 2.5" when loaded.

[Slownsy]

Super Dave you are correct, but as also suggested check that you are parked on a level surface.
Frank.

[goducks10]

Super_Dave wrote:
Goal would be to evaluate whether pin weight put truck in rear end squat below level from empty, ass high position. I don't think that involves fender well clearances unless I'm not understanding how that pertains to truck being level when loaded.

I assume that the fender wells are the same off the ground when the trucks level. I thought all MFG built them that way. What else would you use to check level? Mine's 3" higher in the rear using the fender well when empty.
Using fender measurements takes the guess work out. Don't have to be on level ground.

[Super_Dave]

Goal would be to evaluate whether pin weight put truck in rear end squat below level from empty, ass high position. I don't think that involves fender well clearances unless I'm not understanding how that pertains to truck being level when loaded.

[Old-Biscuit]

Place level on bed rail with trailer NOT connected.
Note have much 'rake' your truck has
Then do same with trailer connected


Measure front tire to fender with trailer not connected AND connected
Much difference?


Shouldn't be with dually and 3200# wet pin (16K GVWR/20%)

[laknox]

Lynnmor wrote:

Super_Dave wrote:
Is it safe to assume that putting a level on the truck bed rail when loaded would indicate how level the overall truck is riding?

No, that doesn't consider the surface you are parked on. Best to measure and record the empty truck fender opening height at each wheel, then compare that with the loaded measurements. Of course you might want to bring the rear down more than the front.

With a 4' level, you could check the surface, then compare to the bed rail. :B

Lyle

[Lynnmor]

Super_Dave wrote:
Is it safe to assume that putting a level on the truck bed rail when loaded would indicate how level the overall truck is riding?

No, that doesn't consider the surface you are parked on. Best to measure and record the empty truck fender opening height at each wheel, then compare that with the loaded measurements. Of course you might want to bring the rear down more than the front.