What is the value of a level rig?

[tomthyme]

Recently we have been talking to folks about adding Independent Suspension to our Cameo (among other things) and also talking to new dealers should we decide to trade.

I have noticed a number of mentions about leveling the rig while under tow. What I don't know is the true benefit of the leveling.

I think level is better because there is more even distribution between axles - maybe? Maybe it makes for a better ride. Maybe, maybe, maybe...

What do you guys think?

Thanks folks!

[Learjet]

Voyager Mike wrote:
Funny thing here. Not one expert has referenced his experience weighing each axle separately on a cat scale. If you try it, you will find that an equalizer equalizes. The best reason to try and level a fifth wheel unit is to control ground clearance. The difference in axle travel is very slight.

I agree with this ^^^ as long as the equalizer is not at or near its limits. Seems like basic physics to me.

[mapguy]

Voyager Mike wrote:
Funny thing here. Not one expert has referenced his experience weighing each axle separately on a cat scale. If you try it, you will find that an equalizer equalizes. The best reason to try and level a fifth wheel unit is to control ground clearance. The difference in axle travel is very slight.

didn't use a Cat Scale, but have data on wheel position weights along with axle weights, pin weights, and total weights for inbound and outbound trips on my toy hauler.

Weights will not show a marked difference of a trailer not being level.

Being level gives the best ride period. It allows the trailer suspension to be in the neutral position so it has the use of the full range of suspension travel. Remember leaf sprung axles have very little suspension travel.

[RCMAN46]

Voyager Mike wrote:
Funny thing here. Not one expert has referenced his experience weighing each axle separately on a cat scale. If you try it, you will find that an equalizer equalizes. The best reason to try and level a fifth wheel unit is to control ground clearance. The difference in axle travel is very slight.

I assume you claim to have weighed a 5th wheel trailer that was several inches nose high or low.

If so we would like to see a picture of the trailer hitched and the scale receipt.

[Voyager_Mike]

Funny thing here. Not one expert has referenced his experience weighing each axle separately on a cat scale. If you try it, you will find that an equalizer equalizes. The best reason to try and level a fifth wheel unit is to control ground clearance. The difference in axle travel is very slight.

[mapguy]

Learjet wrote:
Doesn't the equalizer, if you have axles with springs, keep even weight on both axles...hence the name equalizer?

Assuming close to level.

Nope. Common misconception of the equalizer function. Equalizer is there to allow the axles to articulate individually while traveling. Suspension travel is limited any time the nose is high or low from the frame level position.

Easy to see the suspension limiting action when trailer is disconnected by raising/lowering front jacks while viewing what happens at the equalizer.

[thirtydaZe]

rhagfo wrote:
There is nothing nicer than towing level!!!!

That looks real nice, but thought the saying was
'Noting finer, than eateing at your diner..'

[Learjet]

Doesn't the equalizer, if you have axles with springs, keep even weight on both axles...hence the name equalizer?

Assuming close to level.

[rhagfo]

There is nothing nicer than towing level!

[mapguy]

Level frame on trailer when towing provides a fully working trailer suspension system. Just being a couple inches nose high can leave the rear most axle with little to no suspension travel.

[ChuckV1]

You have to think =
fuel mileage
tire ware
axle ware (bearings, seals)
suspension (truck & trailer)
Trailer height (gas station have lower clearances at times)
Bed height between bed rails (can cause damage if to lower do to scraping on rails)
turning radius ( hitting cab with trailer damage to both)

Always safety 1st, remeber you are not the only one on the road, any of the above not correct can hurt you and your family, your vehicles or other people as well ...

Safe travels

[danrclem]

I just took a first trip in my 5th wheel and it's a little bit nose high. It's really hard to tell how much since when you lower the front you raise the back. If I drop it one bolt hole it may still be a little high but can I expect a difference in the way it pulls? I've got a 6' level so I can eventually get it very close. It's my first fiver and I thought it did pretty well the way it is. Never did think about fuel mileage.

[valhalla360]

You really need to tell us how nose high.

If your nose is an inch or two high...it's a rounding error.
- The standard suspension can absorb a small amount without transferring any weight between the trailer axle. The springs are attached to a swivel that adjusts without shifting significant weight between the axles.
- Yes, theoretically, it will add or subtract from the pin weight but even extreme nose high is unlikely to shift more than 10-20lbs on the pin.
- Bed rail clearance is impacted but again, it has to be pretty extreme to play into it. 2inches nose high might eat up 1/10th of an inch of bed clearance at the very back of the bed.
- Unless you are getting extreme, it's not going to affect wind resistance by a measurable amount.

Now if you are talking 5-6" high, it's not good. You may eat up all the suspension can absorb and it starts shifting weight, bed clearance may start to be an issue. Probably the most common issue is if you are uneven surfaces, you may drag the tail of the trailer since it will be 5-6" low.

Yes, you need to be aware of overall height if you raise the suspension to level the trailer but the really big/tall 5ers are mostly already set up to accommodate the newer 4x4 truck heights.

[bucky]

Two things not mentioned so far. Nose high affects fuel mileage.
The bigger issue is how high is your unit after you raise it. I read people on here talking about raising units 4 to 5 inches. There are a lot of bridges where that is not a good idea.

Bridge of destruction

[Old-Biscuit]

PIN WEIGHT........

Nose high...lighter pin (can cause chucking in hitch)
Shift on weight t trailers rear axle/tires

Nose low....unnecessary increase in pin weight.
Can overload trucks rear axle/tires if close to ratings

Level tow....
Trailer axle/tires carry equal amounts (give/take floorplan)
Pin weight within margin....20%-25%
Smoother tow