Do you Adjust your WDH When You Drive With a Full Water Tank

In my opinion, to give you a better answer specifics of your set up like what the tow vehicle is and what the trailer is would be helpful. Also, what type of WDH are you using?

I towed the trailer in my signature with a 1/2 ton Suburban. Everytime I hooked up I had to adjust my Dual Cam WDH because I was pushing the limits of the trucks suspension it seemed like the change of 50# in the trailer changed the set up.

I can tell you that with my 1 ton van I did the initial set up and I haven't had to touch it since. Two weeks ago was the first time the trailer really was packed much different than any other trip. We had 5 full size mountain bikes (4 inside, 1 on the back) and all of the additional stuff we packed for a 6 month old. After hooking up and checking my WDH, there was no adjustment needed.

To determine if you really need to do anything, try towing the trailer with the "full" WD setup, but with empty tanks. You're not going to hurt a thing by trying. Worst case you won't like the way it rides. That'd be the only reason to change the settings.

If you do feel you need to have a second setup for "empty," then go through the setup process. The difference will likely only be one link in the chains, as mentioned previously.

The people I camp with don't change the settings on their WD hitches to go home, even after emptying their fresh tanks before leaving.

I do change mine with a full tank. 3 hanging links with empty tanks 4 with full.

I never change adjustment on my Equalizer hitch, full tank or not. Can't tell any difference.

pasusan wrote:
No, but my FW tank is between the axles.

In my opinion, this would be a huge factor. My 110 gallons sit right between the axles as well so I think adjusting the WD hitch is totally unnecessary. In fact, it could make things worse.

I think every question deserves an answer but because no one has volunteered for three days ( understand why) I'll try. If you are sincere and are truly concerned about 500#, your TV must be a Harley or a VW. If your rig could possibly be over weight with 500# I suggest you reconsider your equipment for your and the safety of us all. I usually refrain from posting a comment with little information ..IMO.. :@

In my case a full water tank (50 gal) increases tongue weight by 100lbs, from 1250 to 1350lbs. IMHO that's not enough of a change to be concerned about, so I don't mess with it.

If your concerned, weigh the tongue before and after and decide if it's significant enough for you to mess with.

I don't but the tank is fairly small ( 45 Gal. ) ..........

No, but my FW tank is between the axles.

I will check it out today. I adjusted the hitch with the tank mostly full. It is now empty. I will do all the measurements and see if it looks like it needs to be adjusted. While it is a little of a PIA, it would make some sense to me that a shift of 500 or so pounds might affect the weight distribution enough to require an adjustment.

The bigger PIA is if you are going on a trip with a full tank and then returning with an empty one in which case if adjustment is required, you need to do it at the campground.

I will check it out and see.

I picked up my trailer last night and drove home with it completely empty and noticed that it was driving a bit bouncy in the back, which is what made me think to ask the question.

I do recall that when I set up my hitch with the tank full I was kind of on the edge of two different settings. I opted for the setting that shifted a little more weight to the front, but that may be too much forward distribution with an empty tank. I guess I will have to see...

Matt


matt