Finally hit the scales, numbers look perfect?

[Humbert810]

Truck Only
Steer Axle - 4720 LB
Drive Axle - 3320 LB
Total Weight - 8040 LB

WDH Bars On
Steer Axle - 4740 LB
Drive Axle - 4480 LB
Trailer Axle - 8420 LB

WDH Bars Off
Steer Axle - 4140 LB
Drive Axle - 5320 LB
Trailer Axle - 8180 LB

WDH Numbers
Gross Combined Weight - 17,640 LB
Truck Weight with WDH - 9,220 LB
Truck Weight without WDH - 9,460 LB
Camper Weight - 9,600 LB
Tongue Weight - 1,420 LB
Tongue Weight Percentage - 14.8%


2006 F-350 6.0 Diesel 4x4 Extended Cab 8' Bed
2015 Jayco Jay Flight 33RLDS Total length close to 36'
Pro Series 1,200 Round Bar WDH with one Friction bar

These numbers are loaded with all passengers, truck and camper stocked for a 4-day trip which our normal long weekend excursion. This is with empty tanks as we usually travel with no water. Trailer has 2 - 45 gallon fresh tanks which adds about 700 LBS to the trailer. One tank is located directly above the tandems and one just in front. For all purposes with usually pull with empty tanks so these weights will be what the setup sees 90% of the time. We are getting ready to move from OH to FL this October and I want to make sure my setup is as good as it can be before we make the 1400 mile trip!

Think everything looks great with all but 20 LBS being returned to my steer axle with my WDH on. My only concern is of course the dealer sold me 1,200 LB bars with my hitch and my tongue weight is pushing 1500 LB. Thinking upgrading to 1,500 LB bars will take out some of my bouncing over bumps. Also seems the trailer is a little more wishy washy than I would like it to be as far as stability at 60-65MPH.

Also, if and when I upgrade the hitch, would going to DC Reese or Equal-i-zer help make the trailer more stable at highway speeds or is this just a characteristic of a ~35' bumper pull?

Thanks!
Humbert

[Humbert810]

Just ordered a full set of Bilstein 5100s. We’ll see how much difference that makes!

[Humbert810]

campigloo wrote:
If it’s porpoising some put a set of Bilsteins on the truck. You’d be amazed.

That was my next upgrade to the truck! Thanks for the suggestion

[campigloo]

If it’s porpoising some put a set of Bilsteins on the truck. You’d be amazed.

[camperdave]

My van tows best when I've returned the steer axle to unloaded weight, just as you've done. Looks perfect to me.

But I think one friction bar on a 35' trailer is marginal at best. You are set up well so it will probably be fine, but I doubt that one friction bar is doing much for you in an emergency situation.

[Bedlam]

I like the the current setup of returning the weight to the steer axle. I suggest to drive with this a while and then see if you need more rear weight later.

[Humbert810]

DownTheAvenue wrote:
I applaud you for going to a scale to get actual numbers. That set up is very good, but if you wanted to fine tune it a little more, then tighten the bars to get a little more weight on the steer tires, but that is such a fine tune that if you leave it like it is then your good.

One person is telling me to add more weight to the drive. One telling me more on the steer axle. I have read so many WDH posts and articles it makes my head spin. I was shooting for a return of unloaded steer axle weight but am still open to suggestions as far as the rest of my post.

[DownTheAvenue]

I applaud you for going to a scale to get actual numbers. That set up is very good, but if you wanted to fine tune it a little more, then tighten the bars to get a little more weight on the steer tires, but that is such a fine tune that if you leave it like it is then your good.

[Turtle_n_Peeps]

I personally like 50/50.
A 50/50 vehicle will brake, steer and handle the best because all 4 tires are working the same.

Like I said, it's only nit picking. A few 100 lbs in the grand scheme of thing means next to nothing really.

You can set up my rig any time you want.

[Humbert810]

Turtle n Peeps wrote:
Looks great!!!

I bet it tows great!

The only thing I would do (and it's nit picking) is I would drop 1 link in your WD. I would try to get just a little more weight on the rear axel to make it 50/50 front to rear. But like I said, that's REALLY nit picking.

Again, GREAT job!!

I thought I was shooting for near 100% weight returned to the steer axle on my truck as opposed to 50/50 distribution on the truck?

[Turtle_n_Peeps]

Looks great!!!

I bet it tows great!

The only thing I would do (and it's nit picking) is I would drop 1 link in your WD. I would try to get just a little more weight on the rear axel to make it 50/50 front to rear. But like I said, that's REALLY nit picking.

Again, GREAT job!!