Forum Discussion

Shane549's avatar
Shane549
Explorer
Apr 20, 2015

Front weight transfer

I just purchased a 2015 Laredo 240MK and have a question on whether
all the front end weight should be restored after hitching up.
I weighed the truck before picking up the camper and the weights
are: Steer axle 3160 Drive axle 2560. Reweighed on way back and the
weights are Steer axle 3020, Drive axle 3260, Trailer axle 5060.
Truck weight was with me in it and a full fuel tank. Camper had
1/3 tank of water which is what I usually carry. I know I will be
adding weight to the camper which increase the tongue weight some.
Knowing that should I adjust my bars to transfer more weight to the
front? The dealer told me they set WDH hitches so that the TV sits
the same as before hitching. I said the Ford manual said to split
the difference and they said they never heard of that. I told them
to set it so I have 1 inch of squat in the rear and they did.
Rig towed perfect on the return trip. Thanks
  • Sport45's avatar
    Sport45
    Explorer II
    Apr 21, 2015
    Put a Ranch Hand front bumper on the truck and you'll have enough weight on the front to not worry about if the WDH is distributing enough. Then your only real concern making sure you aren't over any axle weights. :)
  • Terryallan's avatar
    Terryallan
    Explorer II
    Apr 21, 2015
    Dealers always setup an empty trailer, and most do it well. However. Having bought 2 new trailers, and let the dealers do the empty setup. I have found you WILL need to readjust the WDH after loading. . It will probably be as easy as pulling another link in the chains. That will usually take care of it.
  • therink's avatar
    therink
    Explorer
    Apr 20, 2015
    Personally, I would load the camper up and truck as if going on a Camping trip, then reassess the WD hitch adjustments. Several 100 lbs of gear can make a significant impact on weight distribution.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Apr 20, 2015
    If it seems to handle OK then I'd say that's close enough.
  • Shane549's avatar
    Shane549
    Explorer
    Apr 20, 2015
    Know what you mean. I will recheck the manual but I seem to recall
    measure before hitching, measure after hitching and split the difference.
  • handye9's avatar
    handye9
    Explorer II
    Apr 20, 2015
    Front axle weight restoration varies form one vehicle to another. Some require 100 percent, some require as little as 50 percent.

    Page 200 of your owners manual (link), gives you Ford's recommendation for your truck.

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