Hope I don't upset anyone...I posted this on one of my threads, but thought I would get more feedback here.Here's the only shot I have right now with the trailer. I haven't towed, still 400 miles left in break in period. I did bring it 2 miles at a slow speed to find a flat spot to take this photo. What I could tell so far... 1. Far less movement in the truck from the weight of the trailer. Almost not perceivable.2. I did have to give it more gas to get rolling, but noticeably better. I didn't bring the tach over 3,000rpm.3. I did note that (in my 2 mile trip), once up to speed, it held 50mph at very close to the rpm's it does without the trailer.4. Trailer brakes seemed far smoother than my old Prodigy P2. However, they aren't adjusted yet. All this said, what can you really tell in 2 miles and taking it easy. :)I'd like some feedback on the tongue height. From the photo and the bubble, you can tell it is front low by just a hair. The truck bed squatted about an inch. I imagine with a load in the bed, the rear will squat another inch.Any thoughts on weight distribution? Think it's necessary? I do have a friction sway control (in addition to the trucks).Moderator edit to re-size pictures to forum limit of 640px maximum width.

In the real world, due to humps and dips in the road the trailer will never stay perfectly level so don't worry about it. Get behind the wheel and enjoy the journey.

I have no problem enjoying the journey. ;) But still want to start off giving it my best shot!

I don't see any weight distributing system?

Thanks mod.There is no weight distribution system. That was part of my question, just below the photos and easy to miss. Sounds like you feel I should have one?

There are others on the forum that will have a different opinion but to me it looks like you are good to go. Try it a while without the WDH and see how it handles but it looks like a very lightweight trailer.

New truck, verify my setup please | Good Sam Community

tragusa3
Explorer
Jan 22, 2014
I was very surprised at the 2" drop. TW can't be more than 500 pounds and is probably closer to 300.

Handling was very impressive coming from my old truck. I don't think I'll have any concern there, but that's to be determined after several trips and conditions.

I'm assuming that the suspension is a progressive type thing. Just because the TW dropped it 2" does not mean that the 400 pounds I put in the bed will do the same. Is that correct?
campigloo
Explorer
Jan 21, 2014
Nice little camper, looks like a lot of fun and easy to deal with. The only thing that bothers me is the 2" drop on the truck. Try it but a wdh may improve handling. Don't expect much improvement in mpg because even though it's light, it still has the aerodynamics of a brick.
tragusa3
Explorer
Jan 18, 2014
Finally got through my break in period and took the trailer out today for a trial run. Did about 35 miles total, all in the hills, and a 5-8 mile stretch pulling a 6% grade.

I am far more than pleased! First, the handling is improved. The trailer doesn't feel like it tugs on the truck. Used to be, bumps and whatnot would cause the trailer to pull on the truck and you could feel the tail being wagged a bit. It is almost non existent now.

Power, well, I am up to interstate speed (with quarter throttle) before merging from the on ramp. Climbing the long 6% grade mentioned above was a non event. it shifted to fourth and held 62mph very easily. I had to keep letting off the throttle on a 6% climb! I was in the passing lane and had acceleration on tap.

I can put the radio on and not realize I'm pulling a fairly major grade. Boy, that's a major improvement from the way it used to be!

Managed 8.7mpg on a really tough 35 miles. Hoping that turns into anything over 10mpg when on typical roads.
rfryer
Explorer
Dec 23, 2013
I don’t think you can tell much in two miles, but it looks good to me. I pull a 3000# wet single axle TT with an F150 and don’t need WD and I don’t have a hint of sway. And my TW is 300-320# which is on the light side.

I used to tow with a Bronco and once in awhile got a bit of minor sway that I tweaked out with the manual control. When I went to the longer WB F150 its solid as a rock. Since nothing else changed but the WB that’s what I attribute it to. That and all the scary close calls I’m personally aware of have all occurred with short WB vehicles.

I’d just take it on a trip and push the envelope slowly and see how it handles, if there’s an issue you’ll recognize it. But my guess is you won’t need either WD or sway.
Chuck_thehammer
Explorer
Dec 23, 2013
only if you have sway issues..

I have a Ram 1500 short bed 2 door.. and pull a Ameri-lite 21mb.. at 3500 lbs. just fine ... I do have a duel axle trailer..

that is why I say.. IF sway issues.

just pull that puppy.. and have FUN.
Peg_Leg
Explorer
Dec 23, 2013
If it starts to sway move some weight from the rear of the TT to the front. A light tongue weight will cause sway.
Mvander
Explorer
Dec 22, 2013
Dosent look like much weight to distribute. If it were me i would definatley try without first. I think uou will save a few bucks at least till you get the next trailer.
rhagfo
Explorer III
Dec 22, 2013
KD4UPL wrote:
That looks like a rather small trailer with probably very low tongue weight. If it's not above the hitch rating without WDH I'd think you'd be fine.
I'm certainly not one to suggest that everyone needs WDH. I tow my boat, a cargo trailer, and a flatbed regularly without one and don't have any problems.

I would say with that size trailer and a decent payload on that F150 that setup looks real good. If you have enough tongue weight sway should not be an issue either.
tragusa3
Explorer
Dec 22, 2013
Thanks Dodge Guy! You can see from the bubble that it is ever so slightly low in the front.

We're dieing to get in and go! Soon enough. :)
tragusa3
Explorer
Dec 22, 2013
The trailer is 3000 pounds dry.

Any other confirmation on the level of the trailer?

And, what would be a telltale sign that I'd want to add WDH? Sway? if so, the truck has sway control that might help.

We do plan to upgrade trailer in the future, but wouldn't go above about 5,000 dry. We have to stay below 24' total.

Forum Discussion

New truck, verify my setup please

About RV Tips & Tricks

Related Content

Opinions Please

Electrical Help Please

Truck

More Advice, please.

Truck warranty