Self leveling suspension & WDH?

Well... That was easy! I like it when things are easy.

Followed TV instructions, which were to make WDH adjustments after suspension had tried to level itself (which still left the rear 2.5" low), then adjust tension on WDH until front measurements were the same as un-hitched.

Went super easy, super smooth. Second try at adjusting had the front measurements back exactly where they were un-hitched, the rear still 1 inch lower than unhitched. My first WDH, can't compare to others, but can say the Blue Ox was a piece of cake to setup, adjust, hitch up and un-hitch. Easy-easy. On the 25 mile test tow, it was not noticeable at all as far as noise or anything. Have to make some full lock turns backing up into my driveway and that was not a problem either. And no greasy mess anywhere, as advertised.

Also installed a Prodigy 2 brake controller today.

After WDH setup, took it out for a test haul to adjust the brakes and see how it felt. Towed beautifully! Brakes working excellent too.

Other things need attention, noticed a small drip from an existing repair in the gray tank, the fridge only works on propane not AC and I think the power board is probably bad, but, all in all, progress was made today!

- Coyote

Thanks - going to be setting this up within the hour. I'll try as you suggest and follow the TV Mfg recommendations.

- Coyote

UTCoyote wrote:
The owners manual for the Denali says to hook up and let the active suspension do it's leveling first, THEN setup the WDH.

The owners manual for the Sway Pro says to disable or deflate the self leveling function of the tow vehicle then setup the hitch.

Opposite instructions from the two MFG's...

So, which is accepted best practice?

I'm thinking, to follow the hitch instructions, and setup the WDH with the self leveling turned off. As it seems this would be the way to setup the WDH to do the most good. The self leveling suspension of the tow vehicle won't do anything to transfer weight, or at least not much.

IMO, you should ignore the Sway Pro manual instructions and follow the instructions for the TV.
There is no reason not to use the ride height control in conjunction with the weight distribution -- as long as you do it properly.

The primary concern should be to return the front of the TV to its unhitched height or load.
If you first adjust the WDH and then activate the ride height control, the rear of the TV will be raised and the load on the WDH bars will be reduced.
This will reduce the amount of load transfer to the front axle, and the front of the TV will rise above the unhitched height.

You might need to "experiment" a bit to find the correct WDH adjustment,
but you should be able to use the WDH to get the front height correct while allowing the ride height control to keep the rear at its pre-set height.

Ron

"Self leveling..." I don't think I've ever seen it referred to using that term before. I've seen "ride height adjustment" or "auto ride" before. Maybe that's why you can't find any information?

Ultimately I don't think it matters. The WDH is mostly for the front end, while the "self leveling" suspension is for the rear.

If you adjust the WDH with the suspension off, it will pump a little air in to level the rear when you turn it back on. This may reduce the WDH spring bar tension and cause the front to lift a little, but you were close enough in the first place.

If you adjust the WDH with the suspension on, it may let a little air out to level the rear. This may increase the WDH spring bar tension to increase slightly, pushing the front end down a little. Again, still close enough for horseshoes, hand grenades, and government work.

This is for the initial adjustment only. There is nothing stopping you from making adjustments based on how it feels to you after you drive it around a little.