First time tower - multiple questions
Good afternoon. I have read many posts regarding towing and am looking for some additional help. Sorry for the dissertation… First – context: Vehicle and weights: - 2015 Durango, Citadel, V8 Hemi...
Forum Discussion
Grit dog wrote:
Some good albeit some debatable info from slowmover.
But don’t overthink it. Keep it to around a 5klb x24’ long trailer and you’re good.
Pump your rear tires up to max, let the self leveling suspension do it’s thing. I’d test that first to see what it’s good for.
Adjust the trailer brakes and wdh once you get the trailer on and go.
One tricky thing is you can’t just adjust wdh by height as the self leveling won’t let the rest squat.
Numbers are the baseline.
Why is that difficult?
The entire decision tree is predicated on acquired REAL numbers from a certified scale. Check them across the continent or three years from now.
Problems arise, components wear, etc.
The scale is first-step. A control.
The formulas for prediction (engineering) appear intimidating.
They aren’t, yet it’s easier to just make sentences of them.
The WD Hitch WILL spread TW force across three-points. How well it does so gets down to the last bit of finesse. (Trailer dead-level; that’s where most need help as unequal axle loading is a HUGE trailer-braking and sway-contribution problem).
There is range of what works. It’s not much of a spread.
But it must be discovered.
The narrowed range is now THE range. Other numbers fall away.
Set the baseline. Formula.
Drive, and adjust.
For WDH & Tires.
Work together.
All else hangs on this.
(And NEVER over-inflate tires past load requirements, ESPECIALLY on the Drive Axle (rear axle; scale nomenclature). Those tires losing contact with the roadway IS the definition of what happens in a loss-of-control accident.)
The tow vehicle rear axle TIRE CONTACT PATCH is what’s at stake for resisting trailer side-sway. Stiff springs (more than what’s required) and over-inflated rear tires (past load required) . . . is the dangerous advice given to the ex-brother-in-law you truly hate.
Resisting side-sway WORKS when ALL tires are involved. (WDH “equalization”).
Auto-adjust rear suspensions need to be disabled (fuse, if no switch) before setting WD. See manufacturer instructions.
The weigh scale is ALSO a control for this.
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