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Headlights aiming up when towing?

way2roll
Navigator II
Navigator II
The FW and truck in my signature are well within specs for towing. When I hook up the FW the bed of the truck drops to just about level which seems about perfect. That said I noticed the other night while driving and towing the FW, folks were flashing their high beams at me. My high beams weren't on. Happened enough that I knew it was no coincidence. Then it occurred to me, could my headlights be aimed more upward when the FW is hooked up? I imagine they are dialed in when the truck is without any weight, when you add 3k lbs it lowers the rear, even if only a few inches and thus aiming the front up. Is this enough to make people think I have my high beams on?

Jeff - 2023 FR Sunseeker 2400B MBS
23 REPLIES 23

jdc1
Explorer II
Explorer II
ACZL wrote:
LED headlights only add to the problem.


Ain't that the truth. Then you have the clowns that add those aftermarket blue headlights.

Edd505
Explorer
Explorer
Me Again wrote:
Like most Ford owners it is time to bag it! Ford seems to have provided a soft suspension to improve ride. So air bags are a popular add on item. The closer that wants to sell you an extended warranty, paint and interior sealers should include air bags for Fords.

Maybe on 250's not the 350's. I agree the LED lights improperly aimed are a pain in the a$$, add the road lights they all seem to think need to be on at all times. Then add LEDS in the grill and over the windshield to be cool and blind everyone else.
:R
2015 F350 FX4 SRW 6.7 Crew, longbed - 2017 Durango Gold 353RKT
2006 F350 SRW 6.0 crew longbed sold
2000 F250 SRW 7.3 extended longbed airbags sold
2001 Western Star 4900EX sold
Jayco Eagle 30.5BHLT sold, Layton 24.5LT sold

jaycocamprs
Explorer
Explorer
A turn or 2 on the adjustment screws will fix the problem, or bag it. Since I'm nose high I turned the adjustment screws.
2018 Silverado 3500 DRW
2011 Montana Mountaineer 285RLD

Lwiddis
Explorer II
Explorer II
Another reason to tow level...blinding oncoming drivers.
Winnebago 2101DS TT & 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 LTZ Z71, WindyNation 300 watt solar-Lossigy 200 AH Lithium battery. Prefer boondocking, USFS, COE, BLM, NPS, TVA, state camps. Bicyclist. 14 yr. Army -11B40 then 11A - (MOS 1542 & 1560) IOBC & IOAC grad

Me_Again
Explorer III
Explorer III
Like most Ford owners it is time to bag it! Ford seems to have provided a soft suspension to improve ride. So air bags are a popular add on item. The closer that wants to sell you an extended warranty, paint and interior sealers should include air bags for Fords.
2021 F150 2.7 Ecoboost - Summer Home 2017 Bighorn 3575el. Can Am Spyder RT-L Chrome, Kawasaki KRX1000. Retired and enjoying it! RIP DW 07-05-2021

ACZL
Explorer
Explorer
LED headlights only add to the problem.
2017 F350 DRW XLT, CC, 4x4, 6.7
2018 Big Country 3560 SS
"The best part of RVing and Snowmobiling is spending time with family and friends"
"Catin' in the Winter"

MFL
Nomad II
Nomad II
Yes, a few inches down in the rear will make a noticeable difference. Are you blinding oncoming traffic?? Probably not, just people being too quick to flash their lights to announce your beam is a little high. Same people blow their horn the second the light turns green. Same people honk/flip you for pulling into traffic, making them slow to the speed limit. They can see your FW clearance lights, know you are towing heavy.

Jerry

Fisherman
Explorer
Explorer
I would say it's pretty obvious. At night, park your empty truck 25 feet from a clean wall on level ground and mark the center of the high beam on the wall. Measure it. Do the same with the trailer hooked up and do the same. I'll bet you'll notice a serious difference.

Grit_dog
Navigator
Navigator
Yup!
That's a heck of a nice setup for first time towing (at night)! Have fun!
2016 Ram 2500, MotorOps.ca EFIlive tuned, 5” turbo back, 6" lift on 37s
2017 Heartland Torque T29 - Sold.
Couple of Arctic Fox TCs - Sold