Hitch setup question

Ron Gratz wrote:

Dtaylor wrote:
I hate displaying my ignorance, but, do I do this by going up a link in the chain or adding spacers.

Do your WDH installation instructions specify a minimum number of chain links under tension?
Some manufacturers specify having at least five links under tension.

If you can have one fewer link under tension without going below the minimum value, that's the easier adjustment to try first.

Ron

The instruction book says a minimum of 5 links. I would have to check but I think I have 7 or 8.

Dtaylor wrote:
I hate displaying my ignorance, but, do I do this by going up a link in the chain or adding spacers.

Do your WDH installation instructions specify a minimum number of chain links under tension?
Some manufacturers specify having at least five links under tension.

If you can have one fewer link under tension without going below the minimum value, that's the easier adjustment to try first.

Ron

I would drop one more link and remeasure. In other words, put more tension on the bars.

Dtaylor wrote:

ktmrfs wrote:
IMHO your close, but if your tow vehicle is an expedition (per the signature) I'd suggest trying to get a little more weight on the front end. Drop the front at least 1/4" but no more than 1/2". Have several friends with the expy, and the suspension is soft compared to a truck, and they had better handling and ride when they got the front back to unloaded height and the rear didn't sag as much. As the front rises the steering gets a little "loose" and it feels somewhat like sway when driving.

I hate displaying my ignorance, but, do I do this by going up a link in the chain or adding spacers.

Either. Two spacers are equal to 1 link. Since it's easier to take out a link, I would try that first and see what it gains you. If it's too much then put the link back in and change the head by one shim.

www.etrailer.com
Check out some of their videos. Think it will help. Also check out the towing section in this forum

ktmrfs wrote:
IMHO your close, but if your tow vehicle is an expedition (per the signature) I'd suggest trying to get a little more weight on the front end. Drop the front at least 1/4" but no more than 1/2". Have several friends with the expy, and the suspension is soft compared to a truck, and they had better handling and ride when they got the front back to unloaded height and the rear didn't sag as much. As the front rises the steering gets a little "loose" and it feels somewhat like sway when driving.

I hate displaying my ignorance, but, do I do this by going up a link in the chain or adding spacers.

IMHO your close, but if your tow vehicle is an expedition (per the signature) I'd suggest trying to get a little more weight on the front end. Drop the front at least 1/4" but no more than 1/2". Have several friends with the expy, and the suspension is soft compared to a truck, and they had better handling and ride when they got the front back to unloaded height and the rear didn't sag as much. As the front rises the steering gets a little "loose" and it feels somewhat like sway when driving.

You need to add spacers or adjust the bolt at the top of the hitch near the ball to lean the ball back toward the trailer. Normally you have three links hanging on the chain and the spring bars are correctly sized for the trailer. This should shift more weight to the front of the tow vehicle.

Seems darn good to me. It's putting weight on the front and back axles. Are you sure the rig is perfectly level? That will have an effect.

Disconnect the WD and see how far down the rear goes and how far up the front rises.

If you put the chains too tight, and you enter a gas station off camber, you can break a load bar. Hard to believe something made of steel and that thick can break. I broke one and it sounded like a bomb went off!