Can't get WDH set right - Curt TruTrack

XirallicBolts · Jul 16, 2017

Hello all, I'm at a loss here.

We had previously pulled our Open Range Light 272RLS (7800lb base weight, 830lb tongue weight) with a 2002 GMC Savana 1500 and Curt TruTrack weight distribution hitch. Obviously the Savana was not rated for a camper this heavy but it was at least level thanks to helper air bags on the rear leafs.

We recently replaced the Savana with a 2013 Ford Expedition XLT with the heavy duty tow package. As it has a new hitch height, the WDH has to be adjusted. My brother and I both tried numerous times to adjust it but simply cannot get it to ride level. Different head positions, head angles, nothing seems to make it happy. The back end consistently sags and at some positions we had pretty noticeable sway issues. Sometimes the head is at such an angle it's practically impossible to get the ball to actually couple.

My fiance and I both read through the Curt installation manual and watched the installation video, with conflicting instructions at times -- the manual says to add 1/8" per 100lbs tongue, while the video says "about 1-2 inches".

Since my work schedule conflicts with Curt's support hours, does anybody else happen to have a TruTrack system that I could reference their settings off of to get me closer to what's ideal?

Thanks!

KonaBean · Jul 19, 2017

I don't have a TruTrack but by any chance does your Expy have the load-leveling system? We are new to towing and had a heck of a time getting our WDH adjusted properly because every time we made a change on the WDH setup the load-leveler would compensate. And it can't be turned off - it's like the Nivomat system. It's a pain because you have to drive it a couple of miles every time you make a change to get it to re-adjust, but in the end (now), I think it's worth it. Last time we were out we both remarked on what a nice comfortable ride it was.

Bedrck47 · Jul 19, 2017

Not to sound like a smart ass but You would be better off going to any of the RV forums and asking for help You will find many more members that may have your make of hitch than you will find on this forum. I would suggest the Jayco forum as members there are very knowledgeable on various hitch systems Doesn't make a difference what make TT you have they are very helpful on that site

XirallicBolts · Jul 19, 2017

Thanks, didn't think to check with the TT forum. I'll take a look over there.

As far as I know, the truck doesn't have load leveling. We bought it used, is there any obvious differences? I don't hear a compressor run and there's nothing obvious on the dash/instrumentation. The rear end sagging so badly after driving on earlier settings makes me think it does not have LL. (edit: Checked the brochure, load leveling was not available on XLT trim, only XLT Premium and higher)

Those A1 Auto tow mirrors arrive tomorrow so at least one thing should go halfway decent!

autoarcheologist · Jul 20, 2017

I'm not familiar with the TruTrack system, but I followed these tips when setting up our last system with great results.

http://www.canamrv.ca/blog/post/hitch-hints-setting-your-torsion-bars-441/

I also believe in tilting the head back as much as possible, there is a good explanation on how it helps the WD hitch in turns but I can't find it.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3000 using Tapatalk

Bedrck47 · Jul 21, 2017

In looking at your figures I believe that the Expedition isn't rated to tow that weight
A 2013 2wd has a max tow rating of 9200 lbs the 4wd is rated to tow 9000 lbs

You stated your TT "Open Range Light 272RLS (7800lb base weight, 830lb tongue weight)"
However what you failed to consider is the gross weight rating of the Open Range is 9900 lbs"
One thing you never do is use dry or base weight when trying to determine a proper tow vehicle
In your case the Open Range is too much trailer for the Expedition and as you already know it was to much for the 2002 GMC Savana 1500 which was rated at 6400 lbs. max towing capacity.

What you really need to know is the current tongue weight and trailer weight of the Open range You also need to know the max cargo weight rating of the expedition and I believe that once you know those weights you will understand why you can not get the "Curt TruTrack" set up properly

The Curt TruTrack is rated
Gross Trailer Weight(GTW) 10,000 LB
Tongue Weight(TW) 1,000 LB

The max weight of the Open Range is 9900 # Your close to the max rating of the Curt TruTrack
The max tongue weight of the Curt TruTrack is 1000# and I would bet you are very close to if not over that weight as the Open Range currently sits.

Read my comments in the attached link it will explain about cargo capacity

http://www.expeditionforum.com/thre...-and-towing-packages.32699/page-2#post-266835

Also read the attached link about CAT scales

http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f37/how-to-weigh-your-tv-tt-3871.html#post24549

Bedrck47 · Jul 21, 2017

This is just my opinion and some may agree and some disagree But I do believe that the Max length of 35 feet of the Open Range is more that you should be towing with the expedition

Also read the attached link. Pay attention to post #22 in that thread

http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f7/length-to-weight-27899.html#post308925

XirallicBolts · Jul 23, 2017

@Bedrck47
I understand your point and it's up for debate, but I was under the impression that the 9900lb GTWR was the maximum the trailer itself is rated to weight, as in what its chassis/axle/tires are capable of handling. Obviously in normal use the camper doesn't weigh anywhere near that. You'd have to pack it full of winter clothes, cast iron pans, all tanks full, etc, to add that extra ton to the weight of the camper. I know I am skirting the 9,000lb limit but that's also the 'safe limit' set by Ford so I'd imagine there's a safety margin (though I really shouldn't be using it).

@Bedrck47 (oh, both posts were by you. whoops)
I also agree that 35 feet is long for the Expedition, considering how short its wheelbase is compared to the Savana. Our options were limited for 4x4 vehicles that could seat 7 and haul 9,000lbs. While there were better options available, this was in our budget. Not ideal but we're in the point of no return on this one so I just have to make do. I read through post 22 but I'm not sure how he's figuring the 13% figure from. I wish it were practical to add airbags like the Savana had.

Overall, I'll give it another adjustment attempt. Got ahold of Curt Manufacturing and they said that the Expedition doesn't have much in the way of rear suspension so all I can really try is a higher ball and more tilt. They also said that it's my problem that my trunnion bars are too short (ours came with 28.5", they now come with 36"). I noticed the back end sits lower than the front in normal use (my Mercurys were all the same way) so I'll just keep at it. As nice as it'd be to buy an F250 Supercab to pull it with confidence, there simply isn't money for that.

Thanks for the advice, I appreciate when people more knowledgeable help set the facts for me. The only thing I need now is for A1 Auto to actually ship me the passenger mirror I ordered. The Expedition looks ridiculous with one tow mirror and one stock mirror.

Bedrck47 · Jul 23, 2017

XirallicBolts said:
@Bedrck47
I understand your point and it's up for debate, but I was under the impression that the 9900lb GTWR was the maximum the trailer itself is rated to weight, as in what its chassis/axle/tires are capable of handling. Obviously in normal use the camper doesn't weigh anywhere near that. You'd have to pack it full of winter clothes, cast iron pans, all tanks full, etc, to add that extra ton to the weight of the camper. I know I am skirting the 9,000lb limit but that's also the 'safe limit' set by Ford so I'd imagine there's a safety margin (though I really shouldn't be using it).

@Bedrck47 (oh, both posts were by you. whoops)
I also agree that 35 feet is long for the Expedition, considering how short its wheelbase is compared to the Savana. Our options were limited for 4x4 vehicles that could seat 7 and haul 9,000lbs. While there were better options available, this was in our budget. Not ideal but we're in the point of no return on this one so I just have to make do. I read through post 22 but I'm not sure how he's figuring the 13% figure from. I wish it were practical to add airbags like the Savana had.

Overall, I'll give it another adjustment attempt. Got ahold of Curt Manufacturing and they said that the Expedition doesn't have much in the way of rear suspension so all I can really try is a higher ball and more tilt. They also said that it's my problem that my trunnion bars are too short (ours came with 28.5", they now come with 36"). I noticed the back end sits lower than the front in normal use (my Mercurys were all the same way) so I'll just keep at it. As nice as it'd be to buy an F250 Supercab to pull it with confidence, there simply isn't money for that.

Thanks for the advice, I appreciate when people more knowledgeable help set the facts for me. The only thing I need now is for A1 Auto to actually ship me the passenger mirror I ordered. The Expedition looks ridiculous with one tow mirror and one stock mirror.

Anything can be as is up for debate I do agree that you would have to really load that Open Range with a ton of equipment to get to 9900 lbs But you expy is ONLY rated for 9000 lbs. And yes Ford may have built in a safety factor But I will ask you this What is YOUR safety factor? Why do you want to even consider towing near the MAX rating od the expy. JMHO but you already proved to me that you could care less about the safety factor when you towed that TT with the Savana But at least you got somewhat smart and moved up to an Expedition Again JMHO

When I tow there are three things that are MOST IMPORTANT and not in any order They are equally important THE SAFTEY OF MY PASSENGERS MY EQUIPTMENT AND MYSELF

Again the Expy is rated to Tow 9000 lbs the TT empty is 7800 lbs. That leaves you with 1200 lbs to play with But the more important figure is the Cargo Carrying Capacity of the expedition

I would venture to say you may be over capacity in that area which would mean the Open Road I way to much TT for the expy/

You really need to get to the CAT Scales and find out your weights
You also need to know the Actual Tongue Weight of the TT when it is loaded for a normal trip Full propane tanks and Battery You most likely will be way below the MAX of the TT but I think you will find you are way to heavy on Tongue Weight for the Hitch and for the expy

My intent is not to insult you. Hopefully it is to help you.

I totally understand why you need a vehicle to carry 7 passengers

Also Please Get To The CAT Scales I believe this will tell/show you why you can't get the Curt hitch properly adjusted.

Also keep me posted I do care and am very interested in your findings

autoarcheologist · Jul 24, 2017

I agree that you should check the tongue weights and weights on each axle. Not only to see if you are transferring weight, but also to make sure you aren't exceeding the load rating of of tires or axles.

But I don't believe the Expedition wheelbase is too short. The wheelbase is only one factor in the calculation, the rear overhang or distance from the ball to rear axle is the other. And the Expedition has a good rato compared to larger trucks or the extended version.

God luck!

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3000 using Tapatalk

Can't get WDH set right - Curt TruTrack

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