Wayne Decker
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Use a weight distributing hitch.
Expedition - Impressed (tow capacity)
- Thread starter Perfectmax
- Start date
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CaptOchs
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Nice boat. Is your trailer adjustable? I've adjusted several boat trailers. The axles can be moved forward or moved back to put more or less weight on the tongue. If its adjustable, there should be bolts on the frame. There would be predrilled holes in front of them maybe about 6 inches apart. If you decide to move it, buy all new bolts. Launch the boat. Keep trailer hooked up to truck. Remove bolts with a breaker bar. Some may break if too rusted. Then slide axle forward to the hole and put the new bolts on.
I can’t, it’s a overland trailer with a articulating mount instead of a ball.
Randy Schmidt
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THX!
I'll have to look to see if the trailer is adjustable. Thanks for the heads up on adjusting it.
Randy Schmidt
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I have not heard of them... I'll look at adjusting the trailer first come spring and then if that doesn't work, then I'll look into Sumo Springs. Thank you.
Zig10
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Before you start messing with the trailer, pick up (or borrow) one of these: https://www.etrailer.com/Tools/Sher...sF3HvfvcFgaFDg0KzrQoTo2Oe4Uzlq4gaAmoJEALw_wcB
It will help a lot when you're playing with the wheel locations on the trailer. I've never had one set up properly from a marina, and have always had to adjust my axle locations to dial in the tongue weight.
And for those that constantly recommend WDHs, just note that on boat trailers nearly every manufacturer recommends against them because of the added stress that they put on the tongue itself, which can actually bend if overtaxed by a WDH.
I have a 2012 w/ 82k miles, tow package, full options pretty much. I tow a track car and it all adds to about 7k load. I was thinking about a 2020/21 but now reading that they don't come with load leveling anymore is a concern. I LOVE that feature. Couple that with the smaller tank on the newer ones and this is starting to sound like I keep mine longer.
Suggestions?
Suggestions?
Randy Schmidt
Full Access Members
@Artie
No way... you will sag like it do. I would like to tell you different. I believe my setup in right around or under 400 lbs T Weight.
No way... you will sag like it do. I would like to tell you different. I believe my setup in right around or under 400 lbs T Weight.
I know a company that does custom air suspension called http://www.universalair.com/, you could always reach out to see if they can make a rear setup.
I’ll never tow just this trailer, I’ll have gear in the back of the vehicle as well. I’ll wait and see how bad it is before making a decision.
I have an 18 max with the tow package. I used to have a car hauler trailer and I hauled some classic cars as well as a couple SUVs and a new wrangler unlimited on it. Using a WDH it had no issues and towed better than any half ton pickup I had before.
Without the WDH it squatted like crazy so it’s a must have with my old setup.
My Expy sags with a full tank of gas and full of people. Just the way they are built to give you that plush ride. My Superduty rides like a WWII tank. I hate driving it. But when you put 10K of weight on it the ride is greatly improved. If I can get 7K to ride level I would never drive the Superduty again. Going to try the Sumo spacers. WDH is not for boat trailers. I would also recommend the Weight Safe hitch. I can easily see the tongue weight.
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I don't have a sag while driving problem w/ my 12. It might sit there and sag for a few minutes as there seems to be a delay before the compressor kicks on, but once the air kicks in, its basically level before I roll out. I had that factory option on my 99 Expy and really like that functionality. Only complaint is the delay once weight gets on the ball.
techdude99
Full Access Members
What brand and model?
I have a Weight Safe adjustable that I use with my HPDE car and Uhaul trailer. The squat is a problem.
The Sumo Springs are an interesting option but I don't want the rear to become unstable when unloaded.
Thoughts?
Just because you can tow on flat land, doesn't mean it's safe or legal. You can hook up a small UTV and move a trailer around. Loaded with passengers and cargo, you are overloaded and unsafe. The rear end 'sagging', is a clear indicator something is wrong. Towing at the 'max' will shorten the life of the drivetrain and brakes. You should be towing with power and payload to spare.
dishgawd
Member
You can add your own air bags... cheap and easy if you buy the manual air bags. Makes a big difference with the tongue weight plus cargo. Load levellers are also a nice addon.
I sold the whole setup a year ago so I don’t remember the exact model, but it was a Curt short arm trunnion setup.
Zig10
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The Sumo Springs just closed-cell foam, so the "spring" rate is progressive as they compress. You don't even really notice they are there when the vehicle is unloaded.
techdude99
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If that's the case, they seem like they're probably worth a try.
I'm right at 6030 lbs. with the car and uhaul trailer. If I can find a good deal on an 18' aluminum trailer, that should reduce the weight by at least 500 lbs.
I'm seriously considering a weight distributing hitch. Never heard of one until recently and it looks like a PITA to setup, but worth the time.
sjwhiteley
Full Access Members
6klbs without a weight distribution hitch? I would say you could run into a problem. There are various guides/rules of thumb/old wives tales regarding when one is required, but if your trailer weights as much as the tow vehicle, then you are into the probably in region of a WDH requirement (boat trailers are an general exception because of how the trailer weight is distributed). I have a 4500lb trailer and wouldn't think of running it without a WDH, but the tongue weight is around 15%.
The initial setup can take a while to get right, but it's not hard. Once you are set it only takes a few extra minutes to hook up. Handling is much improved and reduces the occurrence of trailer sway.
EDIT: just noticed you said uhaul trailer. I'm not sure they come with a WDH capability...
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