CAT Scales Saga, Part II Jeep GC Hemi

[Robertone139]

Got a new Equalizer 1200lbs WD hitch, had it set up by an RV (mostly trailers) outfit.
With that, we went back on the scales and got this:


TV alone, Jeep GC:
Front Axle: 2980
Rear Axle: 2580 with driver and full bag of gas.
That seems to match the stated axle weight ratio of 54/46 f/r in Chrysler official pubs.


Went on with the Airstream and WD set up.
On the three pads we got:
2800 Front Axle
3480 Rear Axle
5000 Trailer pad.
We are well within the Jeep GVWR of 6800 and the individual axles limitations of 3200/3700 f/r.


However we would like to see a more equal distribution of weight among the TV axles....
How do we go about it?


Thanks as usual to the usual suspects...

[slowmover]

Bought a bad hitch. Worst of its type.

The “starting point” for assessing rig handling is generally FALR (front axle load restoration). At or near that point one drives the rig with corrected TV tire pressure to see if it’s close to the same sort of feel as when solo. It may need more weight to the front axle, or less, to have the rig track as if it’s on rails (not all will; especially straight axle 4WD pickups). TV tire pressure is only about Load, not handling.

At the end it is preferable to have the rear axle weight be 10% higher than the front axle. . The old rule of WD was 1/3: the TW should be spread among the three points in thirds, and the TV Drive axle should weigh a bit more than the Steer axle (rwd vehicles) at the end.

The TT & TV are good designs for towing (nearly best). Not that hitch. And ordinary EAZ-Lift would have been better. Recommend you contact Andrew Thomson via phone at Can Am RV. He’s the expert. Can get you squared away. Attending to rear overhang distance will be the key. Ask also about tire choices. (And shock absorbers should be upgraded to better design even if vehicle brand new).

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[waninae39]

measure the gap between the ground and the top wheel well fender.
do so before and after trailer attached.

if the front goes down by 1" and the so does the back, this is a good first order check that thinks are "ok"

if one goes down and the other goes up, then you have issues to resolve

IMHO, a WD hitch add on is a must.

if the front is too light, you lose steering.
if the back is too light, you lose tractions.

the F/B ration should be maintained with the WD hitch.

the 1:1:1 ratio on the scale is a good start for most vehicles