Show us your small Tow Vehicle set-up

[FastEddieB]

I'm still a definite newbie here, but...

...in the EAZLift Elite installation instructions, linked below, they suggest on page 3:

"AFTER HOOKING UP
Spring bar should be parallel with trailer frame, or a slight angle up or down."

Yours are clearly angled down. One more link hanging might move them more towards level, and raise the rear of the Sienna slightly.

Of course, Andy's the expert, so I would run any and all modifications by him first. There are very likely good reasons he set you up the way he did.

Here's that link: http://manuals.adventurerv.net/Eaz-L...structions.pdf

[m.hony]

Looks like if you lift the weight bars by another 2-3 chain links it will get the rig closer to level. It looks like the Sienna is sitting low in the back and the Eddie Bauer is nose down.

[andreasduess]

Originally Posted by FastEddieB

Of course, Andy's the expert, so I would run any and all modifications by him first. There are very likely good reasons he set you up the way he did.

Here's that link: http://manuals.adventurerv.net/Eaz-L...structions.pdf

I don't think Andy set the trailer up, they just installed the hitch. The trailer is nose down and the van isn't level, a rig looking like that wouldn't be allowed to leave the forecourt.

Should be an easy fix.

[BMG]

Originally Posted by andreasduess

I don't think Andy set the trailer up, they just installed the hitch. The trailer is nose down and the van isn't level, a rig looking like that wouldn't be allowed to leave the forecourt.

Should be an easy fix.

Quite right. Can-Am RV did not set it up as we did not have the trailer yet, though we were in the process of making the purchase so they knew what we would be towing.

I took a link out of the chain and that has leveled things out as anticipated. Though I am still about 2/16ths of an inch different between the front and the back of the Sienna. So I'll add a bolt to the chain and see if I can level it out more before I take it out next time.

Here are some fresh pics:

[FastEddieB]

To my practically untrained eye, that looks a whole lot better!

[m.hony]

That's more like it.
Atta boy!

[MrUKToad]

Originally Posted by BMG

Quite right. Can-Am RV did not set it up as we did not have the trailer yet, though we were in the process of making the purchase so they knew what we would be towing.

I took a link out of the chain and that has leveled things out as anticipated. Though I am still about 2/16ths of an inch different between the front and the back of the Sienna. So I'll add a bolt to the chain and see if I can level it out more before I take it out next time.

Here are some fresh pics:

Very nice!

[Manrique]

We tow our 26 ft argosy with our 2008 fj cruiser. It tow fine.

[ALANSD]

My Trailblazer towed a lot better this trip with the hitch and added sway bar.
I thought the whole set up could be raised so I went up a hole on the adjustment, angling the ball back some more. Wouldn't you know it, the chains would not reach the hangers no matter how high we cranked trailer and truck. Guess I will now buy the longer chains mentioned awhile back. Drove 125 miles home from camping, with no wd bars ...kinda crappy.

[Andrew T]

Hi Alan

You were able to connect the bars for the trip out but not for the return?

[FastEddieB]

On the way to SpringStream Friday I found I took things a little too far.

As a reminder, on my Flex I had lowered the ball, tilted it back a little and shortened the shank about 3" and things looked great with 2 links hanging.

But...

...as soon as we hit the road, things did not feel right. Everything was too stiff and "jouncy", and some expansion joints south of Blairsville, GA got the whole rig bouncing in a coupled fashion - quite uncomfortable.

So today, hooking up for the drive home, I left only one link hanging, assuming that the chains being too tight was the problem.

WOW! What a difference! I think I found the sweet spot!!! Much more compliant over the bumps, while not feeling loose or swaying at all.

As many advised, there's certainly some trial and error involved, but I sure like how it felt today.

[xrvr]

Good job, sometimes it just takes awhile. Enjoyed meeting you two, the trailer looked great. Peace, jim

[ALANSD]

Glad to hear that Eddie, your trailer was very nice even if it wasn't an Airstream. LOL
I still am working on my hitch, think once I add a few links of chain, and maybe raise it up a bit more it will be better.

[ALANSD]

Originally Posted by Andrew T

Hi Alan

You were able to connect the bars for the trip out but not for the return?

Yes, I raised the hitch one more notch up and then angled the head back a but more, and could not get the chains on the hangers. I need about two or three more links. The bars seem too low and might need another raise.

[m.hony]

Use the tongue jack to lift the tow vehicle and trailer. The chain links will go on easily.

[ALANSD]

they don't

[m.hony]

Lift the truck and trailer higher...
Should almost go on with just hand pressure- no cheater needed-
Lift it as high as the jack will go if necessary...

[Burfield]

Have 6000 miles so far and no problems with towing or AS. Have rock-tamer guards on Fj and had no damage even after many miles on unpaved roads in AZ

[Burfield]

Attachment 209840quick rest stop in the middle of nowhere...

[Andrew T]

Hi Burfeild

You really should have some weight distribution on your combo. It will give substantially more control should you need to make any evasive maneuver. It will ride much better as well.