Greetings dpulling!
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Originally Posted by dpulling
I am pulling a Safari 27FB with a Mercedes ML diesel equipped with air suspension and an Equal-i-zer hitch. Because the suspension levels the vehicle whatever the load, I can't adjust the hitch by making measurements through the axles.
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Have you checked your Mercedes owner's manual for instructions on adjusting your weight distributing hitch? I have had three different tow vehicles with auto-leveling suspension systems and each had a very specific set of directions for adjusting weight distribution setup. Generally, the vehicle had to have its ignition off during the entire hitching procedure, but the actual sequence of events varied.
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Originally Posted by dpulling
I didn't weigh the tongue but the difference between the TV weight hitched and unhitched is 960 pounds. That's a lot more than AS has advertised, and well beyond the 600 lb. rating of my hitch.
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Even before adding variable weights, the hitch weight of your 27FB was probably well in excess of your Mercede's 600 pound rating. Based on the specifications for the similar 2009 coach, the empty or
dry hitch weight of the 27FB was 775 pounds.
I would also be concerned about the load pulling capacity of the hitch as well. I know that European manufacturers rate their hitches a bit differently than the U.S. manufacturers, but if the relationship is similar -- a hitch rated for tongue weight of 600 pounds would have a pulling maximum of 6,000 pounds. The dry weight of your coach is likely in excess of 5,500 pounds.
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Originally Posted by dpulling
As it is now set up, the rig handles very well. My questions - using a WD hitch, is the TV receiver relieved of tongue weight strain when some weight is transferred forward by the trunnion bars? If not, can a hitch be reinforced to accept the excess weight? Is my 46/54% weight distribution OK?
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Your weight distributing hitch should carry a specification for both "load carrying" -- no weight distribution in use as well as a capacity when weight distribution is in use. Finding a welder willing to make changes to the factory setup will be difficult as most won't want to deal with the potential for liability should there be a problem down the road.
Kevin