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SteveH · 03-11-2013, 09:03 AM

With our new Dodge Ram truck and ProPride hitch, after proper weight distrubution adjustment, we end up with the trailer 1/2" low in the front, or if I raise the drawbar to the next level, the trailer is 3/4" high in the front.

Of the two, which would you choose and why?

Thanks in advance for your input.

srpuywa · 03-11-2013, 09:52 AM

loaded or empty

reminds me of a old joke:
you're measuring with a micrometer - marking with a grease pencil and cutting with a chainsaw, it's not an exact science

Airtandem · 03-11-2013, 10:15 AM

You're within Government spec.

n2916s · 03-11-2013, 10:21 AM

More better the trailer is a half inch low. Should be fine.

Mike

SteveH · 03-11-2013, 10:27 AM

Quote:

loaded or empty

Loaded, ready to rock and roll.

Quote:

More better the trailer is a half inch low.

And, why do you believe that?

Quote:

You're within Government spec.

I like to think I'm better than "Government spec."

**azflycaster** · 03-11-2013, 10:27 AM

I would go with the 1/2" low in the nose. The subject has come up several times and most people believe that a little low in the front is better then a little high. It may have to do with the aero dynamics going down the road, but I am not a rocket scientist.

My reason has to do with overnight stops when you leave the trailer attached to your TV. With the front a little low, you can just raise the front slightly for a level trailer and still be attached. If the front is high, you can not level the trailer easily.

SteveH · 03-11-2013, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azflycaster

I would go with the 1/2" low in the nose. The subject has come up several times and most people believe that a little low in the front is better then a little high. It may have to do with the aero dynamics going down the road, but I am not a rocket scientist.

My reason has to do with overnight stops when you leave the trailer attached to your TV. With the front a little low, you can just raise the front slightly for a level trailer and still be attached. If the front is high, you can not level the trailer easily.

Makes sence, I like that.

n2916s · 03-11-2013, 10:35 AM

Generally speaking, trailer a little nose low adds a mite to hitch weight some of which is transferred to the front axle, helps keep the steering geometry more or less in line.

With the trailer nose high, just the opposite happens. May still be fine but less likely. In either case, you are so close to level it is unlikely to matter much.

Mike

newroswell · 03-11-2013, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveH

after proper weight distrubution adjustment, we end up with the trailer 1/2" low in the front, or if I raise the drawbar to the next level, the trailer is 3/4" high in the front.

Of the two, which would you choose and why?

Thanks in advance for your input.

If you can't hit level, I vote 1/2" low in the front for no other reason than because it gives you 1/2" more ground clearance in the rear.

Wazbro · 03-11-2013, 12:34 PM

My vote is try it low in front, then check tire temps if the front is noticeably hotter change to higher in front and check tire temps again. Then go with the setup that has the tires closer to the same temps (same temps=even loads on tires).

Wazbro · 03-11-2013, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by n2916s

Generally speaking, trailer a little nose low adds a mite to hitch weight some of which is transferred to the front axle, helps keep the steering geometry more or less in line.

With the trailer nose high, just the opposite happens. May still be fine but less likely. In either case, you are so close to level it is unlikely to matter much.

Mike

I think this is only true without independent suspension on the trailer. With the torsion axles on the Airstreams when the front is lower the front axle is carrying more weight and the pivot point of the axles shifts forward which reduces tongue weight.

dznf0g · 03-11-2013, 02:55 PM

Steve, what's your tongue weight as a % of total with the front 1/2" low and everything loaded in truck and trailer. If you have some extra tongue weight (like 12 - 15% of total) I'd relocate some weight to rear of axle to lift the front a little at the 1/2"ow setting. But of course, never less than 10% tongue weight.

SteveH · 03-11-2013, 06:24 PM

Rich, If I discount the weight of the ProPride (I'm told on here that it's NOT counted as tongue weight, but I wonder), my tongue weight is about 850 pounds, or right at 10% of the trailer weight.

switz · 03-11-2013, 06:40 PM

How much drop are you using? It appears you have the adjustable hitch head with 1.25" centers on the bolt holes. Is there an option for a set drop from PP?

I do not remember, do you have the 15" or 16" wheels and tires installed? The 16" Michelins would add about 0.6" in height to the Airstream over the GYM 15" ST tires.

Another choice would be to add one or two of the three blocks back on to the top of each side of the rear axle to elevate the rear end of the truck.

Since one can replace the adjustable part for about $225, if all else fails, get the adjustable unit welded to the precise height and be done with the issue.

SteveSueMac · 03-11-2013, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveH

Rich, If I discount the weight of the ProPride (I'm told on here that it's NOT counted as tongue weight, but I wonder), my tongue weight is about 850 pounds, or right at 10% of the trailer weight.

I've heard both as well (that the PP does and doesn't count toward tongue weight). What is the definitive answer?

SteveH · 03-11-2013, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by switz

How much drop are you using? It appears you have the adjustable hitch head with 1.25" centers on the bolt holes. Is there an option for a set drop from PP?

I do not remember, do you have the 15" or 16" wheels and tires installed? The 16" Michelins would add about 0.6" in height to the Airstream over the GYM 15" ST tires.

Another choice would be to add one or two of the three blocks back on to the top of each side of the rear axle to elevate the rear end of the truck.

Since one can replace the adjustable part for about $225, if all else fails, get the adjustable unit welded to the precise height and be done with the issue.

I don't know of a set drop option from ProPride, and I do have 16" wheels and tires.

The other two options you mention are possible, but to me, undesirable.

SteveH · 03-11-2013, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveSueMac

I've heard both as well (that the PP does and doesn't count toward tongue weight). What is the definitive answer?

Whatever the answer is, the tow vehicle has to haul it, and I suppose it depends on whatever point is trying to be made.

BigAl · 03-11-2013, 09:07 PM

since the hitch is bolted to the trailer I think it is part of the trailer. Therefore tongue weight should include hitch. the weight of the hitch is being carried by the tow vehicle.
Al

SteveH · 03-11-2013, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigAl

since the hitch is bolted to the trailer I think it is part of the trailer. Therefore tongue weight should include hitch. the weight of the hitch is being carried by the tow vehicle.
Al

Actually, most of the weight of the ProPride is not bolted to the trailer, but is attached to the coupler as any other hitch would be. No matter, either way the tow vehicle must carry the weight.

Kyle401 · 03-11-2013, 09:41 PM

I'm pretty sure that the manual for my Overlander recommends that the nose be a bit high. It may be worth noting that the manual also includes detailed instructions on how to dig a sewage dump pit when boondocking.

I'm not totally convinced that these recommended practices are up to current specs... I guess if my trailer ever starts to sway or a ranger questions my disposal habits, I can point to my manual to prove 'em wrong!