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Showing results 1 to 50 of 394
Search took 0.06 seconds. Search: Posts Made By: Ron Gratz
Forum: Towing, Tow Vehicles & Hitches 01-23-2016, 08:08 PM
Replies: 28
Views: 4,744
Posted By Ron Gratz
It might go in a direction you don't want it to...

It might go in a direction you don't want it to go.

An alternate explanation for why Ford, Chevrolet/GMC, Toyota, Equal-I-zer, Reese, and others now are specifying front axle load restoration of...
Forum: Towing, Tow Vehicles & Hitches 01-23-2016, 06:16 PM
Replies: 28
Views: 4,744
Posted By Ron Gratz
Since circa 2016, Ford has specified that, with...

Since circa 2016, Ford has specified that, with an F-150, the WDH should be adjusted to eliminate approximately 50% of the front-end rise resulting from attaching a TT with no WD applied.
This means...
Forum: Towing, Tow Vehicles & Hitches 01-23-2016, 05:44 PM
Replies: 28
Views: 4,744
Posted By Ron Gratz
The online 2013 Tundra Owner's Manual...

The online 2013 Tundra Owner's Manual (https://www.toyota.com/t3Portal/document/om-s/OM34491U/pdf/OM34491U.pdf) states:

If using a weight distributing hitch when towing, return the front axle to...
Forum: Hitches, Couplers & Balls 01-11-2016, 08:25 AM
Replies: 513
Views: 66,817
Posted By Ron Gratz
It's an interesting video, but I didn't see any...

It's an interesting video, but I didn't see any load in the beds of those trucks.
Perhaps having about 1000# more on the front suspension than on the rear also had something to do with the...
Forum: Hitches, Couplers & Balls 01-09-2016, 08:27 PM
Replies: 513
Views: 66,817
Posted By Ron Gratz
Would it be correct to say that too low a tongue...

Would it be correct to say that too low a tongue weight percentage, rather than lack of sway control, was the root cause of the 22' Argosy tossing the 3/4 ton truck around?

And, would it be...
Forum: Hitches, Couplers & Balls 01-09-2016, 09:01 AM
Replies: 513
Views: 66,817
Posted By Ron Gratz
Andrew, Did you try to determine why that...

Andrew,

Did you try to determine why that 22' Argosy was able to toss the 3/4 ton truck around?

Ron
Forum: Hitches, Couplers & Balls 12-29-2015, 07:09 AM
Replies: 37
Views: 5,527
Posted By Ron Gratz
Actually -- the PP hitch does. The PP hitch...

Actually -- the PP hitch does.

The PP hitch moves the ball about 12" farther from the TV's rear axle.

For a given tongue weight, the PP hitch will cause about 20% more load to be removed from...
Forum: Hitches, Couplers & Balls 12-28-2015, 03:53 PM
Replies: 37
Views: 5,527
Posted By Ron Gratz
Where is the wear/deformation occurring? If...

Where is the wear/deformation occurring?

If the stinger is applying force to the top front of the receiver interior and applying force to the bottom rear of the receiver interior, it should be the...
Forum: Towing, Tow Vehicles & Hitches 12-26-2015, 11:26 AM
Replies: 22
Views: 4,020
Posted By Ron Gratz
Yes, I think it would be safe to assume that it...

Yes, I think it would be safe to assume that it would be "okay" to try the Andersen hitch IF you are talking about using it only to restore load removed from the TV's front axle due to tongue weight....
Forum: Towing, Tow Vehicles & Hitches 12-24-2015, 01:28 PM
Replies: 22
Views: 4,020
Posted By Ron Gratz
If the problem you're trying to solve is too much...

If the problem you're trying to solve is too much squat due to bed load and tongue weight -- you need to be aware of two important considerations:

1) A weight distributing hitch should NOT be...
Forum: Towing, Tow Vehicles & Hitches 12-21-2015, 12:44 PM
Replies: 60
Views: 7,115
Posted By Ron Gratz
The mechanical advantage of the 3P and Hensley...

The mechanical advantage of the 3P and Hensley Arrow is that the 4-bar linkage causes the trailer to move as though it is pivoting about a Virtual Pivot Point which, for most yaw angles, is some...
Forum: Hitches, Couplers & Balls 12-14-2015, 05:59 PM
Replies: 12
Views: 1,207
Posted By Ron Gratz
Yes, there's a very high probability that the...

Yes, there's a very high probability that the TT's front axle was partially on the drive axle pad when both the second and third weighings were made.

Assuming the measured steer axle loads to be...
Forum: Hitches, Couplers & Balls 12-09-2015, 09:19 AM
Replies: 116
Views: 28,139
Posted By Ron Gratz
Norrie, You're correct about the load path...

Norrie,

You're correct about the load path from truck to ball, and your explanation makes sense to me. The links are a critical part of this path.
The struts prevent any relative yaw-axis...
Forum: Hitches, Couplers & Balls 12-07-2015, 07:48 AM
Replies: 116
Views: 28,139
Posted By Ron Gratz
Brian, The stinger of a pivot point...

Brian,

The stinger of a pivot point projection hitch has to transmit a large amount of yaw-axis torque to the receiver in order to provide sway control.
It also has to transmit pitch-axis torque...
Forum: Hitches, Couplers & Balls 12-07-2015, 06:52 AM
Replies: 116
Views: 28,139
Posted By Ron Gratz
I agree that the modification should have been...

I agree that the modification should have been cleared with Hensley.

Norrie stated, "I appealed to Hensley as I did not know about the mod but that fell on deaf ears."
I'm surprised that CanAm...
Forum: Hitches, Couplers & Balls 12-07-2015, 06:34 AM
Replies: 116
Views: 28,139
Posted By Ron Gratz
Norrie, Do you have any idea at what point...

Norrie,

Do you have any idea at what point in your trip the damage occurred?

When you were boarding or disembarking from the Vancouver Island ferry did you have any extreme ramp angles?

Ron
Forum: Towing, Tow Vehicles & Hitches 11-26-2015, 07:54 AM
Replies: 4
Views: 2,005
Posted By Ron Gratz
I don't have any experience with an electronic...

I don't have any experience with an electronic sway control system for trailers, but I believe they certainly are worthy of consideration.

Lippert also now is producing the Sway Command Tow...
Forum: Towing, Tow Vehicles & Hitches 11-24-2015, 01:34 PM
Replies: 8
Views: 4,680
Posted By Ron Gratz
Steve, I think the lack of spring bar load is not...

Steve, I think the lack of spring bar load is not caused by the air leveling system.

I think the problem probably is related to the initial adjustment of the WDH.
First, what criteria are you...
Forum: Towing, Tow Vehicles & Hitches 11-24-2015, 08:07 AM
Replies: 20
Views: 9,518
Posted By Ron Gratz
Reconditioned Hensley Arrows can be purchased...

Reconditioned Hensley Arrows can be purchased from Hensley Mfg.

Or, for even bigger savings, Google "used Hensley Arrow" OR "used Hensley hitch" and you'll find several used hitches listed --...
Forum: Towing, Tow Vehicles & Hitches 11-24-2015, 07:24 AM
Replies: 8
Views: 4,680
Posted By Ron Gratz
Steve, can you walk us through the steps in your...

Steve, can you walk us through the steps in your setup process?

For example, do you put the tongue weight on the ball and then allow the shocks to inflate?
Or, do you allow the shocks to inflate...
Forum: Towing, Tow Vehicles & Hitches 11-22-2015, 03:29 PM
Replies: 17
Views: 12,645
Posted By Ron Gratz
Go to the Ram Trucks Owners Manual...

Go to the Ram Trucks Owners Manual (https://www.ramtrucks.com/en/owners/manuals/) access page.

Instructions are given beginning on page 646 for 2015 and page 694 for 2016.

It's interesting to...
Forum: Towing, Tow Vehicles & Hitches 11-18-2015, 07:02 AM
Replies: 2
Views: 1,675
Posted By Ron Gratz
If you're really anal: 2015 F-150 Specs...

If you're really anal:

2015 F-150 Specs (https://www.fleet.ford.com/truckbbas/topics/2015/15_F150_SB_Updates_010815.pdf)

RAM Body Builders Guide (https://www.rambodybuilder.com/year.pdf)

Ron
Forum: Towing, Tow Vehicles & Hitches 11-17-2015, 02:05 PM
Replies: 37
Views: 4,888
Posted By Ron Gratz
You're both correct. Lifting the tongue will...

You're both correct.

Lifting the tongue will decrease the front axle load (It also will increase the rear axle load). The tongue load will increase, but not nearly as much as the decrease in...
Forum: Towing, Tow Vehicles & Hitches 11-16-2015, 12:00 PM
Replies: 37
Views: 4,888
Posted By Ron Gratz
I am very happy to see that the new WDH...

I am very happy to see that the new WDH installation video from Reese specifies that the WDH adjustment is based only on front wheel well height.

At 7:00 it states that the final height should be...
Forum: Towing, Tow Vehicles & Hitches 11-15-2015, 02:50 PM
Replies: 37
Views: 4,888
Posted By Ron Gratz
Yes, weight distribution is a function of lift...

Yes, weight distribution is a function of lift applied to the WD bars -- along with distance from ball to lift brackets and distance from ball to midpoint between TT axles.
However, the amount of...
Forum: Towing, Tow Vehicles & Hitches 11-14-2015, 05:25 PM
Replies: 37
Views: 4,888
Posted By Ron Gratz
Dick, As HowieE pointed out: "---As the...

Dick,

As HowieE pointed out:
"---As the angle is changed it transfer weight proportionally to that angle to or from the TV/trailer not to either or the TV and the trailer for a given set of bars....
Forum: Towing, Tow Vehicles & Hitches 11-14-2015, 12:01 PM
Replies: 37
Views: 4,888
Posted By Ron Gratz
Actually, the ratio of the transfer is a function...

Actually, the ratio of the transfer is a function of a) the TV's wheelbase, and b) the distance from the TV's rear axle to the midpoint between the TT's axles.



Yes, a single statement can be...
Forum: Hitches, Couplers & Balls 10-25-2015, 08:25 AM
Replies: 39
Views: 26,482
Posted By Ron Gratz
If weight of PP stinger is not included in TV...

If weight of PP stinger is not included in TV weight, the tongue weight calculated from axle loads will be too large by an amount equal to weight of stinger.

If weight of missing copilot is added...
Forum: Hitches, Couplers & Balls 10-23-2015, 09:21 AM
Replies: 39
Views: 26,482
Posted By Ron Gratz
Your scales numbers show inconsistencies. ...

Your scales numbers show inconsistencies.

Weights #1 & #2 give two estimates of GCW -- 13280# & 13180#. These should be equal (within scale accuracy).

When WD is applied, the addition of 260#...
Forum: Hitches, Couplers & Balls 09-30-2015, 04:26 PM
Replies: 1,787
Views: 415,986
Posted By Ron Gratz
Steve, If it were my hitch, I would pull all...

Steve,

If it were my hitch, I would pull all four bearings and closely inspect them.

Even if I found no indication of defects, I would replace all four. They're not that expensive.

Might...
Forum: Hitches, Couplers & Balls 09-29-2015, 07:49 PM
Replies: 122
Views: 30,993
Posted By Ron Gratz
Howie, In the Andersen User thread, you stated...

Howie, In the Andersen User thread, you stated you have written political campaign press releases. You stated you are aware of the use of ambiguous half truths and intentional misdirection. You...
Forum: Hitches, Couplers & Balls 09-28-2015, 08:46 PM
Replies: 122
Views: 30,993
Posted By Ron Gratz
"Perfect" is a matter of personal opinion. I,...

"Perfect" is a matter of personal opinion.
I, personally, would opt for a system which could do the job at half the cost.

As regards the anti-porpoising effect -- I believe any reduction in...
Forum: Hitches, Couplers & Balls 09-28-2015, 02:39 PM
Replies: 122
Views: 30,993
Posted By Ron Gratz
Yes, it's déjà vu all over again. The same...

Yes, it's déjà vu all over again.

The same Andersen apologists persist in claiming that the Andersen's relative small amount of load transfer capability is the fault of the TV's suspension.

If...
Forum: Towing, Tow Vehicles & Hitches 09-23-2015, 05:43 AM
Replies: 36
Views: 4,982
Posted By Ron Gratz
Neither a YouTube video nor a PDF -- but, a...

Neither a YouTube video nor a PDF --

but, a good forum thread with photos can be found at Hensley Hitch Re-build and Paint...
Forum: Hitches, Couplers & Balls 09-13-2015, 01:17 PM
Replies: 1,140
Views: 177,286
Posted By Ron Gratz
Al. They are the same.[/quote]No, they are...

Al.

They are the same.[/quote]No, they are not the same.
There is an important difference.
Discussion can be found HERE...
Forum: Towing, Tow Vehicles & Hitches 09-13-2015, 07:47 AM
Replies: 10
Views: 2,353
Posted By Ron Gratz
The ball height also depends on tongue weight and...

The ball height also depends on tongue weight and how much load is restored to the TV's front axle.

Not necessarily true. Not all 1/2 ton or heavier TV's have the same rear axle stiffness. Not...
Forum: Hitches, Couplers & Balls 09-12-2015, 07:14 PM
Replies: 1,140
Views: 177,286
Posted By Ron Gratz
Al, Since our discussion is not specific to...

Al,

Since our discussion is not specific to the Equal-i-zer Hitch, I think it would be better to move it to This Thread...
Forum: Hitches, Couplers & Balls 09-12-2015, 07:05 PM
Replies: 33
Views: 9,965
Posted By Ron Gratz
Al, Yes, theoretically you can use tongue...

Al,

Yes, theoretically you can use tongue weight to lift the front tires off the ground.
If a TV has a 160” wheelbase and 4000# on the front tires, a 1000# tongue weight placed 640” (53.3’)...
Forum: Hitches, Couplers & Balls 09-12-2015, 06:54 PM
Replies: 33
Views: 9,965
Posted By Ron Gratz
To avoid further hijacking, the following quoted...

To avoid further hijacking, the following quoted text has been imported from Post #814 (https://www.airforums.com/forums/f464/equal-i-zer-hitch-thread-98886-59.html#post1683037) and Post #819...
Forum: Towing, Tow Vehicles & Hitches 09-11-2015, 08:54 PM
Replies: 20
Views: 7,785
Posted By Ron Gratz
The location of the center of gravity, relative...

The location of the center of gravity, relative to the location of the axle(s), is a primary factor in establishing the yaw stability of a TV/TT combination.

"Tongue weight percentage" simply is a...
Forum: Hitches, Couplers & Balls 09-11-2015, 03:55 PM
Replies: 1,140
Views: 177,286
Posted By Ron Gratz
Andy, Are you referring to the front and...

Andy,

Are you referring to the front and rear values for "WD On" -- (4760# versus 4660#)?
Are you implying that a "PERFECT" WDH adjustment would cause those values to be equal?

Al's scale...
Forum: Hitches, Couplers & Balls 09-11-2015, 08:31 AM
Replies: 1,140
Views: 177,286
Posted By Ron Gratz
Andy, Someday I would like to see some...

Andy,

Someday I would like to see some documentation of the "various tests".

Perhaps that would help me understand why your conclusions are in disagreement with results of a scientific study...
Forum: Hitches, Couplers & Balls 09-11-2015, 07:54 AM
Replies: 1,140
Views: 177,286
Posted By Ron Gratz
As I attempted to explain in response to Al's...

As I attempted to explain in response to Al's question about the weight of the WDH and bars:

Any mass added to a TV behind the rear axle will cause load to be removed from the front axle.
The...
Forum: Hitches, Couplers & Balls 09-10-2015, 08:02 PM
Replies: 1,140
Views: 177,286
Posted By Ron Gratz
Al, The WDH and bars, in effect, become part...

Al,

The WDH and bars, in effect, become part of the truck.
They add to the mass of the truck and cause the center of mass to move slightly rearward.

The WDH and bars do cause a slight...
Forum: Hitches, Couplers & Balls 09-10-2015, 07:18 AM
Replies: 1,140
Views: 177,286
Posted By Ron Gratz
Please note the "added to" in my previous post is...

Please note the "added to" in my previous post is incorrect.

The sentence should read:

If your objective is to increase the amount of load transfer, each additional pound transferred to the...
Forum: Hitches, Couplers & Balls 09-09-2015, 02:09 PM
Replies: 1,140
Views: 177,286
Posted By Ron Gratz
Al, if you have time on the next weighing, it...

Al, if you have time on the next weighing, it would be good to measure how much the tongue drops (relative to level) when the TT is attached with no WD applied.

Also, when the "TV Only" weighing...
Forum: Hitches, Couplers & Balls 09-08-2015, 06:37 PM
Replies: 1,140
Views: 177,286
Posted By Ron Gratz
Al, here's the way I would interpret your scales...

Al, here's the way I would interpret your scales data:

First, I find it easier to make sense of the numbers if the two GCWs (with TT attached) are equal.
Your numbers, 15300" for the second data...
Forum: Hitches, Couplers & Balls 09-06-2015, 01:45 PM
Replies: 1,140
Views: 177,286
Posted By Ron Gratz
Here's some instructions and commentary. ...

Here's some instructions and commentary.

NOTE: The clip is pointing in the wrong direction in the title photo.

The clip should point in in the same direction as the "handle" on the end of the...
Forum: Towing, Tow Vehicles & Hitches 09-06-2015, 10:08 AM
Replies: 50
Views: 15,373
Posted By Ron Gratz
Steve, which jack setting did you use on the ride...

Steve, which jack setting did you use on the ride back from Cape May?

With the 1400# bars, have you traveled the same route with different jack settings -- say, 5" and 6"?
This would give you an...
Forum: Hitches, Couplers & Balls 08-22-2015, 02:50 PM
Replies: 3
Views: 903
Posted By Ron Gratz
It appears the previous poster confused your use...

It appears the previous poster confused your use of the generic term "equalizer" with the "Equal-i-zer" brand name.

If you want to see information about the "Pro Series" brand of hitch, you can do...
Showing results 1 to 50 of 394
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