Quote:
Originally Posted by Profxd
From the manual.
“When hooking-up a trailer using a weight-distributing hitch, always use the following procedure:”
And it goes on to instruct consumers to recover 50% FALR. If it works for maximum rated TW it’s even better for less.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BayouBiker
Ford does not always say "always use", rather they have been quite inconsistent and imprecise in their guidance. As a point of fact, they do not test for optimal WD with variable trailer configurations, gross weight and tongue weight. They don't even have a published criteria for determining or describing what it means to have ideal WD except when towing at published limits, so I find your pronouncement difficult to rationalize, particularly when contrasted with the principles of towed systems which contradicts your guidance.
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Profxd is right.
BoyouBiker - you're incorrect on this issue because you're not taking into account the overall system. Even after you yourself have experienced buckling in your tongue.
The reason why any trailer, including lighter tongue weight trailers should not be dialing in greater than moderate 50% FALR, is because the tongues on those trailers are always sized for their expected loads. They are part of the system and perhaps the weak link. You can't just consider the tow vehicle. To be applying greater than 50%, particularly when paired with a tow vehicle that is larger, longer, and stiffly sprung as HD trucks are is ridiculous if you can understand the torsional forces involved.
The reasons for 50% FALR on a large heavy trailer is the same for 50% on a lighter trailer. A lighter trailer did not suddenly have a tongue structure sized up because you're towing with an HD truck. Nor did it get sized up enough for greater than expected 50% FALR.
It's no wonder tongues get stressed and structures buckle.
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