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Old 09-20-2014, 05:01 PM   #41
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If it isn't level with weight distribution applied (similar drop front and rear of truck, maybe an inch or so more on back) the next thing is to raise the hitch on the drop bar. If you're out of holes, invert it.

Sounds like Bob want to get more weight distribution to the front of the truck, and it probably needed it as he saw it.
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Old 09-20-2014, 05:05 PM   #42
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I still have 2 holes to go before inverting-
It started at the top.
If I would have thought of that I would have gotten Bob to raise the ball back up-
As it is that hitch adjustment took half a day and caused me to stay another night.
Why was the trailer dead level there, but nose down again now?
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Old 09-20-2014, 05:26 PM   #43
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M...you may want to replace with fresh washers as they do compress.
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Old 09-20-2014, 05:48 PM   #44
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Compressing washers?
That could explain the rig being level one day and not the next?
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Old 09-20-2014, 05:50 PM   #45
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I guess 14,460# of truck and trailer bouncing up and down bad roads may be many times that weight pushing on those washers...
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Old 09-20-2014, 05:52 PM   #46
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Quote:
Originally Posted by m.hony View Post
---The trailer is still a little nose down with 6 washers and the L-brackets as high as they will go.---

---After 2 more holes inverting the shank is the only thing left to try.
Apparently you can't just adjust one thing without adjusting everything else.
You could try switching to a High Rise Hitch Ball.
These are available in a 1" or 2" rise for trailer weight up to 10,000#.

The high rise ball lifts the tongue relative to the hitch head.
In addition to lifting the nose of the trailer, the high rise ball will produce an effect similar to adding more washers or raising the L-brackets -- allowing for an increase in load transfer.

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Old 09-20-2014, 05:52 PM   #47
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I've never heard of anyone adding more than 6 washers-
Does anyone put 7 washers in there?
Raising the ball is the next thing I'll try-
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Old 09-20-2014, 05:54 PM   #48
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I miss read your post.
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Old 09-21-2014, 07:08 AM   #49
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Click image for larger version

Name:	ImageUploadedByAirstream Forums1411304721.270016.jpg
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Front wheel well height unhitched 36"
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Rear wheel well height unhitched 38"
I will measure again when hitched.
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Old 09-21-2014, 08:33 AM   #50
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I have seven in mine. That is the maximum currently recommended by Equalizer.

Regarding washers compressing, I have read that they do and ordered some new ones. When i took the head apart, there was very little difference, measured with a micrometer, in the thickness of the old and new washers. Urban legend?

Al
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Old 09-21-2014, 08:49 AM   #51
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I was told years ago that after setting WD bars and level that it was important to do a short test drive and recheck. Don't know why. Jim
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Old 09-21-2014, 09:03 AM   #52
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Quote:
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I have seven in mine. That is the maximum currently recommended by Equalizer.

Regarding washers compressing, I have read that they do and ordered some new ones. When i took the head apart, there was very little difference, measured with a micrometer, in the thickness of the old and new washers. Urban legend?

Al
I use 7 as well, but I am pretty sure my instructions (3 years old) say 8 max...which seems like a lot of tilt. Micrometers don't lie...how many trips/miles before you checked? Most of my travel has been on SoCal freeways which are very rough for towing. I always find a little slop when I tighten the set screw before a trip.
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Old 09-21-2014, 09:14 AM   #53
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I think the bottom line here is that the truck is not capable of carrying this much load. I have a '97 31' wide body. I had considered a Tundra for my new tow vehicle. At he end of the day, I had to feel comfortable while towing. The Tundra just did not give me the warm fuzzy feeling, Plus, I like Chevy. Went with a 2500HD Z71 LTZ 4x4 6.0l gas and could not be happier. I think if it was me, instead of messing with all the washer stuff and inverting shanks, that I would go to a spring shop and have them add one more leaf to the rear spring pack. I did that with a 2005 Chevy 4x4 1500 I had and it did make a difference in the WTD set up. Just my thoughts.
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Old 09-21-2014, 04:17 PM   #54
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Quote:
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I was told years ago that after setting WD bars and level that it was important to do a short test drive and recheck. Don't know why. Jim

I did about 10 short test drives-
From the service center to Christ the King church or a doctor's office and back.
I should get dome more washers.
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Old 09-21-2014, 04:19 PM   #55
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Quote:
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I think the bottom line here is that the truck is not capable of carrying this much load. I have a '97 31' wide body. I had considered a Tundra for my new tow vehicle. At he end of the day, I had to feel comfortable while towing. The Tundra just did not give me the warm fuzzy feeling, Plus, I like Chevy. Went with a 2500HD Z71 LTZ 4x4 6.0l gas and could not be happier. I think if it was me, instead of messing with all the washer stuff and inverting shanks, that I would go to a spring shop and have them add one more leaf to the rear spring pack. I did that with a 2005 Chevy 4x4 1500 I had and it did make a difference in the WTD set up. Just my thoughts.

It has crossed my mind to get "helper springs". The rear suspension only has 4 leaves-
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Old 09-21-2014, 06:48 PM   #56
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M.

They would not really be "helper" springs like in an overload set up. They would be an integrated part of your spring pack. In effect, giving you a 5 spring pack. When I did mine it was about $300. Just consider: You add more washer, washers compress, and you will be here all over again.
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Old 09-21-2014, 07:14 PM   #57
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Don't even want to ask... have you checked tire inflation on your truck? 5lb low in the back, then drop a trailer on the hitch = headlights pointing to the sky. (Oh and check your Air pressure gauge if it's mechanical. Someone spilled cola on mine so it didn't go below 55 psi. Now I have a digital one.

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Old 09-21-2014, 07:41 PM   #58
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You are right, Paula. Tires should be at max or close to it. Also if he is running the P metric tires that it came with instead of LT, that will also make a difference.
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Old 09-21-2014, 07:51 PM   #59
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Added air Monday in Tennessee on the way to Jackson Center. I think the handling is as good as it gets with a half-ton and an Equal-i-zer. I just want the trailer to ride level. I'm gonna raise the ball and add washers, but today it got to 95 degrees and now it's raining-
Maybe I'll get it done before we go to Texas next month. I did fill the fresh water tank and the trailer rides smoother. I don't think this has any effect on the trailer being nose down because the tank is over the front axle.
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Old 09-21-2014, 10:44 PM   #60
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The original instructions from my PO said max of six washers. I ordered some updates for my hitch and the instructions that came along said seven. Regarding compression, i dont know how many miles were on the setup because i had only put on about 50, but it looked like it had been a while since it had been taken apart.

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