need help

[shantz]

Trailer towing hitch question: I have a 97 Ford F150 extended cab long bed with 35" tires.
I recently, last year, added 4:56 gears for towing and more ummmphhh when I need it.
I just purchased a draw tite drop hitch with sway bars. here is where I need help
I am at the lowest setting on the hitch. I am at 19.5" BUT the front of the trailer is 1" higher than the rear.
do you think I am ok to tow this way ro should I purchase a longer drop hitch??

[ArtStream]

Hi Shantz!

The quick ans. is you need a longer drop shank.
I'm sure more articulate members will chime in with the details.

Best,
Michael

[HowieE]

First off what are you towing. An inch difference in a 20 ft trailer is a lot steeper angle than an inch in a 34 ft. trailer.

In geaneral you want to be as close to level as possible as the axles used on an Airstream do not share the load between the axles as a spring axled trailer does.

Most bars have an inch between holes so if you uses your current bar you will most likely be to low in the front. Compare your bar to other styles and see if you can find one with holes half way between yours. They are out there because I just went through this last week while setting up my new truck.

[solitairenc]

You should be alright. You might load a little more in the front of the trailer when your traveling and that will take it down a little more but be sure to check the tongue weight.

[shantz]

I am towing a 1979 25' Tradewind and have the draw tite with 750# spring bars
I was thinking the same thing that I could load a little more weight on the front end of the trailer to help offset the difference. Plus I did not have the passengers and stuff loaded in my TV either which should lower that a bit as well.
if I go up a chain link or to in the spring bars will that raise or lower the tongue??

[azflycaster]

If you shorten the chain, you transfer more weight to the front of the TV, which will raise the hitch slightly.

I just adjusted my Reese today (new truck) and the goal in proper setup is level. The trailer should be level and if it is a little off, nose down is better then nose up.

The weight is properly loaded to the TV when the amount of drop is the same for the front and rear axels.

With out the bars my rear dropped 2 inches and the front rose 1 inch. When I was done the front and the rear both dropped 1/2 inch. Acording to Reese, this is the correct setup. My level indicator on the trailer shows the nose is slightly lower then the front.

BTW, it test towed great.

[uwe]

Originally Posted by azflycaster

I just adjusted my Reese today (new truck) and the goal in proper setup is level. The trailer should be level and if it is a little off, nose down is better then nose up.

Why?

[azflycaster]

Originally Posted by uwe

Why?

I am not sure, but that is what I have been told by several towing friends.

It might be aero dynamics.
If the trailer is high in the front the wind will push the bottom of the front of the trailer up. This would reduce the hitch weight and increase the possibility of sway.
If the front is down the wind would push down from the top of the trailer and increase the hitch weight. This would reduce the risk of sway.

It's like when you put your hand out the window on the freeway (not to tell another driver what a great job he is doing). If you keep it flat it stays level. Give it a little up in the front and your arm smashes into the top of the window frame.

This is all theory. I did not go to MIT, but I do have reservations at a Holiday Inn Express this week.