RV.Net Open Roads Forum: Travel Trailers: Level TT when towing?
RV Community | RV News & Reviews | RV Sales | Plan a Trip | RV Clubs & Services | RV Camping DealsRV.net
Open Roads Forum Already a member? Login here.   If not, Register Today!  |  Help

Newest  |  Active  |  Popular  |  RVing FAQ Forum Rules  |  Forum Help and Support  |  Contact

Search:   Advanced Search

Search only in Travel Trailers

Open Roads Forum  >  Travel Trailers  >  General Q&A

 > Level TT when towing?

Reply to Topic  |  Subscribe  |  Print Topic  |  Post New Topic  | 
Page of 3  
Next
steelridercpl

Missouri

New Member

Joined: 07/12/2007

View Profile

Offline
Posted: 06/25/08 08:58pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

We have a 27ft TT, towed by a F-350 without an equalizer hitch. When towing the trailer should it set perfectly level or slightly tongue down. I have been told both, and am not sure which is the best. The owner’s manual says either, but I was curious what everyone else’s experience or opinion is.

The Garrells

Cheraw, SC

Senior Member

Joined: 02/26/2004

View Profile

Offline
Posted: 06/25/08 09:00pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

We always tow perfectly level. It seems to work best for us.


Mike & Terri
2005 Jayco Eagle 278FBS
2006 Chevy Silverado 2500HD, Vortec 6.0L V8 300 HP engine, 4.10 rear axle, 167" wheelbase
Equil-i-zer brand hitch
Prodigy brake control
McKesh mirrors

View our camper here



TALLADEGACHESSIE

TALLADEGA

Full Member

Joined: 05/08/2008

View Profile

Offline
Posted: 06/25/08 09:26pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

We have a 30'9' and use the equalizer hitch to level both the trailer and the TV which works well for us and was in the instructions for the hitch system. I believe it said to measure the TV with no load front and rear clearance to ground on level surface. Do the same with the TT, equal distance from the frame front and rear. Adjust the hitch so that the TT will be level and the use equalizer bars to put the TV into its normal stance. With the TV in the normal stance position it will function in a more normal way when towing heavy loads ie. steering, tire wear, etc. If the back is down and the front up on the TV, you put more stress on the rear shocks and suspension and the front being up with less load than normal the tires have abnormal wear and the stability of the vehicle is stressed. Does that make sense?

pete42

Jamestown, Ohio

Senior Member

Joined: 09/21/2007

View Profile

Offline
Posted: 06/25/08 09:28pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

TALLADEGACHESSIE wrote:

We have a 30'9' and use the equalizer to level both the trailer a TV which works well for us and was in the instructions for the hitch system. I believe it said to measure the TV with no load front and rear clearance to ground on level surface. Do the same with the TT equal distance from the frame front and rear. Adjust the hitch so that the TT will be level and the use equalizer bars to put the TV into its normal stance. With the TV in the normal stance position it will function in a more normal way when towing heavy loads ie. steering, tire wear, etc. If the back is down and the front up on the TV, you put more stress on the rear shocks and suspension and the front being up with less load than normal the tires have abnormal wear and the stability of the vehicle is stressed. Does that make sense?



Yea what he said...Pete





plumber1

evensville,tn.

Senior Member

Joined: 01/06/2008

View Profile

Online
Posted: 06/25/08 10:24pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Biggest problem with TT nose down, is the front axle of TT is going to have quiet a bit more weight on it. As said above ,if TV is higher in front, stability and tire wear will suffer. Get a good WDH and set it up correctly and you will be a happier camper. Just MHO.
Steve

mikehart92

Oklahoma

Senior Member

Joined: 06/24/2004

View Profile

Offline
Posted: 06/25/08 11:13pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Something to think about, you may be overloading your receiver hitch by not using a equilizer on it. Seems like most are only good for 5000# without. I know your truck probably doesn't need it, but the hitch might.

Mike


2005 Chevy 2500HD.............6.6 D/A, 4x4, Crew Cab

SteveRankin

Sequim, WA

Senior Member

Joined: 05/05/2005

View Profile

Online
Posted: 06/25/08 11:59pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I vote for slightly nose down since nose up is definitely bad and perfectly level is quite elusive.

I also recommend installing W/D on your hitch. It will help the truck drive better AND ride better.


Steve & C. J.
"Gracie" the Rough Collie & "Bo'sun" the Bichon Frise

2009 Arctic Fox 29V
2005 Chevy 2500HD Duramax 4X4 Crewcab
Hensley Hitch
TruControl Brake Controller

Our Beaver Technical page

Wildlife rescue at the Northwest Raptor Center


2Macs

Indianapolis, IN

Senior Member

Joined: 04/30/2004

View Profile

Offline
Posted: 06/26/08 04:23am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

The problem is that the suspension on the F-350 is so stiff that the tongue weight of the trailer is not enough to get it down level without an equalizer hitch that you can adjust to level the trailer out.

I have the same type of problem with my 3500 dually. It takes a lot of weight on the truck to get the back end to sit down. Being able to lower the hitch ball to level the trailer is necessary.

If you do not want to get an equalizer hitch, then a long drop hitch like I use to tow hauling trailers may be the answer.


Ed & Michele

GHarper

New Hampshire

Senior Member

Joined: 11/12/2007

View Profile

Offline
Posted: 06/26/08 05:00am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I tow with a Suburban that has 1 1/2 ton suspension. With a 1000 lbs on the tongue I get about 1/4 inch drop. I understand your pain. I do use an WD hitch though. I just take up the slack with them to remove the small squat, it seems to take out a little of the bounce that can occure. I would suggest you load up the TT and measure the squat, than adjust the bal height for it. I do fell a WD hitch is a good idea.


1994 Suburban 3/4 ton +
2008 Crossroads Zinger ZT29DB


Hornet28BHDS

Parker, PA

Senior Member

Joined: 01/29/2007

View Profile

Offline
Posted: 06/26/08 05:08am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Level is preffered.


2006 Hornet 28BHDS-Bunk House, Dual Slides

2006 Dodge Ram 2500 HD
5.7L Hemi, Factory Towing Package
Reese Brake Controller, WD Hitch and Sway Bar

Life is short, why not spend it in an RV!

SPRING HAS SPRUNG!


Reply to Topic  |  Subscribe  |  Print Topic  |  Post New Topic  | 
Page of 3  
Next

Open Roads Forum  >  Travel Trailers  >  General Q&A

 > Level TT when towing?
Search:   Advanced Search

Search only in Travel Trailers


New posts No new posts
Closed, new posts Closed, no new posts
Moved, new posts Moved, no new posts

Adjust text size:

© 2008 RV.Net | Terms & Conditions | PRIVACY POLICY | YOUR PRIVACY RIGHTS