steelridercpl

Missouri

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Joined: 07/12/2007

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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.
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The Garrells

Cheraw, SC

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Joined: 02/26/2004

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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
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View our camper here
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TALLADEGACHESSIE

TALLADEGA

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Joined: 05/08/2008

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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?
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pete42

Jamestown, Ohio

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Joined: 09/21/2007

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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
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plumber1

evensville,tn.

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Joined: 01/06/2008

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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
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mikehart92

Oklahoma

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Joined: 06/24/2004

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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
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SteveRankin

Sequim, WA

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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
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2Macs

Indianapolis, IN

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Joined: 04/30/2004

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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
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GHarper

New Hampshire

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Joined: 11/12/2007

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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
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Hornet28BHDS

Parker, PA

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Joined: 01/29/2007

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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!
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