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Old 03-22-2017, 05:49 PM   #1
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Weight distribution and leveling

So got my first trailer big enough for a weight distribution. I have an equalizer now. Just picked up the trailer. When I level the trailer side to side should i disconnect the load bars before doing this? So find my spot. Put down my leveling stuff then disconnect the bars then pull up the trailer? Concerned with trying to release the bars of the trailer is not level with the tow vehicle. Perhaps im overthing thinking it.

Any help appreciated.

AJ
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Old 03-22-2017, 06:07 PM   #2
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The w/d hitch is for transfering weight away from the hitch so it should not be a factor in left to right leveling as long as your TV is relatively in line with the trailer.
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Old 03-22-2017, 06:10 PM   #3
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When you back into your site, first level your TT side to side by driving up on your blocks or whatever you use. Once level side to side, chock your trailer wheels. Then what I do is lift the tongue up to take weight off the bars, then pull and store the bars. Lower the tongue and release the coupler latch. Now raise the tongue again until the coupler clears the ball. Disconnect the trailer pigtail and break away cable. Drive TV forward away from the trailer. Now level the trailer front to back using the tongue jack and your stabilizer jacks. Crack open a beer BEFORE you do anything else. Have fun.

You DO have an electric tongue jack?
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Old 03-22-2017, 06:12 PM   #4
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When you back into your site, first level your TT side to side by driving up on your blocks or whatever you use. Once level side to side, chock your trailer wheels. Then what I do is lift the tongue up to take weight off the bars, then pull and store the bars. Lower the tongue and release the coupler latch. Now raise the tongue again until the coupler clears the ball. Disconnect the trailer pigtail and break away cable. Drive TV forward away from the trailer. Now level the trailer front to back using the tongue jack and your stabilizer jacks. Crack open a beer BEFORE you do anything else. Have fun.

You DO have an electric tongue jack?

x2 - follow this and you will be doing it right.
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Old 03-22-2017, 06:20 PM   #5
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Thanks guys. This trailer has a manual lift but im on the fence on a 12volt one.
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Old 03-22-2017, 06:25 PM   #6
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https://www.barkermfg.com/vip-3000.html
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Old 03-22-2017, 08:08 PM   #7
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Get a Barker jack--you will soon wonder how you did without it...gives you time for more beers.
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Old 03-23-2017, 08:14 AM   #8
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Originally Posted by cruzbill View Post
When you back into your site, first level your TT side to side by driving up on your blocks or whatever you use. Once level side to side, chock your trailer wheels. Then what I do is lift the tongue up to take weight off the bars, then pull and store the bars. Lower the tongue and release the coupler latch. Now raise the tongue again until the coupler clears the ball. Disconnect the trailer pigtail and break away cable. Drive TV forward away from the trailer. Now level the trailer front to back using the tongue jack and your stabilizer jacks. Crack open a beer BEFORE you do anything else. Have fun.
You're gonna need more beer since you forgot the safety chains.
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Old 03-23-2017, 09:03 AM   #9
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You're gonna need more beer since you forgot the safety chains.
Yep LOL..........
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Old 03-23-2017, 09:04 AM   #10
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I do what Cruz does with my E4
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Old 03-23-2017, 09:13 AM   #11
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Yeah, raise the front of the trailer up to take the load off the bars so you can release them easier. Then you have to lower the front again to unhook the ball. Then up again to move the tow vehicle. Then usually down again to level front to back. The closer you get to retirement age, the more imperative it is to get the Barker jack.
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Old 03-23-2017, 09:25 AM   #12
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Originally Posted by ajohansson View Post
When I level the trailer side to side should i disconnect the load bars before doing this?
It doesn't matter. It won't hurt anything, but not necessary. I usually follow cruzbill's procedure.

First step is to locate the trailer on the approximate spot where it will be parked. Then use a 4-foot carpenter's level on the floor of the trailer to check the level side to side. If it's not already level side to side, then use leveling blocks under the tires to level the trailer side to side.
FasTen RV Leveling Blocks w/ Carrying Handle - 8-1/2" x 8-1/2" - Yellow
Then disconnect the spring bars and the coupler.

Then use the tongue jack on a TT to level the trailer front to rear. You don't need an electric tongue jack. I've never had an electric tongue jack on any of my "bumper-pull" trailers.
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Old 03-23-2017, 10:57 AM   #13
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I bought the andersen leveling ramps so basically just drive forward/backwards until its level. Its a two person job someone has to stand by the trailer with a level and be in communications with the driver to tell them to stop when it gets level.

https://youtu.be/b4JQV15VzBc
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Old 03-23-2017, 07:16 PM   #14
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Or for almost half the price of a Barker...
RAM EJ-3520-BBX 3,500 lb. Electric Trailer Jack with Drop Leg https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LDS3KWM..._gmh1ybHBB1JV8
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