Thoughts on this Tow Setup? (Finally got CAT Scale Weights!)

[Actaeon]

Hi All,

Finished a 300 mile tow into North Georgia with this Rig a couple of weeks ago, and although I thought it towed really well, wanted to see what everyone thought of the actual weights. The only two things I saw that gave pause were 1. My receiver on the Titan is rated for 1500. Based on my calcs, i'm at 1140, so I'm legal, and as I understand these are very underrated? Second, I was surprised that my Front Axle was heavier unhooked (160lbs).

Would ya'll recommend going tighter with the WDH bolts? If so, (for those familiar with the Andersen WDH), how many turns would you adjust for this 160lb difference? Looking forward to everyone's opinions.

Thanks!



Tow Rig: 2021 Titan XD Pro4X
Payload: 1812 LBS
GCVW: 8730
GAWR: 4900
GCVWR: 17990

Trailer: 2022 Alpha Wolf 26RKL
Dry: 6048
GVWR: 7715
Hitch (MFG..HAHA): 715
Length 32'9"

WDH Hitch: Andersen 3350
Hitch Weight: 50

Cat Scale Weights (Trailer Attached, loaded for camping)
Steer Axle: 3840
Drive Axle: 4340
Trailer Axle: 6080
Gross: 14260

Cat Scale Weights (Trailer Detached, loaded as above w/occupants)
Steer Axle: 4080
Drive Axle: 3200
Trailer Axle: 00
Gross: 7280

[sirtate]

Your numbers appear to be within spec.

The front axle loses loading because the tongue weight of the trailer has a lever and fulcrum on the drive axle.

It's worth a tweak to see if you can match up the steer axle, but if it's a chore to add more tension, it's close enough for Jazz (or Rock and Roll, if your young)...

[tpaul]

Is it fairly level with this setup? I would think you might want to tighten up the WDH to take a little weight off of the rear axle and transfer a little more to the steering wheels. Measure the height of the front fender without the trailer and then with the trailer, with and without the weight distribution connected. I think the weight distribution should return the fender height at least half of the difference to where it is without the trailer connected.

You don't mention what kind of tires you have. If you have P rated tires rather than LT you wouldn't have as much flexibility to add more air to the rear tires to accommodate the added weight on them.

[ArtJoyce]

I would say tighten up the springs on the wdh.

[kdauto]

Might I suggest a trip to the scales with the trailer ready to camp and the WDH bars OFF. This will give a baseline in axle weights and what you need to do to get them back on track.

A quick general rule is getting back 1/2 off the weight lost on the front axle of the tow vehicle. Example, tow vehicle front axle 3900lbs without trailer and 3600lbs with trailer and no WDH hooked up, then try setting the WDH so you get 3750lbs on the front axle.

A poor man's method to get close is measuring wheelwell height (fender height), then crank the WDH so the height gets halfway to where it was. Scale it once you're there.

[tuffr2]

I see your trailer is close to 33' long. That is kinda long for the Wheelbase of a Titan XD. If you are feeling some sway that is probably why.

[LanceKeys]

If it pulls good, don’t change anything.

[CamperLifer]

Originally Posted by ArtJoyce

I would say tighten up the springs on the wdh.

Springs on a WDH ?

[LanceKeys]

Originally Posted by CamperLifer

Springs on a WDH ?

The bars act as very stiff springs, I’m sure that is what he is talking about.

[Actaeon]

Originally Posted by CamperLifer

Springs on a WDH ?

I think he meant the chains (there are bushings that give them a “spring” cushion). Thanks to everyone for the advice!