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Equalizer Hitch Adjustment Help - Towing Trouble

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  • #1

    Equalizer Hitch Adjustment Help - Towing Trouble

    Hello, I am trying to dial in my equalizer hitch weight distribution to produce the best road manners while traveling. After several attempts I think I have it adjusted about right but I would appreciate a review and any recommendations.

    The specifics:

    Tow vehicle: 2019 F150 w/ 3.5L Engine and the Max. Tow Pkg. (Tow rating of 10,700 lbs.) Truck is stock except I upgraded to E rated tires that are inflated to 70 PSI while towing.

    Trailer: 2021 Grand Design 21BHE Camper – The actual loaded weights are: Trailer 5,320 lbs. – Tongue 600 lbs. Camper is stock except for new Endurance tires inflated to 65 psi.

    Hitch: Eaz-Lift ReCurve R3 with built in anti-sway

    Truck and trailer are both level to the road when fully hooked up.

    Cat Scale Weights:

    Truck by Itself - Steer Axle: 2900 Lbs. - Drive Axle: 2520 Lbs. - Gross Weight: 5420 Lbs.
    Un-equalized – Steer Axle: 2640 lbs. – Drive Axle: 3420 – Trailer Axles: 4680 lbs. – Gross: 10,740
    Equalized – Steer Axle: 2840 lbs. – Drive Axle: 3100 – Trailer Axles: 4800 lbs. – Gross: 10,740

    With everything hooked up I have ample power at all speed ranges.
    Traveling on local roadways I get some light to moderate Porpoising over bumps but it quickly dissipates on smooth roads and is otherwise very stable handling.
    On the highway at 60 to 65 mph I have occasional challenging sway when wind gusts or passing trucks airstream push me around. Traveling long distances just wears me out.

    Thank you for any advice!

    Dan Corning
    Nashville, TN​
    Just Truck Weight Hitch Not Equalized Equalizer Bar Hooked Up
    3 Photos
    Tags: None
  • #2
    The2Grands

    Percentage wise, the 640lbs tongue weight is 12%. (Note I used the unequalized values.)

    What's missing in the post is the payload capability of the truck and the axle ratings. What do the stickers show? (Open the driver door and look at the door jamb--they are there--should look something like the example below.)

    Click image for larger version Name: image.png Views: 110 Size: 360.6 KB ID: 123005​

    Also, was the truck weigh done with all passengers and gear loaded as if ready to go camping?

    Howard
    Forum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.

    2017 Ford F-350 DRW, '19 315RLTSPlus

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    • #3
      Originally posted by howson View Post
      The2Grands

      Percentage wise, the 640lbs tongue weight is 12%. (Note I used the unequalized values.)

      What's missing in the post is the payload capability of the truck and the axle ratings. What do the stickers show? (Open the driver door and look at the door jamb--they are there--should look something like the example below.)

      Click image for larger version Name: image.png Views: 110 Size: 360.6 KB ID: 123005​

      Also, was the truck weigh done with all passengers and gear loaded as if ready to go camping?

      Howard
      I was thing the same thing.

      The2Grands Equalized tongue is just 520#. I have an equal-i-zer and never experience sway. I've gone speeds to 90 mph (not recommended), had perpendicular wind gusts of 40+ mph all without sway.

      I'm no professional, but I like to stay close to 15% tongue weight. Make sure you're getting good friction on the sway bars as well (you know you have good friction when it creeks and groans while going around turns in a campground).
      Allen

      2021 Momentum 21G

      Comment

      • #4
        Thank you both for your replies! I was wondering if I needed to move more weight onto the tongue to get closer to 15%. I'm also wondering if I need to think about a different hitch? The equal-i-zer has a good reputation for anti sway and if that would make a difference, it may be worth a shot.

        Best, Dan Corning
        2 Photos

        Comment

        • #5
          The2Grands -- all the numbers look fine (to me). The payload isn't exceeded with the current tongue weight--assuming the vehicle was weighed with all passengers and "stuff" in it. Even if it wasn't there was still some room. Increasing the tongue weight (prior to engaging the WDH) or even decreasing a little (staying between 10 and 15%) is just something you'll have to experiment with in conjunction with the WDH settings to reduce or eliminate the porpoising. It's been awhile, but I seem to remember that too much tongue weight caused my problem.

          My fellow moderator Cate&Rob will (hopefully) have some input on the type of tires -- not my forte so I'll let him and others speak to the best type for towing with a 1/2 ton truck.

          Howard

          \
          Forum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.

          2017 Ford F-350 DRW, '19 315RLTSPlus

          Comment

          • #6
            The2Grands

            You are definitely on the right track with upgrading to E tires. This is what Ford does with the factory HDPP on the F150. HDPP also includes an extra leaf in the rear springs . . . you might want to think about upgrading to these factory springs. 70 psi is in the right range for rear tire pressure but likely too much for the front tires. You will get better steering “road feel” with something like 50 psi in the front.

            BTW, I towed my 10,000 lb Reflection 5th wheel with an HDPP F150 for many years and many thousands of miles without issue.

            Rob
            Cate & Rob
            (with Border Collies Molly & Angel + Kitties Hazel & Elsie)
            2015 Reflection 303RLS
            2022 F350 Diesel CC SB SRW Lariat
            Bayham, Ontario, Canada

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