Leveling 29X for towing with Equalizer Hitch

Ociemo · 02-28-2015, 07:09 PM

Just bought a 2008 Jay Feather 29x. Dealer installed and set up an equalizer hitch for me. I don't think they have it set up right because the trailer is clearly not level front to rear when you step back and look at the top of the trailer.(can't go off the bottom because it is angled up in front and rear) The tongue looks level and the weight distribution measurements check out OK. However, when I look at the tires on the front axle of the trailer they are clearly carrying more weight than the rear.

In my opinion they need to raise the ball to bring the front of the trailer up in order to take some of the weight off the front axle and level the trailer or have it slightly nose down. Then redo the weight distribution set up.

Does it sound like I am on the right track even thought it appears doing this would put the tongue at a slight up angle and not perfectly parallel to the ground?

Kent

oldmanAZ · 02-28-2015, 07:20 PM

Congratulations on the new trailer and welcome to the forum.

Hopefully there is someone here with your trailer that can comment. It does sound odd that visually the front axle is carrying more weight than the rear axle.

Are the front and rear trailer tires inflated the same?

**Crabman** · 02-28-2015, 07:28 PM

Welcome to the forum. It is best to have the trailer level to only slightly tongue down as you suggest. If you are down too low in the front raising the hitch in the shank a hole may bring you closer to level. You do not want to raise above level however as trailers with light or high tongues are more prone to sway. 10-15% of loaded weight is a desirable tongue weight. Perhaps a visit to a CAT scale would be helpful in determining your weights.

Ociemo · 02-28-2015, 08:09 PM

Tires are the same pressure but fronts are squatted a good bit more than the rear. Agreed a trip to the scale would be a good thing to verify my weights. It actually doesn't tow badly but I want to make sure I'm set up right to avoid problems.

Thanks

Kent

cekkk · 03-01-2015, 12:34 PM

If you are in Davenport Ia. and bought from Thompson, I'd go back and talk to them. We found them to be an unusually good dealership.

jayfowler · 03-01-2015, 01:08 PM

Here is a good instructional video I used when I installed my equalizer hitch for my White Hawk. They take you thru step by step.

Equal-i-zer Videos

Paintinfool3 · 03-01-2015, 01:58 PM

I would say too low in front would cause it to dive slightly when braking ... If you have a level check the frame under trailer with it and see where it sits ... Then try to move the hitch up one hole on the mount and try the level again to see if it is too high which wouldn't be good either... Sometimes you are going to be a little more patient with trial and error than a dealer setting it up .... One more thing is how is the truck setting when hooked up ? Is it down any in the rear from when the trailer isn't hooked up , if it is you might need to try one link more on your chains when you hook up

Subaru297 · 03-02-2015, 04:23 PM

That picture looks deceiving as the ground is not level. You need to find a nice flat, level parking lot and determine if your trailer is actually too low on the front. If it is get out a tape measure and measure your hitch height.

Use your tongue jack to raise the hitch 1.5 inches (equivalent of a hole in your shank) and then see if the trailer is now level. If it is then change your hitch. If it is nose high then keep it where it is.

Hope that makes sense.
Cheers

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