"Squatting" in my Ford Expedition

fayliss · 03-04-2012, 07:24 AM

I have a 2006 Ford Expedition 2x4 with 5.4L and I run load range E tires all around and I tow a Jay Flight G2 31RKS with a tongue weight of 1000 lbs. I use a Reese Dual Cam 1200 lb sway control hitch which does a nice job. My concern is that if I carry another couple in the back seat with some items stored in the back of the truck, the rear end squats about 2 inches where it should ride with the hitch set up. I can akae another link up with the chain linkage, however, when I've done that its bent the snap up brackets. I've corrected that issue but hesitate to decrease the number of links in the chain. Is there any devise that I can use to raise the rear end of the truck up a couple of inches? Remember, my truck has 4 wheel independent suspension so I can't use normal air devices. I'm running out of ideas!

Moving Target · 03-04-2012, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fayliss

I have a 2006 Ford Expedition 2x4 with 5.4L and I run load range E tires all around and I tow a Jay Flight G2 31RKS with a tongue weight of 1000 lbs. I use a Reese Dual Cam 1200 lb sway control hitch which does a nice job. My concern is that if I carry another couple in the back seat with some items stored in the back of the truck, the rear end squats about 2 inches where it should ride with the hitch set up. I can akae another link up with the chain linkage, however, when I've done that its bent the snap up brackets. I've corrected that issue but hesitate to decrease the number of links in the chain. Is there any devise that I can use to raise the rear end of the truck up a couple of inches? Remember, my truck has 4 wheel independent suspension so I can't use normal air devices. I'm running out of ideas!

Buy a more heftier TV. :hihi:

Rustic Eagle · 03-04-2012, 10:39 AM

Fayliss,

Please note that the 1,000lb tongue weight is the published "dry" weight of 31RKS, so the "loaded" weight in most cases is heavier..., and depending on your loading habits the 1,200lb rated Reese Dual Cam may/or may not be enough WDH.

I highly recommend taking your loaded TV/TT to a CAT scale and see where your weights fall before investing in any type of TV rear suspension lift. I'm guessing that you may be at (possibly over) your TV's weight limits with the loaded 31RKS, and knowing the actual weights may influence what you do.

The weight results at the CAT scale may confirm that you aren't exceeding your TV's weight limits, but may imply that the WDH isn't adjusted correctly (number of chain links under tension, etc.). The CAT scale weigh-in provides a lot of useful information for $15.

It is also possible that the added two adults and associated items puts you over your TV's payload capacity (tongue weight is subtracted from TV's payload capacity). Also, a percentage of the added cargo weight to the rear of the TV's rear axle is supported by the WDH.

Also check your TV's receiver and confirm it is sized for the loaded weights of your TT, in some cases an undersized receiver can compromise (flexing, etc.) the weight distribution effectiveness of the WDH.

CAT Scale: http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthread.php?t=3871

Adjusting a Reese HP Dual Cam: http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fu...d/17730894.cfm

Hope this helps.

Bob

drfife · 03-04-2012, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rustic Eagle

Fayliss,

Please note that the 1,000lb tongue weight is the published "dry" weight of 31RKS, so the "loaded" weight in most cases is heavier...

I can attest to that.

The published tongue weight on my 2003 SOB trailer was 690 lbs.

When I had it weighed, I found the true tongue weight to be 1,140 lbs!!

Luckily, I was towing with a 2500 Suburban, so it was no big deal.

DO NOT believe the brochure weights. CAT scales are convenient and simple. Just drive up on the scale, push the button, tell them it's a private weigh, give them your plate number and drive off and pay when they tell you.

I weighed my new 3500HD at a local CAT scale on Friday. It weighed 7860 lbs (4680 front, 3180 rear).

Seann45 · 03-04-2012, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fayliss

I have a 2006 Ford Expedition 2x4 with 5.4L and I run load range E tires all aroundI can akae another link up with the chain linkage, however, when I've done that its bent the snap up brackets. I've corrected that issue but hesitate to decrease the number of links in the chain. Is there any devise that I can use to raise the rear end of the truck up a couple of inches? Remember, my truck has 4 wheel independent suspension so I can't use normal air devices. I'm running out of ideas!

You do know about the trick of using the tongue jack to lift the back end of the vehicle when you "snap up" the brackets right? that is why so many of us use a power jack...

3Pillons · 03-05-2012, 05:40 AM

The max hitch weight on my 2004 Expedition is 895 lbs (with WDH, 500 lbs without). That could be a big part of your problem there.

hotrod51 · 03-05-2012, 01:16 PM

I agree an overload can cause handling problems as well. But expect a mild squat a lot of trucks have a progressive rate rear spring for increased ride comfort.

usmc616 · 03-05-2012, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fayliss

I have a 2006 Ford Expedition 2x4 with 5.4L and I run load range E tires all around and I tow a Jay Flight G2 31RKS with a tongue weight of 1000 lbs. I use a Reese Dual Cam 1200 lb sway control hitch which does a nice job. My concern is that if I carry another couple in the back seat with some items stored in the back of the truck, the rear end squats about 2 inches where it should ride with the hitch set up. I can akae another link up with the chain linkage, however, when I've done that its bent the snap up brackets. I've corrected that issue but hesitate to decrease the number of links in the chain. Is there any devise that I can use to raise the rear end of the truck up a couple of inches? Remember, my truck has 4 wheel independent suspension so I can't use normal air devices. I'm running out of ideas!

Research RAS ( Roadmaster Active Suspension).

DELTAJOHN · 03-09-2012, 01:39 PM

I would check if MOOG makes a set of Cargo Coils for your truck..........they are springs which will increase your rear load by 1000 lbs. I've used them on other trucks, I put a set in front of my '86 F-150, and then proceeded to install a Western 7' pro plow on it..............worked great!

clutch · 03-09-2012, 09:20 PM

You may also want to look into installing some Firestone air bags. They are infinately adjustable. They won't change the weight limits of the vehicle but they will help make it sit level with the trailer attached.

Mullin · 03-12-2012, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seann45

You do know about the trick of using the tongue jack to lift the back end of the vehicle when you "snap up" the brackets right? that is why so many of us use a power jack...

Hey Seann...can you explain that trick to me a bit more..i am fairly new with pulling a trailer and not quite sure what you mean but i think i have an idea...thanks

3Pillons · 03-12-2012, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mullin

Hey Seann...can you explain that trick to me a bit more..i am fairly new with pulling a trailer and not quite sure what you mean but i think i have an idea...thanks

Basically, once you lock the coupler onto the ball, you used the jack on the TT's tongue to lift up the tongue and the rear of the TV together. It makes snapping on your WDH set-up much easier as there's substantially less pressure on the bars. Once the bars are in place and locked, you simply lower the tongue jack back down and the TV and TT will settle into position. I used this method with my Equal-i-zer hitch and never have to use the pry bar to hitch or un-hitch.

Of course I don't use a power jack like so many others on here. Good old Marine Corps Spirit gets the job done every time.

Mullin · 03-13-2012, 09:23 AM

hey thanks for that...thats what i thought you were talking about but just wanted to make sure...I will have to incorporate that into my routine when I hook up the TT from here on in...cheers

WiliWali · 03-19-2012, 07:39 PM

AirLift airbags made a world of difference with our older van which was loaded right up to capacity - let us get back that inch or two sag that the WD hitch could not take out. That being said, you have a unique problem with the way the suspension in the Expedition is designed, and I don't think either Goodyear or AirLift can offer a solution. Somebody must make a heavier duty air shock or helper spring that would work - check you local speed shop or google around a while ....

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