Adding 550 lbs to TV bed a problem?

[Eckman]

Hello, I have a 2008 Nissan Titan SE 4x4 with the tow package and have no issues towing our 2014 Jay Flight Swift 264BH. However, I will be moving about 1100 miles and would like to use my usual setup but place my Riding Mower in the bed of the truck for the trip. The Mower is 550 lbs. Are there any significant changes I should make to my towing setup? For consideration, when we take the trailer out it is stocked up ready for camping and my wife and son are with me in the TV. I will be making this trip without being camping ready and no wife and son. Any additional travel tips would be appreciated. The furthest I have towed one way before this was only 175 miles. I leave Flagstaff AZ on Friday morning for Rogers AR. Thank you.

[Jagiven]

You should be fine. It's a shorter trip one time, the load of extra people aren't there, nor the extras you add for the trip like cloths, food and the like. We did a similar thing a few years back when my parents moved. The moving company would not take the motorcycle.

[spoon059]

1100 miles is quite a drive. 500 lbs in the bed is a lot of weight, however you aren't taking any passengers that you normally do. Be advised the truck will likely ride a little different because of the weight in the bed and steering might be a little more loose because of the weight in the bed.


Drive a little slower until you get used to the weight distribution, but you should be fine.

[Murff]

Adjust your WDH to level the load a bit.

Murff

[Rustic Eagle]

Ideally one would want as much cargo weight to be placed in front of the TV's rear axle, thus minimizing the effect on the TV's front suspension.

A "percentage" of any added weight placed to the rear of the TV's axle will be supported by the WDH, thus can be managed via WDH adjustment (if required).

For "ball parking" purposes...., make note of the height of your TV's front fender before loading the tractor and hitching the TT....., ideally the TV's front fender height should remain the same once loaded and hitched (accomplished via WDH adjustment).

If you want to truly dial-in/enhance your TV/TT/Tractor loaded towing experience , a CAT scale visit will accomplish this.

CAT scale how-to: http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f3...v-tt-3871.html

Bob

[Eckman]

Thank you for the replies. Several of you mentioned "adjusting" the WDH. I feel like an idiot, but is that done by moving to lower links on the chains I attach to the bars? Right now and because the dealer set it up that way when I bought it, I am on the second link from the top. When I hook it up there is one link not under tension. Thanks again, I am anxious about this trip. I will be solo as well. I basically need to get the TV and TT to Arkansas ahead of the actual move as I have 3 vehicles, the TT and a motorcycle and only 2 licensed drivers in the house. And again, thank you!

[LiftedAWDAstro]

If needed you can shorten the chain by a link...have 2 links not under tension. I bet you won't really notice the difference especially if you normally tow with firewood and other stuff in the bed of the truck. You probably tow with some fresh water as well.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by Eckman

snip..... is that done by moving to lower links on the chains I attach to the bars?.......snip

If your not comfortable adjusting your WDH for the first time, I would ask for assistance from a friend that is familiar with a WDH. Another thought would be under loaded TV/TT conditions swing by your RV dealer and have them re-adjust your WDH....., they should do this at no cost. Also, have your dealer provide you with the proper WDH installation/adjustment documents that came with the product, great for future reference.

Referencing the WDH chain links under tension ..., if one presently had five (5) chain links under tension .... going to four (4) chain links under tension would distribute additional weight off the TV's rear axle to the TV's front suspension and a nominal amount to the TT's axle.

Please Note: Proper adjustment of the WDH spring bars should allow adequate for/aft movement during TV turns so that the spring bars don't bind with the TT's A-frame. In some cases the amount of WDH ball mount tilt has to be re-adjusted as well.

Your correct in referencing chain links "under tension" when referencing a WDH......, the chain links "hanging" serve no weight distribution function, and in the remote event one has two different lengths of chain (has happened) referencing chain links hanging would create problems.

Bob

[DocBrown]

You are swapping one weight for another in a slightly different place. I'd be surprised if you have to adjust anything.

[Eckman]

Thanks for the updates. This info helps a lot. I think I have some documentation on making any WDH adjustments from EZ Lift. Thanks again. You all have been very helpful.

[Seann45]

Did the dealer show you the "easy way" to set the WDH bars?
Hook the truck up to the trailer get the bars in place and crank the tongue jack up way up this will make it much easier to put the chains on once on then lower the tongue jack.. it is this reason that many go with power tongue jacks.