Remove or keep washer on Equal-i-zer?

[270wsmhunter]

Finally got the truck and camper to CAT scale today, Equal-i-zer 14K hitch. Truck was filled with fuel, generator and bikes in back, hitch on, tools in cab with me, trailer loaded with most stuff and full tank of fresh water.

Truck alone:
Steer axle 4720 lbs
Drive axle 3680 lbs
Gross weight 8400 lbs

Truck with camper no weight distribution:
Steer axle 4360 lbs
Drive axle 5000 lbs
Trailer axles 7040 lbs
Gross weight 16400 lbs

Truck with camper and 4 washers weight distribution:
Steer axle 4480 lbs
Drive axle 4840 lbs
Trailer axles 7100 lbs
Gross weight 16420 lbs

Truck with camper and 6 washer weight distribution:
Steer axle 4740 lbs
Drive axle 4420 lbs
Trailer axles 7220 lbs
Gross weight 16380 lbs

My instinct says to remove one washer to get front axle slightly lower than when truck is by itself. I thought I would ask on here before doing so tonight. Any input is greatly appreciated.

[homer1959]

I would leave it alone with 6 washers, your are only 20 pounds higher on the front axle. But what about the height measured at the front before and after the wdh ? Must be real close by looking at your numbers.

i have one question though, are you planning to travel with a full tank of FW every trip ? If not, well i would remove 1 washer...my two cents

[Rustic Eagle]

If it were my set-up and your loaded condition is a normal representation of your towing conditions, I would tend to leave it as-is...., even taking into consideration the CAT scale tolerance of plus/minus 40lbs.

Presently you have about a 12% (960lbs @ 7,980lbs gross) loaded tongue weight condition (which is good), but the natural tendency is to add TT cargo over time so moving towards 15% may remove a little weight from the TV's front axle. I've found that 13% to 15% to be the norm with the longer/heavier TT's.

Since you mentioned a full fresh water tank as part of your CAT scale loaded condition...., the location of the tank has a direct effect on one's loaded tongue weight. If you normally don't tow with a full fresh water tank, I would re-visit the CAT scale with an empty tank and compare your CAT weight certificates.

Just a FYI: Those that tow often with a full fresh water tank to their destination may not tow with a full fresh water tank upon returning home....., IMO it's good to know the effect on one's tongue weight for that return trip home.

Bob

[Rustysocket]

Your almost spot on the steer axle with 6 washers I'd leave it as is.

[270wsmhunter]

Back from 3000 miles of driving, 2300 of it towing. Initially left the 6 washers but it felt like steering was slightly heavy so we removed one and with 5 was very comfortable towing, well as comfortable as could be with 40-50 mph crosswind gusts in Montana. Was so windy it blew both sets of steps open, twice, until I secured them.