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03-04-2012, 07:24 AM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Greece, New York
Posts: 15
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"Squatting" in my Ford Expedition
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!
__________________
FAYLISS
2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD
6.6 Duramax Turbo Diesel
2010 31RKS Jay Flight G2
Reese Dual Cam WD hitch
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03-04-2012, 08:05 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Palominas, AZ
Posts: 330
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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!
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Buy a more heftier TV. :hihi:
__________________
2011 Jayco Flight G2 23FB
2008 Dodge Ram 2500 HD
1500Weight Distribution System, Accupower Pilot Brake Control, Sway Control, Husky Elec Jack
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03-04-2012, 10:39 AM
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#3
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Moderator Emeritus
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Michigan
Posts: 9,424
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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
__________________
2016 GM 2500HD 6.0L/4.10
2018 Jay Flight 24RBS
2002 GM 2500HD 6.0L/4:10 (retired)
2005 Jayco Eagle 278FBS (retired)
1999 Jayco Eagle 246FB (retired)
Reese HP Dual Cam (Strait-Line)
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03-04-2012, 11:36 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Dallas, Texas
Posts: 788
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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...
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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).
__________________
Russell
'13 Excel Winslow 34IKE
'12 GMC Sierra 3500HD
Previous RV's: '03 MobileScout Titan 29DBS; '01 Sunnybrook Lite 2708 SLE; '99 Coleman Utah
Previous TV's: '02 Chevy Suburban 2500 8.1 4.10; '99 Chevy Express 1500 5.7
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03-04-2012, 11:53 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Saskatoon Sask Canada
Posts: 10,726
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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!
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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...
__________________
Seann
2004 Chev Silverado Duramax optioned past the max. 2009 Jayco Eagle 308 RLS 900watts of solar, Lithium batteries (400amp hour), 2000 watt (4000 surge) whole house inverter.
145days /2023 2022/151 2021[/COLOR]
93/2020,157/2019219/2018 206/2017,215/2016, 211/2015, 196/14, 247/13, 193/12
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03-05-2012, 05:40 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Winder GA
Posts: 133
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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.
__________________
Bryan, Pam and Cameron
Winder GA
2003 Jayflight 27BHS, 2004 Ford Expedition
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03-05-2012, 01:16 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Marshallville, Ohio
Posts: 139
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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.
__________________
2010 24FBS
2005 F150 extended cab
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03-05-2012, 02:14 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Orange County, N.Y.
Posts: 675
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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!
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Research RAS ( Roadmaster Active Suspension).
__________________
Joe, Joyce , 4 Kids and 5 Crazy Dogs.
2017 Chevy 3500 HD Silverado LT Dually 4x4 .
2010 Jayco Jay Flight G-2 32 BHDS[IMG]https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/imagesng
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03-09-2012, 01:39 PM
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#9
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Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Deerfield, VA
Posts: 8
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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!
__________________
2008 JAYFLIGHT 27 RBS
2004 F-250 6.0 POWERSTROKE DIESEL Extended Cab 8' Box
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03-09-2012, 09:20 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: North Idaho/Arizona
Posts: 5,446
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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.
__________________
2011 Eagle 330RLTS with just about every option.
2017 Silverado 1500 4x4 5.3 with tow package. (no, we don't tow the Jayco with it.)
2018 Surveyor 265RLDS well equipped.
Life in the slow lane is still life.
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03-12-2012, 02:13 PM
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#11
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Nelson BC Canada
Posts: 20
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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...
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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
__________________
-----------------------------------------
2007 Jayco Jayflight 29BHS
with a built in 4000watt Propane Genset
2006 DODGE RAM QC 4X4
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03-12-2012, 11:01 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Winder GA
Posts: 133
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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
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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.
__________________
Bryan, Pam and Cameron
Winder GA
2003 Jayflight 27BHS, 2004 Ford Expedition
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03-13-2012, 09:23 AM
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#13
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Nelson BC Canada
Posts: 20
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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
__________________
-----------------------------------------
2007 Jayco Jayflight 29BHS
with a built in 4000watt Propane Genset
2006 DODGE RAM QC 4X4
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03-19-2012, 07:39 PM
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#14
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Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 32
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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 ....
__________________
Bill and Kate
Stone Harbor, NJ
2014 Wildcat 272XLR Fifth Wheel (Salty Dog House III)
2018 Ford F350 Crew Cab 6.2 gas
Bailey (Std. Poodle 12 yrs) and Zeke (PartiPoodle 6 yrs)
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