In the USA we allow higher speeds but lower trailer weights. To make up for it they have a hard towing speed limit of 50-60mph (UK) depending on the type of road with no travel permitted in the fast lane while towing. This is true, but you have to be careful with that comparison because in the EU you have much higher towing weight limits on a per vehicle basis and a much lower tongue weight requirement which is inherently less stable. Towing campers with crossovers and suvs is incredibly common in europe, where very little people have trucks If it was me, I'd fill them to the minimum pressure and leave it there. I added the step because some people have them and insist on using them. They can level the tow vehicle, but you can't really know how the axles are loaded without using scales. If anyone has any other questions about towing or trailers let me know and I'd be happy to help.Įdit: I forgot to add: You are actually better not using airbags for a bumper pull trailer with distribution bars. That way you have a level trailer, with properly used load bars. You have the ability to adjust your ball higher or lower, then repeat the process. Once you do this process once you can note which link of chain you use and the pressure in your airbags, and use the same thing every time.īeing that I hook up to all different trailers I often move trailers that aren't level when I'm done. This method will also take some of the tongue weight and transfer it to the trailer axles. The goal is to have close to the same weight on the front axle, and more on the rear. *If the front is too high or too low then raise the trailer up again and choose the next link The amount it went down will vary based on your trailer, but as long as it goes down it is ok The front end should be within 1/4 inch of the original measurement, and the back should have gone down. *Give the truck a good shake to let it settle after being lifted *Lower the trailer and raise the jack just off the ground. *Attach your load bars and use the link that requires very little effort to lock in place *Use the jack on the trailer to raise the truck 2-3" (This also checks that the coupler is locked correctly) *Drop the trailer on the ball and lock the coupler *Measure and note the distance from your rear bumper to the ground, and the front fender above the center of the wheel. *Fill airbags to the estimated pressure you will need (if applicable) *Position the truck so you are ready to drop the trailer on the ball Here is the procedure you will use when hooking up to a trailer: This adjusts when the trailer is not level. Your trailer has something like this between the rear axles, holding the front of one leaf spring and rear of the other. The first myth is that everything needs to be "straight", this is wrong. Load bars distribute the weight more evenly. Airbags increase this effect, but make it look better. TL DR of the video: Tongue weight on the back of the tow vehicle pull weight off the front axle and put it on the rear axle. Airbags are NOT a replacement for bars, and actually make the situation worse. So here is some info on that:įirst Here is a great video explaining the differences between airbags and weight distribution bars, and how they affect axle weights. Very rarely do I see people have these loaded properly. Second, weight distribution bars and airbags. Assuming you are within all weight ratings for your tow vehicle and trailer, and your brakes on the tow vehicle and trailer are functioning properly, you are legal and safe. The same goes for the sticker on the left front of the trailer. If your front or rear axle is over the GAWR, you are overweight. If your tow vehicle alone (with the weight of the trailer on it) is over the GVWR, you are overweight. If the total weight of your tow vehicle and trailer is over the GCVW, you are overweight. When you have a trailer attached you may not at any time exceed any of these weights. The GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating), the GAWR (gross axle weight rating) and rarely a GCVW (gross combined vehicle weight rating). Look at the manufacturer's sticker in the door. Here is how it works in the commercial world, which is more strict. I see on here that people range from "My half ton truck pulls this 15,000# fifth wheel so it must be fine" to "You need at least a 1 ton to tow that 20 foot travel trailer". I thought I would clear a few things up for you.įirst, on towing capacity. I see people on the road (professional transporters included) doing things incorrectly when towing and setting up the weight distribution bars.
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