Got a new to me 2017 Limited Expy that has load leveling shocks. This has provided me with some challenges.
When moving my Equalizer set up from my 2010 Expy to this new one things are not the same. First off due to the LL shocks, there is no sag in the rear, so the Equalizer set up I had accounted for some sag, so with the new truck there is actually now a nose up by a couple of inches on the camper. Unfortunately my Equalizer had no more holes to drop on and I had to by a new shank @ $200 to drop down 1-2 holes. I ended up with a 6" drop shank which may not have been the right call as in then end I only needed to drop one hole and might have got away with a 4" drop shank but I digress. I did consider moving to an Anderson WDH, but we're leaving on a extended RV trip and don't have the time to get a new WDH system all dialed in.
So I got the new shank, and set up the Equalizer down one hole, moved brackets on trailer frame down one hole as well. Once set up, eyeballing it seemed pretty level, so it was time to head to the CAT scales to get a sense of where things are. This is where things get interesting.
The load leveling shocks change the dynamics quite a bit. Similar to how lifting a wheel-barrow up transfers weight to the single wheel. the LL shocks move weight to the front axle even when the WDH is not engaged. At least that's what I see in my numbers.
Data below:
2017 Limited Expy, 2wd with HD tow and Equalizer 10,000 WDH, LL shocks.
2 adults, 2 dogs.
Weigh 1 WDH bars engaged:
Steer Axle: 3000 lb
Drive Axle: 4340 lb
Trailer Axle: 6520 lb
Gross weight: 13860lb
Weigh 2 WDH not engaged:
Steer Axle: 3680 lb
Drive Axle: 3900 lb
Trailer Axle: 6280 lb
Gross weight: 13860 lb
Weigh 3 Truck only on steer pad
6580 lb
Weigh 4 Truck only, each axle on different pads
Steer axle: 3040 lb
Drive axle: 3420 lb
Conclusion: I'm having a hard go at deciphering what to do with this set up.
Weigh 2 is very strange with the LL shocks fully extended, the weight you would expect to see pushing on that drive axle seems to be shifted to the front axle instead.
My tongue weight should be 750-800, but judging by these numbers and the effects of the LL shocks it seems I may only have 500 now? Do I need to had 250lb to the front of the trailer?
What do you guys think?
When moving my Equalizer set up from my 2010 Expy to this new one things are not the same. First off due to the LL shocks, there is no sag in the rear, so the Equalizer set up I had accounted for some sag, so with the new truck there is actually now a nose up by a couple of inches on the camper. Unfortunately my Equalizer had no more holes to drop on and I had to by a new shank @ $200 to drop down 1-2 holes. I ended up with a 6" drop shank which may not have been the right call as in then end I only needed to drop one hole and might have got away with a 4" drop shank but I digress. I did consider moving to an Anderson WDH, but we're leaving on a extended RV trip and don't have the time to get a new WDH system all dialed in.
So I got the new shank, and set up the Equalizer down one hole, moved brackets on trailer frame down one hole as well. Once set up, eyeballing it seemed pretty level, so it was time to head to the CAT scales to get a sense of where things are. This is where things get interesting.
The load leveling shocks change the dynamics quite a bit. Similar to how lifting a wheel-barrow up transfers weight to the single wheel. the LL shocks move weight to the front axle even when the WDH is not engaged. At least that's what I see in my numbers.
Data below:
2017 Limited Expy, 2wd with HD tow and Equalizer 10,000 WDH, LL shocks.
2 adults, 2 dogs.
Weigh 1 WDH bars engaged:
Steer Axle: 3000 lb
Drive Axle: 4340 lb
Trailer Axle: 6520 lb
Gross weight: 13860lb
Weigh 2 WDH not engaged:
Steer Axle: 3680 lb
Drive Axle: 3900 lb
Trailer Axle: 6280 lb
Gross weight: 13860 lb
Weigh 3 Truck only on steer pad
6580 lb
Weigh 4 Truck only, each axle on different pads
Steer axle: 3040 lb
Drive axle: 3420 lb
Conclusion: I'm having a hard go at deciphering what to do with this set up.
Weigh 2 is very strange with the LL shocks fully extended, the weight you would expect to see pushing on that drive axle seems to be shifted to the front axle instead.
My tongue weight should be 750-800, but judging by these numbers and the effects of the LL shocks it seems I may only have 500 now? Do I need to had 250lb to the front of the trailer?
What do you guys think?