Truck squat fix

[tod0987]

Guys,

I'm pulling the 21 DLV with a 02 dodge dakota 4x4 4door with the 4.7 V8. It pulls fine and stops ok (working on that issue) but when hooked to the trailer the rear end squats down pretty good and appears to be more than normal. I have the hitch attached (drop hitch inverted) so the trailer is level when hooked up.

Are there any fixes other than airbags? Just curious. Or should I be looking for some new leaf springs?

Thanks

[MartyJ16]

I'm dealing with a much smaller set up here - skiff and truck. I had heavy duty shocks put on the truck and they helped a lot. No squat and it handles better.

Also, does your tongue weight seem heavy? Not sure what it should be on that set up but I bet somebody around here does.

[dskmag]

Hey Tod0987,
I've got a 218 with a Venture aluminum trailer and pull it with a Honda Pilot. We've only been out once, but it pulled fine (25 miles that included 65mph interstate travel). The Pilot owners manual has a chart showing an approximate trailer tongue weight based on how much the hitch drops as the trailer is lowered onto the ball (when the Pilot is empty). Mine dropped slightly less than 2" and the chart suggests a tongue weight between 200 and 250lbs. The 10% rule of thumb applies, I think (tongue weight should be in the area of 10% of total boat/trailer weight). If you need to reduce tongue weight, I think you could move the boat back on the trailer a couple inches and see if that helps.

Anybody else want to "weigh-in" with some ideas.

[throrope]

Tod0987

We pull a 4500# travel trailer with Chevy Trailblazer and use a weight distributing hitch platform from Reese that also incorporates cam type sway control. At that weight this rig is a must. A complete package runs $400-$500.

We pulled our 2180 DLX with 90 hp 2 stroke on a single axle small wheel no brakes trailer home with our Astro from VA to PA on just the ball with no sway control and had no problem or issue and I can't see the need for more. We are a bit lighter than you.

Based on my experience, I'd check the truck specs and reduce tongue weight by moving the load over or behind the axle. If that bring the tongue weight in line, then look into adjustable air shocks (some "high end" rides come with automatic load leveling using air shocks with on board compressors).

If you get close, consider how much your towing. If not happy, I'd go with a weight distributing hitch.

I expect replacing springs will be just as expensive and leave you with a rough ride all the time.

As far as stopping, If your not comfortable with allowing extra room in front, I suggest electric breaks. The cost for the retrofit may give sticker shock, but an accident will be much more expensive.

[justaddwater]

I'm dealing with a much smaller set up here - skiff and truck. I had heavy duty shocks put on the truck and they helped a lot. No squat and it handles better.

Also, does your tongue weight seem heavy? Not sure what it should be on that set up but I bet somebody around here does.

If memory serves me correct, the tongue weight should be 20% of gross. I have worked with less but when you do you increase the chance of trailer fishtailing while pulling down the road. This is very dangerous and is a result of too little tongue weight. Move axles or load to get weight distribution correct.

[tod0987]

Marty, Dskmag, Thanks I plan on getting a bathroom scale out and checking the tounge weight. To move the boat back I need to move the bunks. I actually had to move the winch post the farthest forward it would go to get the transome over the ends of the bunks to prevent sag as I keep it on the trailer.

[Slim to None]

replacing the shocks with air shocks is another option. i've leveled out several customers trucks by going this route. the air shocks are adjustable, so you can pump them up when pulling the boat, and lower the psi when not pulling. they will come with hose kit to mount somewhere around the bumper, which is where the schrader valve is for making adjustments. most carquest auto parts stores have the air shock kits.

[TennesseeFlats]

you may have some wear and tear on the leaf springs. try looking into an "add a Leaf" kit at autozone or a 4X4 shop. I have a leveling kit on my tundra and the kit added a leaf and no squatting whatsoever on it when i hook up my 21 DLX or my friends 27 seavee.

[mikeinva]

you might be able to just slide the axel forward.

[burgessm84]

Funny how everything you read has a different number. I had always understood tongue weight should be 5-8%. Doing some searching results in a range of 5-15% depending on the source. The only mention of anything over 15% was for a 5th wheel.

There's a very nice description w/pictures of how to weigh your tongue here: http://www.etrailer.com/faq-trailertowtips.aspx


Here's some of the weights I found:

The tongue weight should be between 5% and 7% of the GVWR (GVWR = weight of boat, fuel, equipment, accessories, and trailer).
http://www.loadrite.com/Support/Maintaining_Your_Trailer/Trailer_Adjustment_Boat_Trailers/76/

A trailer with ideal weight distribution will have a minimum hitch weight of about 10 percent of the gross weight, and the maximum can range upward to 15 percent
http://www.trailerlife.com/images/digitaleditions/pdfs/DigitalTLTowGuide0801.pdf (Nice review of vehicles capacities)

As a rule of thumb, the optimum tongue weight is between 5-10% of the GTW.
http://boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/captpat2.htm

Most experts agree that an acceptable tongue weight for any trailer is somewhere between 9 and 15
http://www.howstuffworks.com/auto-parts/towing/towing-capacity/information/tongue-weight.htm

The tongue weight should be 10% to 15% of the overall trailer weight.
http://www.etrailer.com/faq-trailertowtips.aspx

TYPE OF TRAILER PERCENT OF WT. ON TONGUE
Single Axle 10% minimum/15% maximum
Tandem Axle 9% to 15%
Travel Trailer 11% to 12%
5th Wheel 15% to 25%
http://www.sherline.com/lmbook.htm

[mikeinva]

sounds like we need a poll

[CFISHN]

The DLV's are heavy when Rigged out .
I have been estimating my rig's weight for two years and hope to get weighed this spring !

I'm sure my Dlv 198 tops out over #3500 and close to #4000

Remember to include the trailers weight !

You may be towing a lot more than you think !
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk1/CFISHN62/CSO/DSC03134.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk1/CFISHN62/CSO/DSC03135.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk1/CFISHN62/CSO/DSC01220.jpg

[CFISHN]

This is cool
http://www.iboats.com/Safety-Trailer-Jack-800lbs/dm/cart_id.850160140--session_id.373411813--view_id.685891

[foursum]

Things to consider; tongue wt, proper tow vehicle tire pressure, tow vehicle not loaded in the rear, type of hitch, and the vehicle is rated for the towing weight. If all o.k., I'd suggest air shocks. I've done both air shocks and adding additional leaf in springs and I prefer air shocks. Main reason is you can increase the air for towing and decrease for normal driving ride comfort.

Good luck with your decision.

[corl]

I put AirLift bags on my Dodge RAM and it allows you to adjust height and adds 1000lb to your hauling capacity. Not hard to install. Just add air like blowing up your tires. I don't have the on board compressor. Was done to pull a 7500 lb trailer but works for everything. Even better on the beach in the sand.
www.carolinaskiffowner.com/showthread.php?t=7747

[tod0987]

Thanks for all the info. I've got a starting point now. Look like this weekend will be nice down here so that will probably be the project for the weekend.

[justaddwater]

The DLV's are heavy when Rigged out .
I have been estimating my rig's weight for two years and hope to get weighed this spring !

I'm sure my Dlv 198 tops out over #3500 and close to #4000

Remember to include the trailers weight !

You may be towing a lot more than you think !
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk1/CFISHN62/CSO/DSC03134.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk1/CFISHN62/CSO/DSC03135.jpg

http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk1/CFISHN62/CSO/DSC01220.jpg

My 218 DLV Elite with DF-150 full of fuel and personal fishing gear on the Wesco Tandum Aluminum trailer weighs 4600 pounds.:eek: I was shocked to say the least.*001* Keep in mind it holds 52 gal fuel.

[AlmostAmos]

On rear leafspring vehicles, I've had really good luck using the Roadmaster Active Suspension system. Basically, it is a similiar concept to a add-a-leaf system although it does *not* make it ride rough when you're not utilizing it. It keeps rear end sway WAY controlled - especially on vehicles like vans. It helps w/ towing & rear end squat - I highly recommend it.

http://www.activesuspension.com/ - Check it out

Google it & you can see quite a few videos about it.

Trust me, if you try it you'll love it. Best part is - it is not expensive!

[JIMP]

Todd

I have a 99 Dakota long bed , 2 wheel drive .V-6 with a class three hitch. . I tow my 23DLV with it . I added leaf springs last year . They bring the truck and the tongue back up to level again when I attach the boat . I only tow it a few times a year back and forth to the slip and to the dealer so it works out okay . The lifts were suppossed to add 1000lb to the load limit . I bought them on line and had my regular mechanic install them. Not my first choice of tow vehicles . I would rather have a full size V-8 but it does the job. Hope this helps .

JIMP

[tod0987]

Thanks for all the help Guys. I got out and tried to weigh the tongue and it is way over the 275lb scale I had. So that is one issue I need to fix and will probably require moving the axle forward a few inches as I don't have any more bunk to move the boat back without it hanging off.

I believe my next step may be to put on new leaf springs and see how it lies there.

[skiff258]

Todd

I put a 300 dollar pair of super springs on my 06 Ram 1500 to do the job. There pretty easy to install too. 258dlv,78gal tank,3batts up front,anchors ext. It sets nice and level now.

[tod0987]

Thanks for all the help guys, Just got the boat back from the shop for it's 20hr service and had them move the axle forward and it has helped a lot. I'll see how it tows long distance this weekend.

[Hokis]

get big springs and laef springs

[texasspud]

There's a an "extremely" easy, simple way to remedy this. Trade that Dodge in for Chevy pickup. *001* There, problem solved. *nutkick*

[workinprogress]

tod0987,
I hope your problem is solved. JAW mentioned the issue of fishtailing in an earlier post in this thread, and I want to bring it up again. I don't know about percentages of tongue weight vs. gross weight, but I have done a lot of towing of many different types and sizes of trailers. My past 4 trucks have been 3/4 ton trucks, so I understand we're not comparing apples to apples with our tow vehicles, but some of the same principles still apply. When I tow a trailer that hooks to the truck at the receiver hitch and weighs over 3,000 pounds or so, I always like to see the rear suspension of the truck squat just a little. If I don't, I'm going to shift weight forward until I do, especially if I'm towing a long distance. If there is not enough weight on the tongue the trailer will be prone to fishtailing. Fishtailing happens really fast - one minute you're headed down the highway, then 10 seconds later you've had an accident. Aside from inadequate braking capability, it's the most potentially dangerous thing that can lead to an accident while towing. Again, I hope this is a non-issue for you and your problem is solved.

[tod0987]

WIP,

Yes I know that situational to well when I volunteered to pull a homemade trailer for the scout troop... Long story short, it was tail heavy due to the placement of 30 gallons of water and when we hit the innerstate heading east it happened in a flash. Thankfully I was the end vehicle in the group and wide shoulder... Gained a lot of respect and now do not pull a trailer unless I pack it.

When work allows, I am going to check the tounge weight again to see if it is closer to the 10-15%. The truck still squats but it is acceptiable