Load Leveling for aluminum enclosed?

[usmc_powerhouse]

I agree with the others and that the load leveling bars won't work for your aluminum enclosed. It's a tow vehicle issue for sure. Heavier load range tires and air bags would eliminate the sway, level the vehicle and trailer, and yes aim your headlights back on the road instead of the tree tops. Air bags aren't that expensive but take some time to install them right and add a compressor if you don't want to fill them manually.

I've found the easy alternative is Timbren SES rear suspension enhancements. They work just like air bags, preventing sagging and stabilizing the load from swaying, but they require zero maintenance and are inexpensive. If installed correctly they sit off the axle when unloaded not affecting the unloaded ride at all (just like an empty air bag), then when loaded they touch the axle and add load support. They are basically an long variable compression bump stop.

I was sceptical at first but didn't want to maintain or add/remove air from air bags or spend $400+ on a set so for $120 I added Timbrens to my Ram 2500 to level it out with my sled deck. To my suprise they installed in 15 minutes and are AMAZING! Worry free load leveling and no sway, I'll have a set on every pickup I own from now on..

Check them out:

http://timbren.com/timbren-ses/

 

[MORSNO]

I have a couple of rear suspension enhancements to suggest that work well for me.

First are Torklift Stable Loads (lower). They are wedges that fit between your factory lower overload spring and main spring pack placing you on the overload spring before the load is placed. They removed almost all of my sway with a top heavy camper installed. These can be engaged and disengaged with a turn of a 3/8" ratchet and are very inexpensive.

Next are Timbren SES. They install where your factory bumpstops are located. I have about a 1"-1-1\2" gap when unloaded, and they just touch with my 3,000lb truck camper loaded and lower Stableloads engaged. Excellenct support and no harsh ride.

 

[sledr4life]

A weight distribution hitch does not take weight off the back tires. its purpose is distribute tongue weight onto the front of the tow vehicle so that everything rides level and is controlled. Unloading the bars just added more weight onto the rear tires and made the front end light.

Will air bags work? yes, but you still have a fair amount of weight behind the rear tires and less weight on the steering tires potentially creating a control problem in emergency situations.

I am in the process of buying a new trailer with the same issue and found that ATC has a hitch prep option where they add blocks to the frame for the weight distribution clamps to bolt up to.

A friend of mine has a stealth with a single tongue and was able to find a weight distribution set up for it. I can check and see where he bought it.

 

[skicopper]

A weight distribution hitch does not take weight off the back tires. its purpose is distribute tongue weight onto the front of the tow vehicle so that everything rides level and is controlled. Unloading the bars just added more weight onto the rear tires and made the front end light.



Will air bags work? yes, but you still have a fair amount of weight behind the rear tires and less weight on the steering tires potentially creating a control problem in emergency situations.



I am in the process of buying a new trailer with the same issue and found that ATC has a hitch prep option where they add blocks to the frame for the weight distribution clamps to bolt up to.



A friend of mine has a stealth with a single tongue and was able to find a weight distribution set up for it. I can check and see where he bought it.

Yeah if you could ask your friend what he found that'd be great! My lightning is almost identical to the stealths


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[sledr4life]

I talked with him today and he said to call rigid hitch in Burnsville, MN and tell them what you have. They should be able to set you up with something.

 

[kmo]

A weight distribution hitch does not take weight off the back tires. its purpose is distribute tongue weight onto the front of the tow vehicle so that everything rides level and is controlled. Unloading the bars just added more weight onto the rear tires and made the front end light.

Will air bags work? yes, but you still have a fair amount of weight behind the rear tires and less weight on the steering tires potentially creating a control problem in emergency situations.

I am in the process of buying a new trailer with the same issue and found that ATC has a hitch prep option where they add blocks to the frame for the weight distribution clamps to bolt up to.

A friend of mine has a stealth with a single tongue and was able to find a weight distribution set up for it. I can check and see where he bought it.

Actually a weight distribution hitch most certainly DOES remove weight from the rear tires of a vehicle that has a trailer with positive tongue weight hitched to it. It takes some off the tongue weight off the rear axle and re-distributes it to the front axle. That is one of the reasons they can be dangerous on a snowmobile trailer. While adding some of the weight to the front axle enhances steering in slippery conditions it also removes weight from the rear axle which causes a loss of the traction to your drive tires needed to pull and control the trailer. And it will increase your chances of jackknifing your trailer.
Most enclosed sled trailers are designed with a balance that when loaded correctly they do not have too much tongue weight and would not benefit from a WD hitch.

Either get a tow vehicle that can handle the trailer you are going to tow or safely modify your existing tow vehicle's suspension so that it is up to the task. Air bags will have somewhat of an effect of loading additional weight to the front axle albeit not as much as a WD hitch will.

 

[sledr4life]

Actually a weight distribution hitch most certainly DOES remove weight from the rear tires of a vehicle that has a trailer with positive tongue weight hitched to it. It takes some off the tongue weight off the rear axle and re-distributes it to the front axle. That is one of the reasons they can be dangerous on a snowmobile trailer. While adding some of the weight to the front axle enhances steering in slippery conditions it also removes weight from the rear axle which causes a loss of the traction to your drive tires needed to pull and control the trailer. And it will increase your chances of jackknifing your trailer.
Most enclosed sled trailers are designed with a balance that when loaded correctly they do not have too much tongue weight and would not benefit from a WD hitch.

Either get a tow vehicle that can handle the trailer you are going to tow or safely modify your existing tow vehicle's suspension so that it is up to the task. Air bags will have somewhat of an effect of loading additional weight to the front axle albeit not as much as a WD hitch will.

The idea here is to tow safely. If using a weight distribution hitch causes potential jack knifing, why do semis jack knife? Jack knifing is due to loss of traction to the drive wheels and the trailer is still pushing forward. this can happen if the tow vehicles jake or exhaust break is being used in slippery conditions. The drive wheels lock up and the trailer is still pushing forward casing loss of control.

Seen too many trailers loaded incorrectly (too little tongue weight, which causes sway) Yes the weight distribution hitch will redistribute tongue weight to the front of the tow vehicle, but there is still tongue weight on the rear tires. The purpose is to have both the trailer and the tow vehicle level. 10-15% of the total trailer weight should be on the tongue. if the tow vehicle is squatting, the nose of the trailer would be pointing down (causing premature tire wear on the front trailer tires) the tow vehicles front would be very light.

There are specific instructions on setting up these type of hitches and attaching the trunions without getting hurt. once installed they are easy to use. They are also available with sway control if needed.

 

[skibreeze]

For years I had an enclosed 4 place all Aluminum trailer and used a load leveling hitch with a Grand Cherokee. It made a world of difference in handling. Our hitch was one with the chains to raise it up. Similar to this one. http://www.bing.com/images/search?q...9fb2ce10c074ba6b88d05395ed2078eeo0&ajaxhist=0

 

[skicopper]

Just got back from Colorado this evening. I installed an Anderson weight distribution hitch and it worked great. Also got rid of the Tahoe and got a new ram 1500 with the hemi. It tows the 31' enclosed very nicely. I was pulling 70 mph up to the Eisenhower tunnel from silverthorne no problem. So if anyone out there is trying to decide whether to go 1500 or 2500, the 1500 will pull an aluminum enclosed just dandy. And it is still a very comfortable daily driver.


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[kmo]

The idea here is to tow safely. If using a weight distribution hitch causes potential jack knifing, why do semis jack knife? Jack knifing is due to loss of traction to the drive wheels and the trailer is still pushing forward. this can happen if the tow vehicles jake or exhaust break is being used in slippery conditions. The drive wheels lock up and the trailer is still pushing forward casing loss of control.

Seen too many trailers loaded incorrectly (too little tongue weight, which causes sway) Yes the weight distribution hitch will redistribute tongue weight to the front of the tow vehicle, but there is still tongue weight on the rear tires. The purpose is to have both the trailer and the tow vehicle level. 10-15% of the total trailer weight should be on the tongue. if the tow vehicle is squatting, the nose of the trailer would be pointing down (causing premature tire wear on the front trailer tires) the tow vehicles front would be very light.

There are specific instructions on setting up these type of hitches and attaching the trunions without getting hurt. once installed they are easy to use. They are also available with sway control if needed.

There is a lot of difference between a semi-truck and using a weight distribution hitch on a light 1/2 ton pickup with a long snowmobile trailer. You are correct regarding how a semi jackknifes. That is exactly why removing weight from the rear drive tires of a pickup by using a WDH causes increased chance of jackknifing as well as getting stuck in deep snow in parking lots that haven't yet been plowed. Most snowmobile trailers are balanced with axle placement so they do not have excessive tongue weight when loaded. And the first time someone decides to cram an extra sled in their trailer with a WDH.....normally they load them facing forward but for this trip they load them all in reverse for extra room....now you have changed the balance dynamics and have taken more tongue weight off but the WDH doesn't know that so they are in a dangerous position.....and many people wouldn't think of that. Trust me, WDH's are not a great idea for a sled trailer.

 

[sledr4life]

That is exactly why removing weight from the rear drive tires of a pickup by using a WDH causes increased chance of jackknifing as well as getting stuck in deep snow in parking lots that haven't yet been plowed. Most snowmobile trailers are balanced with axle placement so they do not have excessive tongue weight when loaded. And the first time someone decides to cram an extra sled in their trailer with a WDH.....normally they load them facing forward but for this trip they load them all in reverse for extra room....now you have changed the balance dynamics and have taken more tongue weight off but the WDH doesn't know that so they are in a dangerous position.....and many people wouldn't think of that. Trust me, WDH's are not a great idea for a sled trailer.

Below are some notes regarding a WDH. This may be what you area referring to. NOTE second part of warning.

WARNINGS: LOADED BALL HEIGHT SHOULD NEVER BE GREATER THAN UNCOUPLED BALL HEIGHT. Front wheel overload and loss of rear wheel traction can
result, and can lead to unstable handling, reduced braking ability, and a tendency to "jackknife" when turning and braking at the same time. IF LOADED BALL HEIGHT IS
GREATER THAN UNCOUPLED HEIGHT, reduce take-up on spring bar chains and re-measure until proper height is obtained.

In any case, I would really like to see someone get their loaded ball height greater than the uncoupled height. They might get it within a 1/2", but you would have to have the hitch set up so wrong to make this happen.

on another note it is up the person towing to determine how much weight is on the tongue, not the hitch. Again if the hitch is set up wrong, it would be unsafe. that is why there are instructions on how to set these up and use them properly. They are meant to level out the load, not compensate for ones ability to load the trailer properly.

An aluminum enclosed snowmobile trailer weighs about 2550 lbs empty and would have a tongue weight of 400 lbs. loading the sleds forward would only add more tongue weight and the 4th sled may not fit due to how they sit in the trailer. Loading with 4 sleds rear facing would be the correct way to load if one was trying balance everything out. unfortunately there will still need to be some gear or something else added to the rear to maintain the 10-15% ratio. Without the aid of the WDH there would be roughly 1200-1600 on the tongue, all behind the rear tire of the tow vehicle. How much lighter is the weight on the front tires now? Lets say the uncoupled weight of the tow vehicle is 3000lbs. on the rear tires. now add the 1200lbs tongue weight and you have 4200 on the rear end. The WDH only redistributes part of the 1200lbs to the front of the tow vehicle, it does not lessen the uncoupled weight to less then 3000lbs.

 

[kmo]

Below are some notes regarding a WDH. This may be what you area referring to. NOTE second part of warning.

WARNINGS: LOADED BALL HEIGHT SHOULD NEVER BE GREATER THAN UNCOUPLED BALL HEIGHT. Front wheel overload and loss of rear wheel traction can
result, and can lead to unstable handling, reduced braking ability, and a tendency to "jackknife" when turning and braking at the same time. IF LOADED BALL HEIGHT IS
GREATER THAN UNCOUPLED HEIGHT, reduce take-up on spring bar chains and re-measure until proper height is obtained.

In any case, I would really like to see someone get their loaded ball height greater than the uncoupled height. They might get it within a 1/2", but you would have to have the hitch set up so wrong to make this happen.

on another note it is up the person towing to determine how much weight is on the tongue, not the hitch. Again if the hitch is set up wrong, it would be unsafe. that is why there are instructions on how to set these up and use them properly. They are meant to level out the load, not compensate for ones ability to load the trailer properly.

An aluminum enclosed snowmobile trailer weighs about 2550 lbs empty and would have a tongue weight of 400 lbs. loading the sleds forward would only add more tongue weight and the 4th sled may not fit due to how they sit in the trailer. Loading with 4 sleds rear facing would be the correct way to load if one was trying balance everything out. unfortunately there will still need to be some gear or something else added to the rear to maintain the 10-15% ratio. Without the aid of the WDH there would be roughly 1200-1600 on the tongue, all behind the rear tire of the tow vehicle. How much lighter is the weight on the front tires now? Lets say the uncoupled weight of the tow vehicle is 3000lbs. on the rear tires. now add the 1200lbs tongue weight and you have 4200 on the rear end. The WDH only redistributes part of the 1200lbs to the front of the tow vehicle, it does not lessen the uncoupled weight to less then 3000lbs.

You seem to miss the point again and again and I can see you really don't truly grasp how a WDH works and the affects of small weight distribution changes regarding how the trailer is loaded.

First of all many people have 3 or 4 place trailers however they often haul only two sleds. Sled placement changes the required hitch set up however most people won't think about that or stop to make the needed adjustments every time. Loading 4 sleds in reverse reduces tongue weight as most of your weight is mid trailer and aft of the axles. Also, your math and data regarding the amount of weight on the rear axle and tongue is terribly inaccurate.

 

[sledr4life]

You seem to miss the point again and again and I can see you really don't truly grasp how a WDH works and the affects of small weight distribution changes regarding how the trailer is loaded.

LOL.......the warnings are taken from the set up instructions on a WDH.

Also, your math and data regarding the amount of weight on the rear axle and tongue is terribly inaccurate.

Specs on trailers. Feel free to correct me again anytime after using an actual tongue scale
http://www.rancealuminum.com/default.asp?page=snowmobiletrailers&model=7wide&choice=specifications

I am sure I am doing it all wrong
http://www.snowest.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=264751&stc=1&d=1453379588

 

[kmo]

Good luck

 

[skicopper]

I'm sorry I started this thread...


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[sledr4life]

No worries on the post.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion. just like everything else in this world, you have to read between the lines and decide what is best for you.

Glad everything worked out.