What is Needed to Adjust Weight Distribution System When Towing with Different Vehicle

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Question:

We are planning a trip to Colorado pulling our 4000 pound loaded travel trailer. We are seriously considering renting an extended cab pickup truck rather than use our Ford Flex as it is already pushing its towing capacity without the added issues of long distance and mountains. By my measurements, the receiver on the pickup truck is 7.25” higher than on my car. Question 1: Would the Roadmaster Hi-Low Hitch 8inch 10,000 lb meet my needs to the hitch. Would it be strong enough? I would hate for it to break with the weight of the hitch and the camper and the strain of turns, etc. I’m sure you can tell I dont know much about this and want to make sure all bases are covered. Question 2. With a heavier towing vehicle extended cab pickup vs Ford Flex would I still need to use the load distribution bars? Would they need to be adjusted differently different number of links hanging? How would I know how to adjust? Question 3. With the additional 8” , it would seem to me that my trailer safety chains might not reach to the attachments on the truck bumper or may be a very tight fit. Is there anything like extenders for the chains? Would this even be safe? Question 4. Am I simply out of my mind for trying to do all this and do I need to come up with an entirely different approach? Don’t be afraid to answer “YES” if so. Thank you.

asked by: Tom S

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Expert Reply:

I do have a solution for you, however the High-Low Adapters we have available, such as the Roadmaster # RM-048-8 that you referenced, are designed for flat towing only (towing another vehicle behind an RV/motorhome with all 4 wheels on the ground). These adapters are not designed and aren't suitable for towing a trailer.

Since it sounds like you have a weight distribution system, I simply recommend changing to an adjustable shank that features the kind of drop you will be needing. Your existing weight distribution shank should have a bit of adjustability, so I first recommend making sure that its lowest setting is not adequate.

If a new shank is needed, I recommend taking a look at the Curt Shank # C17124. This will provide up to a 10 inch drop if you have a round bar weight distribution system or a 9 inch drop if you have a trunnion bar system. Weight distribution shanks are generally interchangeable between different manufacturers, but if you can tell me what model weight distribution system you have, I will be happy to confirm if this will work or not. I have also attached a link that will take you directly to our available selection of replacement shanks that you can look through.

I do still recommend using the weight distribution system with the truck, as you will still likely see the standard benefits that one provides, especially since you will be going on a long trip.

Other than using a shank that has the necessary drop to keep everything level, you may also need to adjust the tension a bit on the spring bars. You can hook the system up to the truck and take a look at the wheel wells. When the proper tension is achieved, there should be equal space on the front and rear wheels wells.

If you need just a bit more length on your safety chains, you can use a Quick Link like # C82932 that will provide about 3 inches of length. If more is needed, it might be better to replace your safety chains with new ones that are long enough, as you don't really want additional connections points on the chains for safety reasons.

expert reply by: Chris R

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What is Needed to Adjust Weight Distribution System When Towing with Different Vehicle

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