How to Adjust Weight Distribution System for Level Towing

Updated 06/23/2020 | Published 06/15/2016

Question:

I always struggle with the spring bar tension prior to raising the jack. I never know how tight the spring bar should be before I raise the jack. How many chain links do I need I always hear the 5 chain minimum but no clue what that is I am a semi-new tower for our trailer. I tow a 2015 tango 16 bb trailer UGW 3850 with my 2009 toyota tacoma prerunner TRD sport rated with 6500 tow capacity with a WD hitch installed by the dealer.

asked by: Charlie

Expert Reply:

Don't worry, I can help explain how you will need to adjust your weight distribution system for the best tension.

First thing to know is that there is no particular set amount of bar tension that is standard for all vehicles. It will depend on the vehicle and the trailer and how its loaded. Ultimately you will want to check your Tacoma's wheel wells for the best fitment. When you have the proper amount of tension for your setup your front and rear wheel well will measure the same height and therefore tow your trailer level.

It is recommended to install the weight distribution and use as many chain links as possible then snap up the bracket and measure your wheel wells. If your rear wheel well is higher than your front then there is too much tension; if your front wheel well is higher than your rear then there isn't enough tension.

There are a few ways to make adjustments to the Curt weight distribution system # 17302 you referenced. There are washers behind head that allow you to tilt the ball towards or away from the trailer. This gives more tension when angled towards the vehicle and less tension when pointed away from the vehicle. The more washers used, will angle the head towards the vehicle.

Another way to adjust tension is adjusting the links. Raising the links up will give you more tension and lowering them down will give you less tension. It's important to note that you may have to jack the trailer up higher to achieve more links.

Adjusting your weight distribution is going to be a test and adjust type of situation until you get your wheel wells on your vehicle back to the same height.

expert reply by: Jackie C

Dennis B.

6/15/2020

I have one of the husky equilizer hitch and air bags on my 2010 chevy silverado crew cab and a 2020 keystone cougar half ton towable 30' from younger to rear bumper and I I thought it was set but I can't find my instructions in how to set it up i had it on a different truck and different camper before I think I need to reset it up at about 60 miles hour I get a little weggle I need some more down force on the front tires how can I fix this I think I left my instructions in my pickup when sold it if you can help me out it would be great or how get some instructions online thanks

Chris R.

6/19/2020

You may just need to tilt the head a bit more by adding another washer. If you can tell me what specific model WD system you have I will be happy to offer some more specifics and track down the actual install manual.

Dennis B.

6/19/2020

@ChrisR thanks ChrisR I did had a washer and lower the the ball by one bolt holes and did find a manual on line and did all that and took it out for a ride and what a difference thanks for the help