How To Disconnect Tow Vehicle From Camper with Weight Distribution System After Camper is Parked

Updated 09/04/2024 | Published 10/25/2011

Question:

when I arrive at location and move my vehicle from camper, do I have to unhook weight distribution system from camper? thanks

asked by: Leo

Expert Reply:

If you are going to unhitch your tow vehicle from the camper and you have a weight distribution system on your vehicle, you will want to unhook the weight distribution from your tow vehicle. First, make sure the trailer is level and chock the tires so they will not roll. Then, disconnect the electrical connection and safety chains. If you have a breakaway cable, disconnect it also.

Next, raise the tongue of the camper with the jack high enough to take most of the weight off of the spring bars. Remove any safety clips if your weight distribution has snap-up brackets. Lower the bracket and release the chain. You will want to be careful at this point because you will want to make sure that most of the tension is off of the spring bars when lowering the bracket. If there is still tension on the spring bars when lowering the bracket it can cause the handle to be jerked from your hands. To get more of the tension off of the spring bars you will need to raise the tongue of the trailer even more.

After the spring bars are unhooked you can then lower the tongue of the trailer. Unlock the latch of the coupler and raise the tongue again until the coupler is clear of the trailer and move the tow vehicle away from the trailer tongue.

I am including a link to a FAQ page on weight distribution.

expert reply by: Jeff D