Davexxxx
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- #1
A lot of changes since the first.
Post 8, if interested.
https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/threads/first-big-tow-coming-up.18998/
This time, the trailer has a couple hundred pounds of "off grid" electrical gear, has had its suspension upgraded with the CRE3000 with the hvy duty shackle kit, is loaded with all the permanent type camping gear and food and clothes for a 5 day trip. We've basically got it equipped how we want it. The only material change yet to come, will be 1000W of solar added to the roof (another 130 ish lbs. primarily toward the front). Probably next winter.
The truck is as it was last time, with the exception of the 1000lb version of the rear SumoSprings I installed a week or so ago and the hitch ball raised 1".
The CRE3000 made a noticeable and positive difference in how smoothly the trailer handles bumps. Big thumbs up there and the hvy duty shackle kit is a no brainer.
The SumoSprings did what I had hoped. Lessened body roll. Reducing squat was secondary and unnecessary (with a properly adjusted WDH). I installed them so that unloaded, there was something over an inch, before engagement. Definitely firmed up the ride in either loaded, or unloaded conditions but not harshly and allowed for less PSI in the tires than the previously preferred of 45, down to 40.
The scale ticket.
Steer axle = 3340
Drive axle = 3980
Trailer axles = 6280
GCVW = 13600
Individually, plenty of room at each location but just 30lbs. shy of the max GVWR on the truck.
I did some minimal creative loading, by putting the tool box in the back floorboard, rather than the bed but looks like room for improvement there. I can shift a few more lbs. to there and try to move some stuff, more toward the rear of the trailer, in order to lighten the tongue weight. As measured by the WeighSafe hitch, TW is 1050lbs. With a full fresh water tank, located toward the front.
Weather conditions = Clear but gusty winds to 20mph.
Route = 82 miles, (one way) ~2/3 interstate (65mph), 1/3 well paved but twisty and hilly (55mph and less).
Result.
On the interstate, definitely still felt the wind but nothing from semis.
On the secondary roads, towed like a dream.
Would have liked to have taken a better pic of the rig at the scales to check level but it was pretty busy. Should have made it happen since we'll be returning without the water.
Electrical System.
Batts and inverter doing fine. Using power as desired. Single 200 watt panel doing what it can with just a few hrs. of clear sunlight per day but will fire up the PPOB today or tomorrow, to recharge the batts for a bit. Love having that in my back pocket
Edited to correct a typo on the drive axle.
Post 8, if interested.
https://www.f150gen14.com/forum/threads/first-big-tow-coming-up.18998/
This time, the trailer has a couple hundred pounds of "off grid" electrical gear, has had its suspension upgraded with the CRE3000 with the hvy duty shackle kit, is loaded with all the permanent type camping gear and food and clothes for a 5 day trip. We've basically got it equipped how we want it. The only material change yet to come, will be 1000W of solar added to the roof (another 130 ish lbs. primarily toward the front). Probably next winter.
The truck is as it was last time, with the exception of the 1000lb version of the rear SumoSprings I installed a week or so ago and the hitch ball raised 1".
The CRE3000 made a noticeable and positive difference in how smoothly the trailer handles bumps. Big thumbs up there and the hvy duty shackle kit is a no brainer.
The SumoSprings did what I had hoped. Lessened body roll. Reducing squat was secondary and unnecessary (with a properly adjusted WDH). I installed them so that unloaded, there was something over an inch, before engagement. Definitely firmed up the ride in either loaded, or unloaded conditions but not harshly and allowed for less PSI in the tires than the previously preferred of 45, down to 40.
The scale ticket.
Steer axle = 3340
Drive axle = 3980
Trailer axles = 6280
GCVW = 13600
Individually, plenty of room at each location but just 30lbs. shy of the max GVWR on the truck.
I did some minimal creative loading, by putting the tool box in the back floorboard, rather than the bed but looks like room for improvement there. I can shift a few more lbs. to there and try to move some stuff, more toward the rear of the trailer, in order to lighten the tongue weight. As measured by the WeighSafe hitch, TW is 1050lbs. With a full fresh water tank, located toward the front.
Weather conditions = Clear but gusty winds to 20mph.
Route = 82 miles, (one way) ~2/3 interstate (65mph), 1/3 well paved but twisty and hilly (55mph and less).
Result.
On the interstate, definitely still felt the wind but nothing from semis.
On the secondary roads, towed like a dream.
Would have liked to have taken a better pic of the rig at the scales to check level but it was pretty busy. Should have made it happen since we'll be returning without the water.
Electrical System.
Batts and inverter doing fine. Using power as desired. Single 200 watt panel doing what it can with just a few hrs. of clear sunlight per day but will fire up the PPOB today or tomorrow, to recharge the batts for a bit. Love having that in my back pocket
Edited to correct a typo on the drive axle.
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