Tow Vehicle Leveling Issue

[PT73]

Bought a new popup camper this year that is 3 times the weight we were used to pulling with our full size conversion van. The problem is that the back of the van now squats down very low to the pavement. I can level the trailer using a different rise in the hitch, but I'd rather have both vehicle and trailer leveled. What would be a good solution?, different springs?, air shocks?.

[fish2live]

just install a set of air bags then you can inflate when towing and keep the rear level and deflate when not towing.

[BobT]

Sounds like the tongue weight of the trailer is quite heavy. Is your hitch rated to handle it? Is there some way to reduce the tongue weight? That's actually a rather risky situation as your tow vehicle control may suffer some sacrifices.

Bob

[cold one sd]

Have you tried an equalizer hitch? I have pulled all types of campers and an equalizer takes care of the type of problem you are having, but I don't know if a popup is strong enough to handle it. Might be time to talk to a dealer.

[SteveWilson]

Least expensive would be to add a pair of helper springs in the rear. They basically stay out of the way when your loaded normally and come into play when you load the vehical. Next step up would be to add air bag helper springs, a compressor, and tank. Fianlly replace the rear suspension with an airbag system

[PT73]

I appeciate the ideas, the air bag idea sounds less intrusive to the vehicle, or would the helper springs be easier to install?, plus where can I get these devices?

[Powerstroke]

Helper springs are easier to install and cheaper, but in your case I believe that the airbags would be much more effective and more appropriate for your needs.

Helpers work okay, but they will not do the job of a full leaf pack. They are only meant to support the entire system.

Airbags on the other hand are meant to do most of the work, some of the time. They could also be used for regular driving when you've got a full load of people in the back of the van.

Any suspension shop or truck shop that does custom suspensions should be able to do it. Its actually an easy DIY project if you know how to do air lines and a compressor as well as leaf spring suspensions.

Definately consider a change in the rise of your hitch. Maybe you can find a higher rise that will balance the tongue weight with the sag. Any good trailer place or custom truck place should let you experiment with different sizes before you buy.

[IFallsRon]

Husky Springs in St. Cloud can help you. They're on the Web.

[BobT]

I'm curious. If the vehicle is squatting so much, doesn't that suggest that perhaps the tongue weight of the trailer is exceeding the load rating of the vehicle? Adding helper springs, air bags, etc, doesn't increase the tow vehicles load capacity. With that in mind, is it possible to risk wheel bearing or axle bearing damage?

Just something to keep in mind. Hate to see you 1000 miles from home, in the middle of nowehere with a busted axle on your vehicle.

Bob

[cold one sd]

An equalizer hitch will raise the back of the tow vehicle until it is level as well as the front of camper and distribute the weight on the hitch to all four wheels on the tow vehicle. The hitch on the tow vehicle should already be set up for this. That is why the hitch is attached to the frame. All you need is the hitch head, the torsion bars and the attachments for the bars on the camper frame. No welding or anything. It all clamps on.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Good point BobT!! My first thought was the same. Maybe youre a little overloaded for the vehicle. What is the vehicle rated for (tongue and total wieght) and what is the trailer rated at (tongue and total wieght)? These numbers would be good to know so that proper advice can be given. You can add all the springs and air bags you want but if the vehicle can't handle the load its going to break down!!