Posted 2009-08-03 12:14 PM (#108904) Subject: trailer weighing truck bed down
Member
Posts: 8
Location: Hollister
I have a 3 horse slant load, bumper pull - just bought a 2006 F250, hooked up trailer and the bed of the truck drops and makes the front of trailer tip down and the bed of truck low. Does anyone have any suggestions to what they think the problem is??
Posted 2009-08-03 1:56 PM (#108910 - in reply to #108908) Subject: RE: trailer weighing truck bed down
Member
Posts: 8
Location: Hollister
Trailer wasnt loaded when hooked up, the truck is level viewed from rear when not hooked up to trailer.
Havent checked the springs or anything yet, was looking for ideas on what to check first and before I call auto shop or dealer.
This is 4th truck with my trailer. I had a Chev 3/4 ton 4x5 speed and a 97 Dodge 4x Diesel and a F150 4x... just bought a F250 super duty for more power, but have never had this happen before... am hoping its fixable and not going to be too expensive. I'll start with the springs... any other suggestions are welcome! THANKS!
Posted 2009-08-03 6:35 PM (#108921 - in reply to #108904) Subject: RE: trailer weighing truck bed down
Expert
Posts: 2953
Location: North Carolina
Another thought... Since the truck is used and new only to you... A previous owner may have reduced the spring pack for a softer ride. Compare the thickness and number of leaves with another 2006 F250 truck.
Posted 2009-08-03 6:54 PM (#108922 - in reply to #108904) Subject: RE: trailer weighing truck bed down
Elite Veteran
Posts: 690
Location: missouri
What size is the trailer? what is the box length? what is the weight (you can find the rating under the gooseneck on the tag), what is the GVWR on the truck? it is probably about 8=9,000.If you are planning any trips that involve hills or mountains... you may need more truck.R
Posted 2009-08-03 8:29 PM (#108925 - in reply to #108904) Subject: RE: trailer weighing truck bed down
Veteran
Posts: 188
Location: Ingalls, Ks
I would check the springs as suggested. Have you considered an equalizer hitch, I used to pull a 4 horse FRP trailer with an excursion. Used an equalizer hitch and never had a problem, kept the rig level and worked fine.
Posted 2009-08-03 10:32 PM (#108931 - in reply to #108904) Subject: RE: trailer weighing truck bed down
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
Unless your trailer has an unusually heavy tack room, I find it hard to believe that its tongue weight has such an effect on a stock SD. It takes almost a ton of weight for our suspension to even touch the helper springs, much less effect a low hitch.
We have pulled a 3H BP, and LQ 3H GNs and not had a problem with the stock springs. It was only when a 1 ton+ camper was added to a BP trailer load, that we added Timbrens to help stabilize the camper's high loading center of gravity.
As has been suggested, the suspension may have been modified by the previous owner. I would look at similar trucks to yours, and try to determine what differences your spring pacs may have. The camper and towing options will change the installed springs from truck to truck, as well as 4 x 4 and 2 WD package configurations.
Be careful how many springs you add to the main pacs. Too many and it will adversely effect your empty ride. Adding more to your overload springs will help under a load, and not change an empty ride. The installation of air bags and Timbrens, will also help maintaining a level ride with a loaded truck.
Posted 2009-08-04 3:49 PM (#108967 - in reply to #108904) Subject: RE: trailer weighing truck bed down
Expert
Posts: 1351
Location: Decatur, Texas
Originally written by appyup on 2009-08-03 12:14 PM
I have a 3 horse slant load, bumper pull - just bought a 2006 F250, hooked up trailer and the bed of the truck drops and makes the front of trailer tip down and the bed of truck low. Does anyone have any suggestions to what they think the problem is??
thanks!
Your truck should have a reciever hitch already installed and with the later model (02-07) Fords F-250SD's that I have had EVERY ONE of them need a rasied hitch to haul with. (other than the 4x4 models)
Posted 2009-08-05 10:00 AM (#108999 - in reply to #108931) Subject: RE: trailer weighing truck bed down
Member
Posts: 8
Location: Hollister
thanks for all your help!
The trailer wight is 12,500, on a 3 horse slant bumper pull with small tack room... (sounds high, is that possible?) The tongue load @ ball is 1,875 and its a 20' long trailer
The truck GVWR is 9200lbs, rear GAWR 6100lbs and front GAWR is 3950lbs
Do you think a stabilizer might still work, or air springs better? or should I go back to the dealer since he told me the truck could handle my trailer??
Posted 2009-08-05 10:37 AM (#109001 - in reply to #108904) Subject: RE: trailer weighing truck bed down
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
Never heard of a 12K # bumper pull 3H trailer. It's no wonder the truck is squatting. You will definitely need air bags or Timbrens or a "Sport Truck".
I'd check your specifications again. Even fully loaded, most BP trailers don't come near to that weight, without an installed LQ.
Posted 2009-08-05 11:15 AM (#109004 - in reply to #108904) Subject: RE: trailer weighing truck bed down
Veteran
Posts: 147
Location: santa clara, ca
I would double check the springs/suspension on the F250We have an 05 F350 with a 4H BP at about 4500lbs (altough alluminum) and the truck doesn't really squat hardly at all....and we load 3 heavy horses (1200,1100 and 1600lbs)
Posted 2009-08-05 11:18 AM (#109005 - in reply to #108904) Subject: RE: trailer weighing truck bed down
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 406
Location: Minneapolis, MN
I think the 12.5k is high.
Friend just took delivery of a new Keifer 2+1, with an additional 40" in the dressing room. Makes it like 24' on the floor. Rated for 14k..dealer claimed it weighed 4400 empty.
Posted 2009-08-06 9:43 AM (#109052 - in reply to #108904) Subject: RE: trailer weighing truck bed down
Member
Posts: 8
Location: Hollister
Was wrong on the trailer weight, its actually 2700lbs. The dealer we just purchased the truck from has agreed to check out the truck this morning with the trailer attached, since he assured us when we upgraded from the F150 to the F250 that it could haul our trailer with horses... will post what the end result is FYI
Posted 2009-08-06 11:25 AM (#109054 - in reply to #108904) Subject: RE: trailer weighing truck bed down
Elite Veteran
Posts: 681
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
2700 lbs sounds light for a 3 horse bumper pull. My 2 horse Hart weighs at least that much... It also weighs down the back of my SUV... needs new springs..
Posted 2009-08-07 10:06 AM (#109117 - in reply to #108904) Subject: RE: trailer weighing truck bed down
Member
Posts: 8
Location: Hollister
FYI The mechanic at the dealer found that the rear springs were toast, they have ordered new springs and are going to replace and cover the cost, hopefully thats it =)