Re: [A/S] Re: Overload Devices On Tow Vehicles

[Jim Dunmyer <jdunmyer@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Max,
  I've experimented a bit with air bag and WD bar settings and am pretty 
well convinced that things are nearly optimum. The rig handles very 
well, I can load the hell outa the truck (I sometimes haul an electric 
golf cart along), and anything different that I've tried has degraded 
the handling.

As far as "having to pull up one more link on the chain", it's not 
really possible for anyone to say that without physically looking at a 
particular setup because of all the variables. For instance, I use the 
end link on the chains ("drop no links"), but if the chain was a couple 
of links longer, I'd be "dropping 2 links". I'm unaware of any standards 
on WD bar chain lengths.

I do think you're correct that I need different WD bars, perhaps 750# 
rating.

When I wrote that eariler message, I indicated that I had tried changing 
chain length, but upon further reflection, I realized that instead of 
pulling up another link, I had tilted the hitch ball rearward. This has 
the same effect, as it tilts the WD bars downward, increasing the 
tension. Without some careful measurements, I can't say exactly how much 
additional tension I added, but it might have even been MORE than one 
additional link. I do know that the handling was degraded markedly, the 
rig seemed to want to wander all over the place. You could literally 
tell it from the passenger seat; returning to the previous setup 
restored the handling.

Something I didn't mention in my other message about A-Weigh-We-Go was 
the fact that they weigh every single wheel individually. This tells you 
of side-to-side imbalances. Our rig was within 100# or so side-to-side 
and was well within all ratings. Although I was pretty sure of the 
"within ratings", it was very nice to KNOW all the parameters. Guessing 
isn't good.

                              <<Jim>>