I'm upgrading from F150 to F250 or 2500. Diesel or Gasoline

[Galaxiedriver]

Thank you John, I have 7/8 of an inch on that measurement with my initial attempt at setting this up.

With WD my front axle measurement returns to 1/8 inch above the initial measurement. The rear returns to 1 1/8 less than the initial measurement. I did not change from the initial 5 washers that were installed but I did move the L brackets up one hole.

I guess what I'm seeing in the lower rear measurement is the truck squat you mentioned. Going back to get the 1 1/4 inches you show.

Comments?

[JohnB]

Paul,

The numbers you are reporting are good.

1/8" high in the front from unhitched and 1 1/8" squat in the back from unhitched are really good when all hitched up. No need to fiddle any further for now.

The pre setup numbers of shank to coupler are just a ball park guide to start from. 7/8" or 1" are the same. Since you mentioned L brackets that sounds like an Equal-I-zer hitch.

Once you fully load the camper and the truck bed you "might" have to add 1 more head tilt washer back towards the camper. It all depends on how much more weight you added. If the front rises a lot more then you add more WD.

I am also assuming the WD bars are fairly parallel to the frame of the TT when all hitched up? If so good. It they are really pointing way up hill towards the TT, then tilt the head back 1 washer and drop back down 1 hole on the L bracket. They work better when they are not on the extreme angle up or down.

Sounds like you are doing good.

John

[Galaxiedriver]

I moved the setup so I had 1 1/8 inch diff between the ball and TT hitch. Here are the new numbers. Yes, it is an Equal I Zer. The WD bars are sloped upward only slightly toward the TT. About a half inch over the full length.

Truck with only hitch on LR 41, RR40 7/8 LF 40 5/8, RF 40 7/8
With TT on hitch, no WD LR 39 5/8, RR 39 3/8, LF 41, RF 41 3/8
With WD LR 40 1/8, RR 40, LF 40 5/8, RF 41.

Net result is the rear of the truck is 7/8 inch lower with TT and WD and front is essentially the same. I'm happy with that for now.

Before I started I added 200 lb in the truck bed over the axles and 175 lb in the trailer in the front bedroom at the foot of the bed.

[JohnB]

Your fender heights look good. And the added weight you put in truck and the TT make it more realistic to the way you go camping.

Try it and keep the tape measure handy. You now know where your base line numbers are at. Driving around the block will change the fender heights by +/- 1/8" They are on springs.... and springs settle differently each time but within a range. When your on the road towing and pull over at a rest stop, take a spot check. Many times it takes one more tweak after your fully loaded and have towed a little.

I have found that setting and resetting in the same spot and never moving the truck gets you close. But that the settings do change once you tow a little and the truck suspension settles in for the weight it is carrying. That settled in ride height is your running average.

Oh I forgot to ask you and you did not mention, is the TT level or close to it when all hitched up? Best is level, next choice slight nose down verses a lot of nose up. You can only move 1 bolt on the shank hole so some times you have to choose. 1/8" to 1/4" high is not an issue but choosing 3/4" high is not as good as 1/4 or 1/2" low by moving 1 bolt hole on the shank.

Good luck

John

[MACK C-85]

Jan has requested a step stool to get in and out.

Paul:

We bought one of these for mdfiregal's mom to get in and out of our Dodge 2500 4x4. We bought ours at a local RV dealer, but this is out of Camping World. It's great because it's extremely sturdy and stable, but folds flat and we can store it in the back pocket on the front seat. They're currently $12.99 @ Camping World, so they aren't going to break the bank either!!!!!

P.S. Just the right height too!!!

Mack

[Galaxiedriver]

That looks like just what we need. Thanks Mack!

And yes John, the TT is level. I plan on taking it out to get everything weighed early next week.

[kanyonkitty]

Paul,

That step stool is great. Had one for my mom to use. But, I'll confess that on several occasions it came in quite handy for me to use. It folds easily, which makes storing it really simple. Great little stool to have around for multi-purpose use.

Kitty

[Poppy & Nana]

We have the same step stool......it is a must have in the TT as well as the monster truck(s) we drive!

[Sunline Fan]

We have the same stool too, and also in black. It has worked fairly well, but we've found many times it comes apart if you don't step on it right in the center, at least for heavier people. If you step on it on an edge and then bring your other foot up to the other side, the hinges fall apart and the whole thing collapses.

We found a taller one for the truck. It's used for getting to the fifth wheel hitch release bar, because it's very difficult to reach on a long bed dual rear wheel truck. I think we bought it at a truck stop actually, like a Flying J or Pilot. It is much sturdier than the shorter one.

[kanyonkitty]

Kathy,

Forgot how much mom used that step stool. We had a string tied to the handle area. Mom stowed the stool in the pocket on the passenger door. When she was ready to get into the '05 F-350, she would get the stool out and use it to help her get into the truck and once in the truck she used the string to pull the stool up and then she could fold it and put it back in the door pocket. I didn't have to do this for her, so it made things a little easier. In all the years I have used the stool, I have never encountered it coming apart. Jon, guess I must have gotten a good one .

[JohnB]

Yes the famous folding step stool..... We have a yellow one in the F350 and a white one in the camper. Cindy uses it often when she took the truck to the store to get groceries in the and out of the truck bed. We had bins right at the tail gate but still up too high... They also come in handy when camping in the winter for putting the ceramic heat on. Just the right height up off the floor.

Never had one come apart. 1st I have heard that. I use to use a 2 step folding step to get up in the truck bed. A F350 tail gate is up there.... However the type I had ate up too much room and now it lives back in the shed. I do the fanny hop and twist routine...

It's also amazing on the price. I have seen them as cheap as $8 and all the way to $25.... Our local Meijer store sells them too and they have them on sale every now and then. The $12 to $14 is the average running price I have seen.