Suspension help

[Hugh]

You might consider using a weight-distributing anti-sway hitch. Take a look at http://www.equalizerhitch.com.

It is the only weight-distributing hitch that works with surge brakes.

I have been towing my X for several years with both a Honda Odyssey minivan and a Ford Explorer using the Equal-i-zer and am well pleased with its sway control and leveling of my tow vehicles. Search the forum using my handle as a search term to see comments on its effectiveness.

The hitch was designed for RV-type trailers which have a "Y" frame tow bar. There is a crossbar made to fit the MacGregor single pole tow bar trailer frame. Check with the Equal-i-zer folks to see if they recommend using one. I use one, but I think another poster a couple years back said that the Equal-i-zer folks told him the crossbar was not needed.

Disclaimer: I have no connection to Equal-i-zer except satisfaction with the product.

Harvey

Thanks for this Harvey.
I was under the impression that weight dist hitched wouldn't work with our surge breaks on the Alu. trailer.
Now I have another option to consider.
As I've only trailered my for a grand total of 100Km +/- I don't have a real read on my Tow Vehicle's performance.
Hugh

[Highlander]

A mac and trailer is about 3000 lbs, so your tongue weight should be no more than 300 lb.
Measure it! and adjust it by moving heavy items aft.

Oh Yeh , Maybe ya think. A new mty boat & trl weight in @ exactly 3125.# now add motor, gear, fuel , water, supplies, anchors & rode all other necc. my boat when loaded for cruising weigths in @ around 5500#
my F150 supercrew handles it no problem but I could use another axle on the trl for sure

J

[raycarlson]

I second that, i can;t get my M to come in at less then 5000lb loaded, single axle was only rated for 4200lb on an alumin M trailor.

[bscott]

Single axle is under rated as are the springs and tires--tire mfgs recommend max PSI (usually 50) and max tire life of 3-5 yrs. 5,000# on a stock Mac trailer is an accident waiting to happen.

Bob

[Tomfoolery]

I second that, i can;t get my M to come in at less then 5000lb loaded, single axle was only rated for 4200lb on an alumin M trailor.

My OEM steel trailer is only rated (per the nameplate) for 3500 lb. I don't know of anyone who's boat and trailer combo, equipped with a 50 hp OB, sails, rigging, and minimal supplies and creature comforts for just day sailing, comes in at under 4000 lb.

Single axle is under rated as are the springs and tires . . .

The weird thing about the original springs under my trailer is that the leaves are 0.430" thick, which is very thick as these short little springs go. They have a spring rate of around 2500 lb/in, while the average 4-leaf 1750 lb (each) spring stack is only 0.323" thick, for a spring rate around half that of the originals, meaning they're much softer. I don't know why they made the original springs like that, other than they knew they'd be overloaded and wanted to avoid bottoming the suspension on bad bumps.

My trailer had another 3500 lb axle added, but the suspension then had a combined capacity of at least 7000 lb, so I stripped out the leaf springs to soften them up. It rides nice and smooth now, as evidenced by the lack of shock felt throughout the tow vehicle as the trailer goes over normal road bumps and irregularities. It still tows nice and stable, but it's not banging around back there any more.

[Lancelonas]

I have the Firestone airbags on my Titan, more for other loads than the Mac but I love them. Brings the truck up when you need it and you just need to let the air out when down and all is back to normal
Where are you sailing? Ghost?

[Hugh]

Just picked up a set of Super Springs. Not yet installed but I like the idea of the only kicking in when loaded and not having to do any inflation etc.
Still winter here but will get to the install and let everyone know how is goes and how the setup works while towing.
Hugh

[bartmac]

One thing to watch for with airbag helpers.....if you inflate them when your truck is empty and no trailer they have the ability to compromise the handling in a major way.Lots of internet chat re motor homes which get loaded up to the stage where the rear suspension give up....and the fitting of airbag helpers and once you "lock" your rear axle by using very high pressures there's tendency to induce understeer and unpredictable handling.Our truck has been fitted with airbags and HD Koni shockies....and gone further and had the helpers (ie the leaf spring helpers) reset to come in earlier to counter body roll and to handle weight better.I admit our usage of our truck is not just towing but also a slide on camper....high centre of gravity.So the changeable usage made me put driver controlled gauge/valves in ,c/w 12v compressor so we can "tune" our rear suspension.....ie hard for highway usage but able to soften on back roads.I'm actually going to move the gauges to a line of sight so I'm reminded regularly