Hello, my question is about when I hook up to my RV it squats my truck 2010 F150- V8, a little more than I'd like. What would be better- a lift kit, bigger tires or some other suggestion? (Possibly a load leveler on my trailer? The RV is a 21 ft Jayco feather weight- dry weight weighs around 4,000 pounds).

I'd appreciate any tips : )

 

More info on your truck. Supercrew? XLT? 5.4? 2 wheel or 4 wheel drive?

 

Best thing would be a weight distribution hitch. My guess you are already over the limit for not using one (500lb tongue weight, 5000lb trailer weight).

 

It's a 2 wheel drive supercrew.
Thanks for your input Kingfish!

 

I read in the manual I can pull around 8,400 pounds which it does fine, but that's not the same as the tongue weight.

 

Yea, a weight distribution hitch would be best option for you. Generally, they are not that expensive. I bought mine from JC Whitney when I had one years ago. I pulled a single axle 17' camper with a Ranger and it helped me out nicely.

 

I appreciate it!

 

A WD hitch is *required* if the tongue weight is over 500# *OR* the trailer is over 5000#.

8400# is your max theoretical trailer weight, but that's under ideal conditions. In reality, you will probably exceed your max truck payload before you reach that number.

 

Thanks glc!! Looks like I should get a WD.

 

So, any recommendations on equalizer hitches?

 

Mine I believe was this one. It worked well for me for what I used it for.

http://www.jcwhitney.com/curt-weight...&filterid=u0j2

My dad's hitch for his 28' camper is more like this one. He bought his from an area camper sales business quite a few years ago.
http://www.jcwhitney.com/curt-weight...&filterid=u0j2

He also uses an anti sway bar on his. I don't believe I ever did as my camper was pretty small and the weight distribution seemed to be enough.

http://www.jcwhitney.com/sway-contro...?filterid=u0j1

 

You're also not thinking along the right track. A lift kit, taller/bigger tires, etc raise the truck higher but accomplish nothing to prevent the squatting. Beyond a WDH, you need air bags or add-a-leaf / helper springs to prevent the squat.

 

how much have you towed the trailer?

Do you have any problem with sway? Like when a semi blows past you or if you get hit by a crosswind?

If you are buying a new WD hitch, then I would recommend adding the sway control at the same time. Your trailer is smaller so maybe its not needed.... but it can make it more comfortable and safer to tow.

I run a setup similar to the links posted above... my WD bars are separate from the sway control. It is easy to hook up and works well.

You can also get WD bars that double as sway control. I've seen them but have no experience with them so I can't comment on them. Maybe someone else can.

 

Thanks everyone for your help!! Great tips & advice!!!