Towing Question

[TonyM]

Distribution of weight on a trailer. I realize it depends on the trailer, and what you are hauling with... but I've heard many mixed opinions about it. Anyone care to possibly set the record straight? Is there a general rule to how to distribute a load on a trailer? (Aside from the obvious, that is. I am no hauling pro thats for sure, but I do understand tounge weight, etc.)
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[Chevy Man]

Tony, when I load a rig on a trailer, I put the engine to the front of the trailer. Basically, you want the majority of the weight to the front. This helps the trailer stay stable, ie: not fishtail on you, or bounce the truck. If you load it up so the weight is in the back, you will know right away that it wasnt a good idea. Your rig is shorter, so just make sure your tires are at least half way between your trailer's front axle and the tounge. You should be fine. Ive never pulled a trailer with brakes during the winter, so I cant say much on that. But my crew cab pulled a trailer with my old blazer on it fine. Just GO SLOW going down hills on snow or ice. You dont want to see your trailer next to your truck, lol.

[FordCummins]

Chevy Man hit it right on with load distribution. Definitly get a brake controller for your trailer (if it has brakes and it should with a load that heavy) and set it accordingly. I am a big advocate of weight distribution hitches on bumper pull trailers, they help distribute more of the tongue weigth to the center of the tow rig. This helps the trailer tow better and also helps a ton with the "see saw" action when going over bumps and frost heaves, which we have plenty of here. Make sure all your lights wrok properly and you are tied down good. Tie down to you axles not the frame as your rigs suspension will move as you go down the road and could unhook your straps. I saw a guy at a truck stop in MT once that had all of his chains come unhooked at did not even know about it until I told him. He had chained down to his reciever hitch and front tow hooks. Trucks suspension started moving as he went over the bumps in the road and the chain became slack and unhooked. Not a good thing. Also make sure you have good tow mirrors.
Nice tow rig and happy howing!