Hitch & Tire Questions

[rcpope]

Hi gang.

1 - I have a trunion-type weight distribution hitch which is 9 years old. I've always used the 4th chain like then tensioning the bars but on our most recent trip She Who Must Be Obeyed remarked that the truck was more "bouncy" than usual. Do the components age in a way that it's time to move to the 5th chain link? I'm not noticing much resistance when I draw the bars up and the hitch distance to the ground is only moving from 16.5" to 16.75" ... 18" unloaded.

2 - The OEM Wrangler tires are about done at 70,000 miles. My local tire dealer is recommending a Hankook replacement. Any experience or thoughts out there?

[dsol]

I would suspect it is likely the tow vehicle that is causing the “bouncing” and not the hitch. None of the trailer hitch components should age. The chains certainly won’t stretch.

I would suspect it could be your tow vehicle tires or the shocks are wearing. However, I don’t think there is a problem with trying to go tighter on the chains either. I know on my last bumper tow I used to jack the trailer higher than normal ride height in order to hookup the chains.

Good luck.

[aguablanco]

Did this happen on a road you haven't traveled on before? If it's not the road it has to be the truck. Check shocks and tires.
RichH

[persistent]

Originally Posted by rcpope

Hi gang.
1 - I have a trunion-type weight distribution hitch which is 9 years old. I've always used the 4th chain like then tensioning the bars but on our most recent trip She Who Must Be Obeyed remarked that the truck was more "bouncy" than usual. Do the components age in a way that it's time to move to the 5th chain link? I'm not noticing much resistance when I draw the bars up and the hitch distance to the ground is only moving from 16.5" to 16.75" ... 18" unloaded.
...

Good advice above!

Some WDH's have an adjustment device in the head unit. Sometimes it is a stack of washer on a screw. Sometimes a different device. Also, moving parts wear.

You could get instructions for installing your make and model and repeat the setup procedure.

You could do a quick check by measuring the height of the truck at the wheels. Measure to the highest point of the wheel-well directly over the axle.
The front height should increase about 1/4 inch or less when trailer is connected.

The rear height may drop an inch or two. Less drop is better.

I wish you good luck and happy trails ahead!

[Ovalvw]

Tow vehicle