Load leveling when trying to u hitch trailer.

[MistralAtom]

When seeking to detach my trailer from LR4 I lock the truck in access level. Each time I raise the jockey wheel to unload the hitch, the truck adjusts to the lesser weight and pumps the rear suspension up, defeating my goal. I need the truck running to pull forward. Suggestions gratefully accepted.

 

[rcharrette]

I do a lot of towing with my LR3 but I'm not sure if the suspension functions differently then yours. I leave the truck in normal ride height, lower the jack on the trailer until the "leg" touches the ground then get in the truck and switch to lower "access" mode. The truck lowers down, ball drops out and I can then pull forward.
I do the same when hooking up. First lower to access, back in position the raise to normal.

 

[unseenone]

It does not matter what the vehicle height is, once you are hooked up, the suspension system will adjust automatically for the weight on it. Remember, most vehicles don't have an access height mode as well, you lift the trailer over the ball and lower it onto it. If something is not seemingly right, maybe you need a height calibration and 4 wheel alignment.

What you describe is normal.

 

[Dmarchand]

You can override this by using the keyless remote to raise and lower the rear at will. I forget the process and I think you need towing/trailer enabled in the CCF, it has been a while since I've done it.

Check the manual.

 

[proper4wd]

It will not raise the rear suspension higher than "level" with the front. Is your trailer jack not tall enough maybe? Not sure how this is a problem.

 

[MistralAtom]

Possible solution

Thanks for your replies: I neglected to say this is a Max Coupler equipped trailer, it is not a ball hitch. The Max Coupler is square tube (male) that slides with very little wiggle room into the LR4 - 2 inch channel of the hitch receiver. Release (and engagement for that matter) requires fairly precise alignment. I am thinking that I will turn the truck ignition on: lower the truck to access height and lock it there, then turn the truck ignition off. Then lower the jockey wheel and crank it up to unweight the hitch. I know how to find where this this point is, by pushing the truck around a little and observing whether the MaxCoupler is moving at all inside the receiver or binding. Once MaxCoupler appears to be free and with little or no weight on the receiver, I will turn the truck ignition on and hope there will be no urge to 'level up'. I ought to be able to drive forward a few inches to release the MaxCoupler at access height. At the moment, this makes sense to me and your answers really helped, so many thanks. Standby...

 

[proper4wd]

I think you are making more work for yourself than necessary. Why would you not do all of the above with the vehicle at normal ride height? Is your jack not tall enough?

 

[unseenone]

Please post a picture of your setup, I have a few ideas of why there is a problem.

 

[proper4wd]

The more I think about this is doesnt make any sense.

The air suspension will keep the trailer hitch at the same height regardless of tongue weight or no tongue weight. That's what its designed to do.

If you (slowly) apply the trailer jack, you should barely have to use it at all to get it to a net zero tongue weight and have it come right out.

 

[KyleT]

Leave a door open and see if that changes the situation? The truck will adjust/move with the doors locked btw.


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