my friend and i pull the same model 18ft tandem axel stock trailer...we both use load leveler bars, but we have a difference of opinion about their adjustment...

i adjust mine to the point that the bars take weight...she adjusts hers one link lower, so there is a little play in the bars...

which adjustment is correct?...there is dinner at a nice restaurant riding on the answer :beerchug:

Load levelers? A punk band in Seatle, or do you mean weight distribution bars?

If your referening to the spring bars with chains, then yes, the chain MUST be tentionned, otherwise they are not shifting weight off the rear axle towards the front (leveling the load across the TV's axles).

RF

Load leveling bars.

To properly adjust the bars measure each corner of your tow vehicle before attaching trailer. Attach trailer and remeasure. Adjust tension on bars untill each corner of tow vehicle drops the same amount. The load levelers are designed to spread the load over the entire vehicle.
Working with the load levelers you can theoretically lift the rear wheels of the tow vehicle off the ground.

You need to have them tensioned or they do no good. Its a good idea to slack them off when leaving level roads ( driving through uneven terrain, sharp curbs etc.) It also bad to overtension them, this will cause poor trailer handling and cause damage to the bars.

ty, flyer...i believe that the bars i am referring to ARE weight distribution bars...they run from the hitch to the trailer frame, and are connected to the trailer frame by chains on the end of the bar that attach to a swivel bracket which tightens the chain...

i tighten my bars so that they're rigid...my friend lets hers down one link, which lets the bars move back and forth a bit...

i'm glad u agree with me :exactly:

Weight distributing bars must be tensioned or they serve no purpose. With my previous 28' toyhauler I experiemented several times to find the right amount of tensioned that worked ...all this was based on the number of chain links I would use when fastening. Basically I would lower trailer just enought to hook up ball/hitch ...then raise the rear of the truck some via trailer jack, attach bars then lower trailer. The difference in 1 chain link made all the difference in the world in how the trailer towed. if I got a lot of bounce in the rear I knew I didnt' have enough tension on the bars. These were 1000 lb bars and I probably had 500 lbs tension on each.