Weight Distributing Hitch Setup
Thread Starter
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,517
Likes: 628
From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
Weight Distributing Hitch Setup
Is there any good way to set up a Weight Distributing Hitch (WDH) with the automatic adjusting suspension.
On my old SUV I was able to set up the hitch by looking at how much the body dropped between front and back.
I measured the unloaded height of each wheel arch lip.
Then I loaded the weight of the trailer and remeasured.
Back went way down, and front when up a little.
Then I adjusted the bars till the front was back to normal and checked the sag in the back.
Then adjusted the bars till the front and back both dropped the same amount.
Then set the bars about 1/2 way between.
What I am not sure about is how to judge axle loading since the Airmatic will keep adjusting the height as I work.
Can I pull the fuse and do my set up, or do I need to take it to the scales and work there?
I am only towing about 3500 LB with about a 450Lb dead weight on the hitch.
On my old SUV I was able to set up the hitch by looking at how much the body dropped between front and back.
I measured the unloaded height of each wheel arch lip.
Then I loaded the weight of the trailer and remeasured.
Back went way down, and front when up a little.
Then I adjusted the bars till the front was back to normal and checked the sag in the back.
Then adjusted the bars till the front and back both dropped the same amount.
Then set the bars about 1/2 way between.
What I am not sure about is how to judge axle loading since the Airmatic will keep adjusting the height as I work.
Can I pull the fuse and do my set up, or do I need to take it to the scales and work there?
I am only towing about 3500 LB with about a 450Lb dead weight on the hitch.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 58
Likes: 4
From: Seattle, WA
2007 GL450
In my opinion weight distribution for your application isn't necessary. If you were towing that same trailer with a much smaller vehicle then I could see the need. I regularly tow about 5000lbs with 500 on the hitch without any adverse handling.
I weighed this configuration before and after loading the trailer for each axle. From what I remember it didn't take a whole lot of weight of the front. I'll see if I can dig up my notes.
In either case couldn't you just take the key out of the ignition to keep the suspension from adjusting?
I weighed this configuration before and after loading the trailer for each axle. From what I remember it didn't take a whole lot of weight of the front. I'll see if I can dig up my notes.
In either case couldn't you just take the key out of the ignition to keep the suspension from adjusting?
Last edited by gbigpapa; Jan 19, 2013 at 11:47 AM.
