Appalachian Micro IV?

Discussion in 'Car Hauler and Auto Carrier Trucking Forum' started by 24kHotshot, Jun 15, 2019.

  1. HaulinCars

    HaulinCars Medium Load Member

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    Central Florida
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    About height measurement... A tape measure is totally unacceptable. You'll never get even close to an accurate reading.

    You need an actual height stick.

    Here is a sample of a standard stick:
    Vulcan Brands Basic Load Height Measuring Stick (Measures up to 15') https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071ZBHM57/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_S3niDbYR2JE9P


    This one collapses down really small, ideal for use in a pick-up truck operatuon: AutoHauler Supply AH-REDSTICK-V2 Big Red Height Stick - Version 2 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OPH1M5G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_q0niDbAZ74BPQ


    Whichever one you get have at least 2 or 3 different people show/teach you how to use it. It takes a certain technique to get an accurate measurement.
     
    Last edited: Jul 6, 2019
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  3. Bold Group

    Bold Group Bobtail Member

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    Apr 23, 2019
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    It will not increase the load capacity, I don't know why they say that. We were also confused by it, but other than that it will help with the all the reasons that HaulinCars mentioned.
     
    Last edited: Jul 6, 2019
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  4. bmercer

    bmercer Bobtail Member

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    Sep 27, 2011
    Rolesville,NC
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    How do air bags move weigh to
    How do air bags on the rear move weight to the front.
    I thought the only to shift weight to the front or rear was horizontal movement.
     
  5. HaulinCars

    HaulinCars Medium Load Member

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    Central Florida
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    By lifting the rear so that it is level some weight will be moved forward. Pretty much the same way that load leveling bars (also called spring bars) work on a bumper pull trailer.

    See this link for some additional info. Most relevant info is found directly under the picture of the rig before / after the bars are put on. Notice the front wheels of the truck are barely on the ground. After they are firmly on the ground.

    Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 4,000 lbs GTW, 400 lbs TW Equal-i-z

    ANOTHER THING THE AIR BAGS DO THAT I FORGOT TO MENTION... by keeping apeopriate weight on the front end you have much better steering control. With the front end unloaded and barely on the ground you risk loss of control pretty easily. I have heard many reports from wedge guys that they tried to turn but the truck just kept going straight.. because of not enough traction on the front tires.
     
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  6. bmercer

    bmercer Bobtail Member

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    Sep 27, 2011
    Rolesville,NC
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    Not meant to be argumentative, just for sake of disscussion.
    I pulled a 50' kaufman wedge for a while and never had a problem of not being able to steer the truck.
    Anyone that has pulled one with a fifth wheel hitch can tell you how easy it is to overload the rear axle of the truck on a 3500 or 350 which puts the headlights out of line and will get you flashed with bright lights from other drivers.
    You are talking about two different things here. Air assisted suspension and weight distribution hitches.
    Fifth wheels have three load points, air bags at the rear suspension only moves weight up and down. Weight distribution hitches has four. The fourth (the hitch behind the truck) makes the rear axle of the truck become a fulcrum point which at some point when (over loaded) can start to lift the front of the truck. That's where weight distribution bars come into play. They help spread the applied load from the hitch behind the truck to the chassis on truck and trailer and bring the front of the truck back down. Air bags only lift the chassis at the rear suspension an help level out the truck. They may shift some weight but very minimum at best. I'm sure they give a better a ride and have other benefits as well. I am currently looking at putting Kelderman's suspension system on a Ram 5500 now. Don't if it's worth the money and if it will affect the Hitchcrafters application I have now. You can watch a youtube video here
    or look at there pictures below.
    Another source Weight Distribution Bars and Air Springs
    Weight distribution bars used with Air Lift air helper springs (also called air bags) provide maximum stability and control of your towing vehicle and trailer. Air Lift air springs provide load assistance for your sagging vehicle, and the weight distribution bars redistribute the load and balance your vehicle.

    In many situations, heavier weight distribution bars are used to remedy weak suspensions or when additional cargo in the vehicle causes it to sag. Doing so will result in an unbalanced vehicle, excessive tire wear, and an uncomfortable ride. Add and adjust the correctly sized weight distribution bars to solve your weight balance problems and then add and adjust Air Lift air helper springs to fix your suspension problems.
    all.JPG fulcrum point.JPG fulcrum point.JPG
     
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  7. bmercer

    bmercer Bobtail Member

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    Sep 27, 2011
    Rolesville,NC
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    I know what you are talking about steering.
    I see it all the time with tagalongs pulling skid steers, mini excavators,dump trailers and etc. with unbalanced weight. It's almost like they need right and left rear brakes to steer the truck.
     
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  8. HaulinCars

    HaulinCars Medium Load Member

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    Jan 25, 2014
    Central Florida
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    Not taken as aeguementative at all. Pretty well though out discussion..

    Ill just say i don't fully understand the physics of it but i have personally seen front wheel lift and I have talked to several people with rear air bags and thet report no such issues once the bags were installed.. Not sure exactly how that works but it sure seems to be effective..

    Love the comment about left and right brakes! Exactly correct!
     
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