Recreational Vans
Stability while towing hinges on how mass is shared between axles. A weight distribution tune up corrects front end lightness, trailer wander, and braking drama by moving part of the tongue weight back to the tow vehicle front axle and across the trailer axles. The target tongue weight is generally 10 to 15 percent of total trailer weight, measured with cargo and water on board. When tongue weight is too low, sway grows with speed or wind. When it is too high, the rear suspension sags, headlights point up, and steering loses bite. A proper tune up aims for a level stance, a trailer that tracks straight, and a tow vehicle that turns and stops like it should.
Start with actual numbers. Weigh your loaded trailer and tow vehicle on multi platform scales, and record axle weights unhitched and then hitched with and without the weight distributing bars engaged. A good outcome restores a meaningful portion of lost front axle load, per common practice and SAE guidance. Verify that total weight stays within the tow vehicle GVWR, each axle GAWR, the hitch rating, and the trailer rating. Confirm tongue weight sits near that 10 to 15 percent window. Measure fender heights front and rear to track ride height change. Lastly, check trailer attitude side to side and front to back so it runs level.
A well tuned system reduces sway amplitude, sharpens steering feedback, and keeps the rear shocks from overheating on long grades. Braking improves because front tires regain normal contact patch pressure. Tires run cooler with more even load, and bearings and brakes see less stress. In short, the tune up protects components while making the trip less tiring.
Begin with a baseline. Park on level ground, set tire pressures to the values on the door placard for the tow vehicle and to the trailer tire sidewall spec, then measure fender heights and record unhitched axle weights if possible. Set the drop or rise so the hitch ball sits at the right height for a level trailer. Attach the trailer, then set the hitch head tilt and spring bar tension per the manufacturer’s approach, commonly by adding washers for head angle and selecting the correct chain link or cam position.
Perform an initial pull to settle the suspension, then remeasure fender heights and axle weights. The goal is to return front axle load toward the unhitched value while keeping rear axle load within rating and maintaining a level trailer. Adjust bar tension in small steps, rechecking measurements. Set any sway control device, whether a friction unit or cam style, according to instructions and conditions. Road test at moderate speeds on a calm day, using a safe route, and listen for clunks or binding. Re torque fasteners after the first fifty to one hundred miles and recheck bar tension with the trailer loaded as it will be used.
If you carry gear that moves your center of mass, repeat measurements with that specific load. Small changes in water, tools, motorcycles, or kayaks can shift tongue weight by several points. Consider alignment checks on the tow vehicle, especially toe and caster, after adding persistent tongue weight. Trailer axle alignment and brake balance also matter; a skewed axle or dragging brake will mimic a bad tune and cook tires.
Every platform behaves a bit differently. Half ton trucks often benefit from stiffer rear damping and correct tire load range when towing near the top of their rating. Heavy duty trucks may need less bar tension to keep steering natural. Vans with tall bodies can be more sensitive to crosswinds and may require careful attention to tongue weight and sway control. On the trailer side, tandem axles spread load across more contact patches, which can help stability if the trailer rides level. Single axle trailers respond quickly to hitch height changes and may show larger differences in sway with small setup errors.
For camper style loads, remember that water tanks, batteries, and spare wheels influence balance. Fresh water ahead of the axle adds tongue weight, while rear cargo carriers pull weight off the tongue. Stow dense items low and close to the axle line to keep the center of gravity calm. Finally, monitor heat. A short infrared scan at fuel stops across drums, hubs, and tire tread can reveal imbalance long before a failure.
OZK Customs brings this tune up mindset to real world rigs. Our shop evaluates axle loads, measures tongue weight under live conditions, and dials hitch head angle, spring bar tension, and tire strategy to match your use case. We also look at suspension health, shock valving choices, and alignment so your rig tracks straight and brakes with confidence. If you are exploring a new adventure build, see our recreational vans. For tailored layouts and chassis tuning, explore our custom build van. If you prefer proven foundations with financing options, review our mainstream vans.
We do not rent vehicles, and we do not provide instructions for do it yourself builds. Instead, we deliver professional assessments and upgrades that respect ratings and prioritize safety. Whether you tow a cargo trailer for motos, a teardrop for weekend trips, or a full camper for long hauls, a careful weight distribution tune up pays off at the first on ramp and on every mile after.
Contact us to schedule a hands on evaluation and leave with a rig that feels planted, steers cleanly, and stops with authority.
OZK Customs builds and tunes adventure ready vehicles that tow safely and drive better. Book a session to measure, adjust, and validate your setup, then pick up your rig at our Fayetteville Arkansas shop and head straight for the open road.
Ready to dial in your rig the right way? Book a pro weight and balance assessment with OZK Customs. Our team measures tongue weight, restores front axle load, and tunes hitch and suspension so you tow calmer, stop shorter, and arrive with confidence. Schedule your consultation today.
ADDRESS:
6159 E Huntsville Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72701
PHONE:
(479) 326-9200
EMAIL:
info@ozkvans.com