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Posts: 512
| hi all, did a search and didnt see anything on this topic.
I usually try to find a hitch that runs my boat/trailer level when connected, but just wondered if you think its all right to be a little low in front? im tired of buying different drop/rise hitches for different vehicles, and the one i have now is an inch or two lower in the front. i kind of like it that way, keeps my motor a little higher, but just wondered what you all think.. probably will go down some more when the jeep is loaded for a trip as well..
thanks!
Dave |
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Posts: 983
| as long as its close you will be fine....Just make sure nothing is gonna drag hitting a bump or something....I pull with 2 different trucks and use same hitch for both and they not perfectly level and never had an issue |
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Posts: 1144
Location: Minnesota. | Level is best. What you DO NOT want is a tongue that pulls up on your trailer ball! That causes the rig to fishtail.
A little weight downward on the ball is good too and some prefer it. |
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Location: Eastern Ontario | I recently read somewhere that you should have about 10 pounds of tongue weight for every foot of boat. |
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Posts: 8788
| Might want to just get a taller ball if you're only off a bit. |
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Posts: 512
| ok, ill measure it next time im hooked up. i just eyeballed it, looks a couple inches lower in the front.
i didnt think it would be a big deal, just want to make sure i dont have any problems, cause i haul cross country twice a year.
thanks! |
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Posts: 3480
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | Hi Dave,
Should not be a problem... So long as the rig is level or just a touch lower, all will be good.
Might I suggest getting an adjustable hitch ball? Save you the $$ of needing to purchase a new receiver with each new vehicle.... Some can be very expensive, but might be worth it if you are pulling multiple trailers of various sizes and heights..
Steve |
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Posts: 2687
Location: Hayward, WI | I agree with level or a little nose down. Nose down a bit puts a little more weight on the tongue.
Slightly different scenario, but this winter I converted a popup camper into permanent ice shack. It was a bit light on the tongue and was just slightly tongue high. Very bad uncomfortable situation that nearly sent me straight into the ditch when i hit a bump and ice. The truck having the ability to lock and unlock certain tires is what I think saved me. Not sure driving skill alone would have done it.
Anyway, that's just my example of making sure your trailer doesn't try to lift the back of your tow vehicle up.
Edited by curleytail 6/24/2017 10:17 PM
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Posts: 1209
| 8-12% tongue weight and if you have tandems you need to be within .5", singles within 2" should be fine as long as the front and rear of the trailer don't drag on the ground, the whole four inches of plus minus though there won't affect tongue weight by more than half of a percent. |
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Location: 31 | The first question should be double/single axle trailer?
The tongue weight is controlled by moving the boat/gear on the trailer, and not so much height of the ball versus trailer level.
I would add that if you're running a tandem dead level the rear tires will naturally wear faster than the front tires on your trailer, it would be better to be trailer nose down a touch for more even trailer tire wear… all things being equal.
Edited by Jerry Newman 6/25/2017 10:18 AM
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Posts: 512
| VMS - 6/24/2017 8:33 PM
Hi Dave,
Should not be a problem... So long as the rig is level or just a touch lower, all will be good.
Might I suggest getting an adjustable hitch ball? Save you the $$ of needing to purchase a new receiver with each new vehicle.... Some can be very expensive, but might be worth it if you are pulling multiple trailers of various sizes and heights..
Steve
Hey Steve, how ya doing? i have thought about that as well, i really just need to settle on one vehicle and this wouldnt be a problem! and for those asking, its a single axle trailer. i will probably just leave it as is, but i will inspect it more closely before setting off across country.
Are you heading north again soon? we are going to try early September for LOTW this year, was getting too dam crowded in July!
thanks Steve and take care |
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Posts: 3480
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | Hiya!!
My wife and I have also moved our trip to Mid-end of August. We have the Algae to deal with, but the lack of boats was a welcome exchange. July is a mad house up there now...
Things are going well otherwise...life is really good!!
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Posts: 512
| Good to hear Steve!
someday we will run in to each other up there!
take care and let me know how you guys do! |
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