hitch angle

[drknute3]

Re: hitch angle

pics don't seem that drastic. hard to tell the slope of the driveway though.

i think i'd flip the 2" drop over to make it a 2" lift and see if you can tow and get it in the garage that way.

The 2 inch drop only leaves about 1/2" clearance backing it in the garage so thats all I have to work with. Does the angle look bad with the drop hitch? the driveway is fairly level where the rig is sitting.

 

[j_martin]

Re: hitch angle

There are 2 ways to mount tandem axels. One is with each axle independently sprung. The other way uses a rocker between the springs which pivots to balance the load on the springs.

With the rocker, the trailer can be towed at any angle that doesn't bottom out the rockers. There is no penalty, as the rocker effectively makes a single pivot point between the springs. With a high load, a lower tongue shifts the weight slightly forward, which could be significant with a light tow vehicle.

If the axles are independently sprung, you have to tow it level.

I can't imagine that load on that trailer with independent springing. It would push that little tow truck all over the road.

Just hook it up and go boating.

hope it helps
John

 

[drknute3]

Re: hitch angle

There are 2 ways to mount tandem axels. One is with each axle independently sprung. The other way uses a rocker between the springs which pivots to balance the load on the springs.

With the rocker, the trailer can be towed at any angle that doesn't bottom out the rockers. There is no penalty, as the rocker effectively makes a single pivot point between the springs. With a high load, a lower tongue shifts the weight slightly forward, which could be significant with a light tow vehicle.

If the axles are independently sprung, you have to tow it level.

I can't imagine that load on that trailer with independent springing. It would push that little tow truck all over the road.

Just hook it up and go boating.

hope it helps
John

So if the springing is connected between the two axles and not independant, then I can tow it at any reasonable angle and not have to have perfectly level?

 

[drknute3]

Re: hitch angle

Looked at the springs and they are joined together. Does that mean its OK for me to tow with the lower bar?

 

[guy74]

Re: hitch angle

As long as it doesn't effect launching the boat, it should be ok to pull the trailer with the lower hitch. We pull tandom axle stock trailers "nose high" all the time so that the rear is lower to make loading cattle easier. As long as the equalizer linkage isn't out of travel both axles should share the weight more or less the same.

 

[j_martin]

Re: hitch angle

So if the springing is connected between the two axles and not independant, then I can tow it at any reasonable angle and not have to have perfectly level?

Yup.

 

[drknute3]

Re: hitch angle

Thanks for all the advice, its gonna save alot of time not having to change that dang thing every time

 

[bruceb58]

Re: hitch angle

I totally disagree. You tow it like that with a large angle and your surge brakes are going to be constantly dragging.

 

[shorts&chanclas]

Re: hitch angle

I think its fine.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: hitch angle

Level is the best way no matter what.

 

[j_martin]

Re: hitch angle

I totally disagree. You tow it like that with a large angle and your surge brakes are going to be constantly dragging.

Why? If the trailer is tilted forward, it doesn't make it go downhill, unless it's on a hill. It wouldn't add any forward thrust to the brake slide in the tongue.

hope it helps
John

 

[guy74]

Re: hitch angle

As Ken said "Level is best", but the little bit out of level your boat will be will not hurt anything, especially if your just towing 15 miles. If I was in your position I'd just tow with the dropped towbar, not worth the hassle to change it out to tow 15 miles, IMHO

 

[cribber]

Re: hitch angle

I have the opposite problem that my receiver sits low and I need a hitch with approximately 6 inches of lift. So instead of dragging around several hitches I opted for this one.

http://www.gandermountain.com/modpe...t&cname=Hitches&aID=507C3&merchID=4006&r=view

It's adjustable using just a 3/8" ratchet and it is rated for 5000lbs with 500lbs of tongue weight. I use this to pull a Glastron GT-185 and utility trailer. Works great so far and I trailer every weekend to the local lakes about 15 minutes away. Gotta add that it's all local roads since the ramp furthest from my house is 7 miles.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: hitch angle

I have the opposite problem that my receiver sits low and I need a hitch with approximately 6 inches of lift. So instead of dragging around several hitches I opted for this one.

http://www.gandermountain.com/modpe...t&cname=Hitches&aID=507C3&merchID=4006&r=view

It's adjustable using just a 3/8" ratchet and it is rated for 5000lbs with 500lbs of tongue weight. I use this to pull a Glastron GT-185 and utility trailer. Works great so far and I trailer every weekend to the local lakes about 15 minutes away. Gotta add that it's all local roads since the ramp furthest from my house is 7 miles.

Looks like a great piece of equipment for anyone that has the "level towing blues"

 

[bruceb58]

Re: hitch angle

Why? If the trailer is tilted forward, it doesn't make it go downhill, unless it's on a hill. It wouldn't add any forward thrust to the brake slide in the tongue.

Hmmm...I see your point.

 

[drknute3]

Re: hitch angle

I have the opposite problem that my receiver sits low and I need a hitch with approximately 6 inches of lift. So instead of dragging around several hitches I opted for this one.

http://www.gandermountain.com/modpe...t&cname=Hitches&aID=507C3&merchID=4006&r=view

It's adjustable using just a 3/8" ratchet and it is rated for 5000lbs with 500lbs of tongue weight. I use this to pull a Glastron GT-185 and utility trailer. Works great so far and I trailer every weekend to the local lakes about 15 minutes away. Gotta add that it's all local roads since the ramp furthest from my house is 7 miles.

Thats perfect!!! I will probably just use it opposite of the picture since I need alot more rise for level and then drop it all the way down for parking it in the garage. Thanks!!!

 

[j_martin]

Re: hitch angle

Thats perfect!!! I will probably just use it opposite of the picture since I need alot more rise for level and then drop it all the way down for parking it in the garage. Thanks!!!

Don't get too excited. If your hitch is that low, and you invert the nifty Gander Mountain thing, you'll probably drag the "tower" on the road.

John

 

[drknute3]

Re: hitch angle

Don't get too excited. If your hitch is that low, and you invert the nifty Gander Mountain thing, you'll probably drag the "tower" on the road.

John

Good point, and thanks for the buzz kill

 

[j_martin]

Re: hitch angle

Good point, and thanks for the buzz kill

Any time. Glad to be of service.

Just run it on the low hitch and claim "California rake" for the boat.

hope it helps
John