Low Tongue Weight

[glrichards]

Have a new pontoon 24 ft and a new trailer Karavan 2225-39 tandem with brakes on the front axel. The toon and trailer weigh 3395 lbs on truck stop scales. Only had 140 lbs tongue weight moved the toon forward 5 ins and picked up 40lbs to 180. I can only move about 4 more ins forward that would bring the weight up to 220 will that be ok or should I move the axels to the back to pick up more tongue weight.

 

[dave11]

Re: Low Tongue Weight

I'd just move it as far forward as possible. That will give you a tongue weight of about 6.5%. For a boat that should be OK. I think moving the axels is overkill on a relatively light rig.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Low Tongue Weight

It's a tandem axle which is less sensitive to tongue weight than a single axle. Move the post forward as far as you can and try it.

 

[erikgreen]

Re: Low Tongue Weight

Shoot for 10 percent of the trailer and boat weight as tongue weight. Less may be okay for very light boats, but err on the side of caution.

FYI, moving the boat forward works, but moving the axles back will also work, and will increase your effective tongue length while backing, making steering a bit easier (if less sensitive) when backing up.

Erik

 

[JoeCrow]

Re: Low Tongue Weight

Don't mean to jack the thread,
But is 10% of total weight really a good estimate for tongue weight?
If so, I'm way underweight on the tongue

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Low Tongue Weight

Loading your gear up front at the bow end can make all the difference as well. If it gives enough then you save a lot of messing around.

 

[glrichards]

Re: Low Tongue Weight

I moved the tongue foward far as it will go that gave me 250 lbs. That is a little over 7.3% that should be good on a tandem trailer, if not I will load a bit heavy in the bow.

 

[Nova II 260]

Re: Low Tongue Weight

I'm with Erik G. For me a longer tongue makes for easier towing/launching/loading. Load all your coolers and gear in the front of the toon. Maybe put a toolbox on the tongue with chargers spare tire, etc.
Eric H

 

[glrichards]

Re: Low Tongue Weight

Took the toon out today and the trailer pulled great.

Thanks for all the help

 

[Salmonseeker]

Re: Low Tongue Weight

Don't mean to jack the thread,
But is 10% of total weight really a good estimate for tongue weight?
If so, I'm way underweight on the tongue

Most people on this forum recommend 10%. However most boat trailer manufacturers recommend 5-7%, some recommend 5-10%

Here are some links to trailer manufacturers recommendations;

http://www.loadrite.com/Support/Maintaining_Your_Trailer/Trailer_Adjustment_Boat_Trailers/76/
http://www.shorelandr.com/pages/forum/f_trstep3.html
http://www.karavantrailers.com/faq.cfm#q9
http://www.ezloadercustoms.com/parts_catalog_order.htm#fishtail

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Low Tongue Weight

Range of 5% to 10% is a rule of thumb but the bottom line is whatever works for your individual outfit.