Question on Tongue weight

[carpedium]

What should the tongue weight be on my 17.5' Tin boat?

It feels like its pretty heavy - probably about 180lbs. I am thinking of moving the axel forward one or two notches.

Pic:

What do you guys think?

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Question on Tongue weight

What should the tongue weight be on my 17.5' Tin boat?

It feels like its pretty heavy - probably about 180lbs. I am thinking of moving the axel forward one or two notches.

I'd actually weigh it first. Lifting a tongue can be deceiving, they always seem heavier than they are.

180 isn't too far off from that load, probably 15%. Hard to tell from the pic, but it looks like you might have a little wiggle room to move the boat back. Doesn't take much, even an inch can make a difference.

 

[joewithaboat]

Re: Question on Tongue weight

My trailer manufacturer recommends 6%. Some folks will say as high as 10-15% . Too much is probably safer than too little. A bathroom scale and a piece of 2X4 (cut to give same height as your hitch does) will tell you your tongue weight but you need an accurate weight of the boat and gear. Near me a metal scrap yard was the closest scale. My local truck stop has one as well.

I'm using 6% and it tows wonderfully and is easy to maneuver by hand off the vehicle.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Question on Tongue weight

... It feels like ... 180lbs. ... What do you guys think?

I think you are really strong! 180lbs is a lot to lift for one person.

Remenber to lift/weigh it right at the Ball Socket.
If you lift/weigh it a few inches back on the tongue, it will be even more!

 

[carpedium]

Re: Question on Tongue weight

I think you are really strong! 180lbs is a lot to lift for one person.

Remenber to lift/weigh it right at the Ball Socket.
If you lift/weigh it a few inches back on the tongue, it will be even more!

It really is a two person ordeal, unless you really strain yourself!

 

[carpedium]

Re: Question on Tongue weight

My trailer manufacturer recommends 6%. Some folks will say as high as 10-15% . Too much is probably safer than too little. A bathroom scale and a piece of 2X4 (cut to give same height as your hitch does) will tell you your tongue weight but you need an accurate weight of the boat and gear. Near me a metal scrap yard was the closest scale. My local truck stop has one as well.

I'm using 6% and it tows wonderfully and is easy to maneuver by hand off the vehicle.

Very good, I'll do the test to see what the actual tongue weight is first. Thanks for the tip.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Question on Tongue weight

It really is a two person ordeal, unless you really strain yourself!

I feel better now. I was feeling a little wimpy when I thought you were single-handing a 180lb tongue.

I agree, you may indeed be a bit over weight on the hitch.

 

[ricohman]

Re: Question on Tongue weight

180 lbs?
I think thats about perfect for what you have.

 

[joewithaboat]

Re: Question on Tongue weight

Using the theory of SWAG id guess that whole rig at 2,500 lbs or so.


S tupid
W lid
A ss
G uess

 

[Skiya]

Re: Question on Tongue weight

http://www.boatus.com/trailerclub/magazine/2012/march/TongueWeight.asp