Tongue weight, single axle vs tandem

[gt]

Have always had smaller (16' and smaller) boats. 10% +/- tongue weight always worked fine.

Going to a 20' with tandem trailer, total weight for boat/motor/trailer/gear, 3700-4000lbs.

Do you still figure around 10% tongue weight with tandem axles (400lbs sounds heavy)? Are tandems any more/less sensitive to tongue weight? I assume they are more sensitive to tongue height.

Thanks,
Gary

 

[BaileysBoat]

Re: Tongue weight, single axle vs tandem

Make sure the trailer is level when hooked up, use the correct drop on the draw bar.

9-15%. Get the rig weighed if you can.

http://www.sherline.com/lmbook.htm#refrn9

 

[arks]

Re: Tongue weight, single axle vs tandem

Do you still figure around 10% tongue weight with tandem axles (400lbs sounds heavy)?

Yes - 10 to 15%

Are tandems any more/less sensitive to tongue weight?

Not from my experience. Tandems usually haul a bigger load so it might SEEM a bit more sensitive at first.

I assume they are more sensitive to tongue height.

I guess. But any trailer should be towed level.
It's particularly important if the trailer has brakes on both axles. The trailer needs to be level for them to work most efficiently.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Tongue weight, single axle vs tandem

10 to 15% as said. Reference only so fine tune it on the first few trips

 

[dingbat]

Re: Tongue weight, single axle vs tandem

Having had both types of trailers I can say with some confidence that a tandem is much less sensitive to tongue weight than a single axle trailer.

Tongue weight on a tandem typically runs a lot lighter than a single. If I remember correctly mine is running between 7-8%. Still pushing the trucks max. tongue weight of #500 pretty hard.

 

[180Fisherman]

Re: Tongue weight, single axle vs tandem

Enough weight to drop the rear of your tow vehicle at least 1" but no more than 3". 2" is a happy medium.

 

[gt]

Re: Tongue weight, single axle vs tandem

Thank you gentlemen. Now, when the new boat comes in, we'll see how the dealer sets it up...

Gary

 

[JASinIL2006]

On a number of F150 forums I visit, they will tell you the 10% rule for tomgue weights isn’t necessary due to a boat’s wind-slicing profile. Concensus there is 6-8% tongue weight for most boats. 10-15% is for flat-front travel trailers and such.

 

[bruceb58]

On a number of F150 forums I visit, they will tell you the 10% rule for tomgue weights isn’t necessary due to a boat’s wind-slicing profile. Concensus there is 6-8% tongue weight for most boats. 10-15% is for flat-front travel trailers and such.

Major thread resurrection because of a forum spammer!

Boats also have a different type of load. Since the engine is in the rear, it s very heavy so the trailer axles tend to be further to the rear. Between where the axles are and the center of gravity, the tongue weight can be less and still have good stability.

My new to me cobalt is 4800# dry and the trailer likely weighs 1500#. With an empty fuel tank and a three or so hundred pounds of gear and batteries, my total weight is around 6600#. My tongue weight measured with my Sherline scale is 600# or around 9%.

My wellcraft in my signature is even lower percentge tongue weight and it tows beautifully. It likely has a lower tongue weight because of the big block engine in it.