How do I balance my trailer?

[steviecops]

Hi<br />I've just bought a boat with a new trailer and I'm not sure how to balance the outfit.<br />When I first hitched the trailer to my car, the rear suspension really dropped. The boat is also difficult to manouvre as it seems there is too much weight forward.<br /><br />I moved the boat back on the trailer about a foot so that I could lift the front of the trailer easily, but the shape of the hull means that the front of the keel now sits about an inch above the front roller. The boat still sits on the 3 other rollers and is supported by the bunks.<br /><br />Should the trailer be balanced so that I can lift the front easily, ie, with one hand, or should there be more weight forward? Also, does it matter that the front of the boat sits above the front roller?<br /><br />Any advice would be gratefully accepted.<br /><br />Thanks<br />Steve

 

[ISkiH2O]

Re: How do I balance my trailer?

The weight of the boat should be supported by the bunks. Usually the rollers guide the boat on but are not supporting the boat. You need to have the transom supported by the bunks, don't have the boat hanging past the bunks.<br />I usually try and have 8-10% of the total weight (boat and trailer) on the hitch. It is usually easier to move the axle(s) forward to lighten the tongue. To light and it will sway.

 

[DJ]

Re: How do I balance my trailer?

steviecops,<br /><br />The 8-10% rule on tongue weight is accurate.<br /><br />The rollers and bunks should share the support role equally.<br /><br />As mentioned, it is sometimes preferred to move the axle rather than the winch stand.

 

[steviecops]

Re: How do I balance my trailer?

Thanks for the advice. I suspected that I might have to move the axle, but was hoping to avoid doing that! Thats why I tried the easy option first.<br /><br />I'll put the winch post back where it was and move the axle.<br /><br />Thanks again.<br />Steve

 

[JB]

Re: How do I balance my trailer?

Ahoy, Steve.<br /><br />I agree with: 10% of total weight on the ball, transom must be supported by bunks.<br /><br />On whether the bunks or rollers should support most of the weight, it depends on the boat.<br /><br />Boston Whaler used to insist that the rollers carry the weight and bunks merely stabilize. Other makers want the weight mainly on the bunks.<br /><br />This is because of the type of construction of the boat. . . where the strength is.<br /><br />Check with the boat maker. If you can't do that, DJohns' suggestion is probably best.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[steviecops]

Re: How do I balance my trailer?

Thanks.<br />My boat is a 17 ft Wilson Flyer. It's a British built tri-hull, or cathederal hull as we call them over here. As far as I know, the centre rollers are meant to support the weight of the boat along the centre keel. The bunks are there for stabilising the boat as far as I am aware.<br /><br />How do I tell what percentage of the total weight is on the ball?

 

[DJ]

Re: How do I balance my trailer?

steviecops,<br /><br />The most accurtate way is to go to public scale. <br /><br />Do this.<br /><br />1. Weigh the boat/trailer alone.<br /><br />2. Weigh the boat/trailer hooked up to the vehicle yet with the tow vehicle not on the scale.<br /><br />3. Subtract one from two.<br /><br />Sometimes you can put the tongue on a bathroom scale, however, I never found that to work very well.

 

[steviecops]

Re: How do I balance my trailer?

Thanks for the advice. I'll do as you suggest.