How to set up new trailer

[crestapre]

I have a 27' boat with twins. The trailer that I got from a friend fits the boat lenght but with the twins it is rearend heavy. When trailering the boat will begin to fishtail at ~45 mph. From what I understand this occurs whrn the balance is rearward. How do I set up this trailer without going through a lot of trial and error? It is a chore to move this size boat.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: How to set up new trailer

Is there any room to move the boat forward on the trailer? Can you reposition the bow post?<br /><br />What you describe is really, really unsafe. Too little tongue weight can be disastrous, and I'd sure hate to hear about an accident.<br /><br />You might be able to shift some internal weight in the boat, but whether you can do enough to properly balance it is questionable.<br /><br />Where's the fuel tank in the boat? How about batteries. Both are heavy items. You probably can't move the fuel tank, but the batteries are a possibility.<br /><br />What is your current tongue weight?

 

[CATransplant]

Re: How to set up new trailer

Oh, yeah...one other possibility, and maybe the best, is to move the axle(s) toward the back of the trailer. That will shift the center of balance and add more tongue weight.<br /><br />A lot of work, to be sure, but better a lot of work now and no wreck on the freeway while towing.<br /><br />The one thing I'm sure of is that you shouldn't tow this boat as it is now, except to a place that can fix this problem and at very low speed.

 

[KCSteve]

Re: How to set up new trailer

I imagine this is a heavy boat. Is your tow vehicle capable of towing this size boat. If it is then you will need to increase tongue weight. First you need to know total weight of boat inc fuel and gear and trailer. Find local truck stop with scale. They will usually weigh it for minimal fee. Tongue weight should be 5% to 10%. The closer to 10 the better. You may be able to move gear or boat forward enough to get enough tongue weight. With some trailers you can move the axles back. You may also need a WD hitch. I had to increase tongue weight on my boat and yes it involved some trial and error and was quite a chore but not near as bad as the alternative

 

[JB]

Re: How to set up new trailer

1. Locate the boat on the trailer so that the transom is supported by bunks, rollers or keel roller and the winch tower does not interfere with the tow vehicle in a turn.<br /><br />2. Move the axle (cradle) assembly under the trailer frame as required to place 7-10% of total weight on the trailer tongue. In extreme cases this might need new bolt holes drilled for the cradle. Should that happen, question the weight capacity of the trailer.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[crestapre]

Re: How to set up new trailer

Thanks for the input.<br /><br />Yes, I can move the trailer tongue forward to another hole ~12". This will allow me to move the bow roller forward as well. I don't know what the tongue weight is I guess that I'll have to try to find out. I'll have to set this up for my next haul.

 

[crestapre]

Re: How to set up new trailer

No,the axles can't be moved. They are welded in and hooked together with some kind of suspension pivot arm.

 

[JB]

Re: How to set up new trailer

Welded to the frame? I doubt it, unless you have a POJ trailer.<br /><br />Towing that big a boat on anything but a correctly rigged trailer is an invitation to disaster, regardless of the tow vehicle.<br /><br />Speaking of tow vehicles: What are you towing it with? Does the trailer have 4 wheel brakes?