question about moving axles and tongue weight

[ONERCBOATER]

I am looking at moving the axle (total length 24ft axle center at 18 foot from hitch, wanting to move it to 16ft from hitch to take some load off my hitch... currently there is more than 600lbs (judged by 3 strong men not being able to lift tongue) on my hitch and I don't like that. looking for 150-200lbs tongue weight. There is some contention between friends and I, i think this is a good idea, a few of my friends agree, and several others say "no it will ride wrong if you do that."
The trailer wasn't designed for this boat (20ft pontoon turned into a micro houseboat). my worry is that I don't think I want that much weight on tongue.... Anyhow figured the trailer guru's could likely field this question off cuff, and I thank you for your time in advance.

Sean

 

[rbh]

Re: question about moving axles and tongue weight

First thing I would do before I moved the axle ahead is determine if the trailer can handle the weight of the micro house boat.
(are you going to be over the legal GVW of the trailer with the boat on)

 

[JB]

Re: question about moving axles and tongue weight

Once you determine that ^^^, you need to weigh the rig. Position the axle(s) to have 7-10% of total weight on the hitch.

 

[ONERCBOATER]

Re: question about moving axles and tongue weight

.... going to scales tomorrow PM to check weights all around, I gonna weigh boat+trailer+truck ($9.50) then boat and trailer ($1) then trailer tongue weight ($1) then when boat dropped at lake.. trailer only ($1) so ya I agree with ya regarding checking weights. Very sure trailer weight ok, as the trailer was originally built for a heavier houseboat, and what is on it now is a 20ft 1988 tracker pontoon with a 10ft cabin and a 20hp merc, but better safe than sorry. I forget what the weight was for the pontoon boat as it left tracker was... but i remember being surprised when speaking with tracker about it, made them repeat and double check weight as it was under 2k lbs from the factory. figuring less than 550lbs for cabin (1" aluminum tubing, and .020 sheeting and total glass area of 42x100 of 3/16 safety glass, and 48x96 of 1/2 ply, and 1 sliding glass door (older style single pane) I know i gonna be close to limit of my towing capacity, and will know for sure tomorrow and post info in case someone else needs it in future. Currently looking for a bigger truck that is ugly and cheap but runs well just in case.

sean

 

[Robbabob]

Re: question about moving axles and tongue weight

Yes, it's all about the math. Figure total weight, then center of gravity, then allow for 10% onto the tongue. Never been good at describing it as just making the calculations.

Cool direction tomorrow

 

[ONERCBOATER]

Re: question about moving axles and tongue weight

well update, still going to scale but trailer didn't squat truck last night when I pulled her out of yard to street, had 1.5-2" of drop at rear bumper thinking truck is happy, but still going to visit scales just to make sure. almost LOL when i pulled it out of yard, my lil 2002 nissan v6 4x4 crewcab long bed frontier almost didn't know it was there.... so unless the scales tell me otherwise... happy happy joy joy.

Sean

 

[Robbabob]

Re: question about moving axles and tongue weight

Doesn't sound like 600#. Perhaps y'all ain't as strong as you used to be or think you are ;-)

Interested to hear the results at the scales.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: question about moving axles and tongue weight

nobody is as strong as they think they are after a couple beers!!

Just sayin!!

 

[ONERCBOATER]

Re: question about moving axles and tongue weight

well saturday proved to be a long and tiring day, got the trailer finished , went to get the boat............ :redface: looked at the water....... thought what am i doing... took boat out for test run and spent rest of afternoon on the water :facepalm: .... i know i know i procrastinated then too tired to weigh in... and found i had to move things about to level boat...about 450lbs of people to get a level ride. So... going to move some permanent weights on the boat 1st then weigh in this week. Then sunday had to install lighting in car port and clean up boat building/project mess....then yard...... almost couldn't wait to come to work so i could relax a bit. So if wife willing I will take her and Jr and likely bro and sis in law out for the day this weekend after laying to rest how heavy the trailer and tongue load is, and making a correction if needed.

Sean

 

[Thalasso]

Re: question about moving axles and tongue weight

Eaiser to buy weight distribution hitch