Tongue Weight

[LuckyPenny]

How do you adjust the tongue weight of a trailer? I was told to move the wheels forward, but how much? is there a rule of thumb? Thanks

 

[JB]

Re: Tongue Weight

Yes, LP. Move the suspension carriage forward or back to get less or more weight on the tongue.<br /><br />I don't know a rule for estimating how much. It probably depends on the boat and trailer.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Tongue Weight

Very basic rule is 10% to 15% of overall weight on the tongue - lots of variables though.<br /><br />Aldo

 

[Realgun]

Re: Tongue Weight

Get a weight of the boat and trailer together. Then figure 10%. Put the front jack on a bathroom scale unless you boat is over 3500 LBS. There is no rule as to how much to move the wheels. Move to rear makes it a heavier tongue and to front for lighter.

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: Tongue Weight

If you have leeway on bunks, rollers, and winch pylon, you can move the boat forward/backward a bit to adjust tongue weight.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Tongue Weight

A boat trailer should have between 5% and 7% of its weight on the tongue. <br /><br /> http://www.shorelandr.com/pages/forum/f_trstep3.html <br /><br />Other types of trailer should have about 10%.<br /><br />Fit the boat on the trailer correctly first. Make sure the transom is supported by the bunks or rollers.<br /><br /><br />Take the trailer (with boat, fuel, etc) to a public scale and pull onto the scale with the trailer wheels on the scale and the tow vehicle wheels off the scale. Get the weight. Put the trailer jack down (on the scale) and uncouple the tow vehicle. Get the weight. This is the weight of the trailer. Subtract the other figure and you have the tongue weight.<br /><br />There is no "rule of thumb", there are too many variables. I would try three or four inches to start. Make sure you keep the axles perpendicular to the trailer frame.

 

[ScubaGuy]

Re: Tongue Weight

Hi. My boat is listed at 3,650 lbs (24' bowrider Four Winns). I know little about trailers, but I presume I'm headed for a twin axle? What about brakes? Is it safe buying a used trailer from a local boat dealer? Galvenized or aluminum? I just don't know the answers. Thanks for your help.

 

[gutshot grouper]

Re: Tongue Weight

You don't need a rule of thumb, you can calculate the weight transfer by measuring the distance from the ball to the extreme rearmost point on the transom, or motor or outdrive. Take the current tongue weight , if you want to increase it 10 percent, just move the axle 10 per cent of the way from the ball to the rearmost point, that'l do it, conversely if you want to decreaseit do the reverse,, Simpleton in Raleigh