Trailer hitch whats better: a little high or a little low?

[cougar15]

Hi, I'm just got my first boat this season and I have a question about the trailer hitch rise. With the hitch that I have now the trailer is a little high of level at the hitch. I've been looking at getting a different rise to bring it down to level but so far the ones I have found localy would bring it down too far so that it would be a little low of level at the hitch. I know that the ideal would be to have it level but if I can't find a rise that will put me right on the money which would be the better case, a little high or a little low of level at the hitch?

 

[DJ]

Re: Trailer hitch whats better: a little high or a little low?

Slightly high is better.<br /><br />However, slightly high will reduce tongue weight-somewhat. If it doesn't sway with the tongue higher, you're OK.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trailer hitch whats better: a little high or a little low?

A little high also means the back of the boat and hence the engine is riding closer to the ground. Make sure the engine has sufficient road clearance. If its tilted up -- no problem.

 

[cougar15]

Re: Trailer hitch whats better: a little high or a little low?

Originally posted by DJ:<br /> Slightly high is better.<br /><br />However, slightly high will reduce tongue weight-somewhat. If it doesn't sway with the tongue higher, you're OK.

It rides fine up to 60 mph, if I try to go faster than 60 the trailer will start to sway.

 

[DJ]

Re: Trailer hitch whats better: a little high or a little low?

You may be a bit light, on the tongue. Can you move the winch stand forward? If so, that will give you more tongue weight.

 

[cougar15]

Re: Trailer hitch whats better: a little high or a little low?

Originally posted by DJ:<br /> You may be a bit light, on the tongue. Can you move the winch stand forward? If so, that will give you more tongue weight.

Nope, it's already as far forward as it can go. If it is light on the tongue, using a lower rise should help, right?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Trailer hitch whats better: a little high or a little low?

personally i prefer lower than higher. as wing resistance tends to lighten the tongue weight.

 

[IL GLASTRON]

Re: Trailer hitch whats better: a little high or a little low?

Yes, lower it, I prefer to have more weight on the car, eliminates sway...

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Trailer hitch whats better: a little high or a little low?

If you can't move the winch post/bow stop and therefore move the boat forward, you may be able to move the axle backward slightly. If you do move the winch post/bow stop, make sure the stern of the boat does not run off the rollers if you have them. Makes it tough to launch that way.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Trailer hitch whats better: a little high or a little low?

They are available in two inch increments. You should be able to get it within an inch of level. Changes in your tow vehicle such as the amount of gasoline or passengers would make a difference greater than this.<br /><br />I would suggest high if you're looking at it with an empty tow vehicle. Loading will bring it down.<br /><br />If your tongue weight is not within specs, adjust this first, then the ball mount height.