Trailer sits too low

[Lark40]

I have a 1996 Jeep GC with a 5000 lb towing capacity pulling a 1987 Shoreland'r trailer and Starcraft 22' boat. Starcraft advertises the total tow weight at 3700 lbs, well within the JGC's capacity.<br /><br />But, the trailer sits low, despite new 14" wheels and proper inflation. The trailer hits on some ramps (at the bow support), and I usually have trouble getting the guide wheel down.<br /><br />What's the best way to add one inch of height at the hitch? Can I reverse the hitch tongue? Or, are balls with spacers and longer studs available?

 

[JB]

Re: Trailer sits too low

Hi, Lark40.<br /><br />I assume with 5K tow capacity that you have a class III receiver hitch.<br /><br />The ball mount(that the ball mounts to) can be had with positions from 6" below the receiver to 6" above it.<br /><br />Try turning the assembly over and mount the ball to it from what was the bottom. If that doesn't work, check out the variety of ball mounts available at most marine and Wal Mart stores.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[62_Kiwi]

Re: Trailer sits too low

Hi Lark40<br /><br />If I understand you correctly, you have too much of the rig's weight at the hitch - which could be caused by the boat being too far forward on the trailer, or the trailer wheels being too far back. <br /><br />These things can usually be adjusted easily on the trailer if this is the case.

 

[Lark40]

Re: Trailer sits too low

Thanks Guys,<br /><br />My adding a spare wheel and power winch probably didn't help the weight distribution.<br /><br />Will look at where the boat sits and compare with others. I see in the current Starcraft catalog that this same boat is now pictured on a dual axle Shoreland'r, while mine has only one axle. Makes me wonder what problems they had with the ones like mine....<br /><br />Anyway, for the first step, I will try the easy solution of turning the hitch tongue upside down.

 

[JB]

Re: Trailer sits too low

OOOPS! I made an assumption: That your trailer was correctly set up in the first place.<br /><br />Be sure that 7 to 10% of the total weight is on the tongue. With your rig that would be 300 to 370lb. With the spare and power winch added, you might go to 380lb. a bathroom scale will come close enough at the lower end.<br /><br />If it is off you need to re-balance the whole thing.<br /><br />1. Make sure that there is support under the transom. Move the boat on the trailer if necessary to achieve this.<br />2. Move the trailer on it's undercarriage if necessary to achieve the 300-370 lb on the tongue.<br /><br />Now you are ready to select the ball hitch height.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[cannonfodder]

Re: Trailer sits too low

If that's all it takes to throw a Jeep out of whack I don't want one. Bryce

 

[DJ]

Re: Trailer sits too low

Lark40,<br /><br />JB, is right on. The Jeep GC has a soft rear suspension.<br /><br />Tongue weight should be about 10%.<br /><br />If you need help, look at the articles on Jeep GC towing at: www.trailerboats.com

 

[Mikevn1500]

Re: Trailer sits too low

I have a 92 S10 Blazer 4dr. My boat and trailer go about 2800lbs. I noticed my class3 hitch sits lower than most other simular S10's. I have a 2" drop and all I did was reverse it. Sometimes I still Hit, Maybe it has something to do with the short wheelbase. I never hit with my 2wd W/T But the Blazer While being higher, still has a lower hitch.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Trailer sits too low

Bite the bullet and get extra leaves installed in your jeep. The original intention of the vehicle was for a smooth ride when loaded with people not towing.<br /><br />Beef up the rear suspension and get a drop hitch and reverse it.<br /><br />If you want to enjoy your boat you will just have to make a sacrifice on the empty jeep ride.<br /><br />Don't bother with air shocks go with springs.<br /><br />Bob