would moving boat back 12inches make a difference?

[letsbarbq]

hello wise experienced boaters.<br /><br />I have a little problem when it comes to trailer my boat. When pulling, my truck and boat will see-saw whenever we go over a bump.<br /><br />I've been reading and it says that I must have to much tongue weight. I noticed that my boat is all the way up front and the bow is almost directly over the truck's bed.<br /><br />My question is- would mivong the winch and bow stop back 12 inches make the sea-saw action worst or better or nothing. <br /><br />I just want to know if there are any precautions I sshould know before I let the boat go and move it back.<br /><br />thanks

 

[ICEMAN]

Re: would moving boat back 12inches make a difference?

Hi, Is this a new or recenlty bought trailer ? Is there too much or not enough tongue weight on you trailer. Generally I have found that it see saws in either situation. If the tongue weight is too much, the truck will squat quite a bit in the back. The rule of thumb is to have 7-10% of the total weight (boat on trailer) on the tongue. Second, are the shocks in the truck in good shape, they help stop the bounce. Is the boat big and heavy, and the truck smaller? The boat should sit on your trailer with as much of the boat on the trailer as possible for better carrying ability. Sounds like something is wrong if it bounces alot.

 

[araiha]

Re: would moving boat back 12inches make a difference?

Moving the boat location 12 inches is a very extreme amount. You need to weigh boat/trailer (while not attached to the truck) and determine tongue weight as well. Two ways I know of to do tongue weight:<br /><br />1) proportion with a piece of wood and use a bathroom scale, to reduce weight within scale capacity<br /><br />2) Go to a truck stop scale and weigh vehicle without boat behind it, then weigh vehicle again with the trailer behind it, but not on the scale.<br /><br />10% is a good target, but some rigs may need a hair more than that.<br /><br />Good points on the vehicle characteristics. To tow really comfortably the rig has to be somewhat stiff suspension wise.

 

[araiha]

Re: would moving boat back 12inches make a difference?

Rest of thought... if adjustments are needed 2-3 inches at a time is a safer way to go. The balance changes fast because you are removing on one side of the axle and adding to the other. Good Luck.

 

[JB]

Re: would moving boat back 12inches make a difference?

Howdy, BBQ.<br /><br />Moving the boat is not the correct way to "balance" your rig. The boats position on the trailer should be so that there is support directly under the transom.<br /><br />After that is established, the undercarriage (axle, springs, etc.) should be shifted to place 7 to 10% of the total towed weight on the hitch. <br /><br />Many people don't even realize that the undercarriage is adjustable, but that is the correct way to balance your rig. <br /><br />A trailer dealer can do it for you, and do it right. It is worth the modest cost.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB

 

[DJ]

Re: would moving boat back 12inches make a difference?

BBQ,<br /><br />JB, is 110% correct. 12" is a HUGE amount to move anything that has to do with a trailer. Get the axle moved to balance it. A good shop will also align it saving a great deal of tire/bearing problems.<br /><br />I like about 10% tongue weight. Too much and you run into steering problems (light front end) on the tow vehicle. Too little and you tend to get trailer "sway".

 

[letsbarbq]

Re: would moving boat back 12inches make a difference?

Thanks again wise boaters - I guess I better not move it back 12 inches than. First I'll get the weight of the boat and then the tongue weight and then I'll go from there.<br /><br />I'll let ya know what it is.

 

[C17LoadSmasher]

Re: would moving boat back 12inches make a difference?

This might help. Where is the center of gravity (CG) of the boat at? The CG should be just forward of the axle(s). If it was right over the axle(s) in theory the boat would balance and tongue weight would be zero.<br /><br />

<br /><br />If the CG is too far forward, might cause the boat to bounce as much as you say, or, as someone else mentioned, the shocks on the truck might need replacing, etc. Just a thought

 

[SeaRay245]

Re: would moving boat back 12inches make a difference?

moving the boat back on the trailer is one way to do it but becareful u have to have the transom suported right by the bunks or rollers last time i moved one to get better handling i moved the axels ont he trailer around that way the boat still sits on the bunks right

 

[mike_v2v98]

Re: would moving boat back 12inches make a difference?

are you able to move your axle<br />i had to move my axle 4 inches to take some weight off the tounge so i could pull the boat with my wifes suv<br />might work in your case

 

[Spidybot]

Re: would moving boat back 12inches make a difference?

From all this you can see, that smaller adjustments can be made by moving the boat slightly on the trailer. Large adjustments by moving the axle. Medium adjustments by combination of the two.<br /><br />Also note, that the trailer behaviour is affected by tyre pressure.