Trailer Set Up

adams1x · 18 February 2008, 22:55

Hi... I was looking for some advice on trailer set up. I have recently changed my rib and the front end of the trailer is very light, lift up with a couple of fingers! Ideal for lifting onto a tow hitch but is there a negative to having it like this. My friend has suggested moving the wheels on the trailer forward to give a better balance.....what are the thoughts here, how is the perfect setup.....

Thanks :-)

Nos4r2 · 18 February 2008, 23:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by adams1x

Hi... I was looking for some advice on trailer set up. I have recently changed my rib and the front end of the trailer is very light, lift up with a couple of fingers! Ideal for lifting onto a tow hitch but is there a negative to having it like this. My friend has suggested moving the wheels on the trailer forward to give a better balance.....what are the thoughts here, how is the perfect setup.....

Thanks :-)

That's too light. You need at least 25kg on the hitch.

Don't move the wheels forward-it'll get lighter! Move them back.

Pete7 · 18 February 2008, 23:12

First thought, don't let friend anywhere near your trailer because I am sure you will want to move the axle backwards to increase the nose weight.

I would start by ensuring your rib is sitting in the right place on the trailer in that the transom is on or just to the rear of the rear rollers.

Some have an adjustable draw bar, shorten this if it sticks out forwards excessively and adjust the winch post accordingly.

Now move the axle, it's easier without the boat on. Try 4 inches to start with.

Pete

Nos4r2 · 18 February 2008, 23:18

Just seen a pic of the boat (it's on the Ribshop thread) and the axle is way too far forward. It's in the middle of the boat. I reckon it'll need moving around 6-8 inches back but as Pete says 4" is good as a starting point.

Nice before/after pics!

<edit> The boat is in the right place on the trailer.

Poly · 18 February 2008, 23:20

I had a similar problem when I first got my boat/trailer (if you search here you will probably find my similar questions!). I managed to move the winch post (and therefore the boat) forward a few inches - which solved it.

Cypman · 19 February 2008, 07:19

Your boat is perfectly positioned on the trailer so the only solution is to move the axle back. Recmmended nose-weight will be listed in your car handbook, it is possible that it may be nearer 50kg than 25kg. You can check the weight by putting the jockey wheel on your bathroom scales, or if you want to be really accurate, use a short vertical support between the underside of the tow hitch and the weighing scales.

BassBoy · 19 February 2008, 10:02

Typical nose weights seem to be 50-100kg.

Pete7 · 19 February 2008, 10:55

Just noticed that your trailer is parked with the handbrake on. You may have problems with the brake shoes sticking on if the handbrake is left applied. Most folk leave the handbrake off and chock the wheels instead. It can be a nightmare requiring lots of violence to get them free if they are badly stuck.

Regards Pete

adams1x · 19 February 2008, 12:48

As always you guys are stars and thanks for all the advice. I will also take blame for saying about moving the wheels forward, it was late last night when I posted the comment and that coupled with being dyslexic does not help, he did actually tell me to move them back! I wuill check the weights on the front of the trailer, I suspect it is currently about 1kg!

Also impressive detective work seeing my boat on another thread, I meant to post that on here too but forgot, I will get used to these forums eventaully and great advice on the handbrake, this is the firstbrakes trailer I have owned so all advice is great

9D280 · 19 February 2008, 17:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by BassBoy

Typical nose weights seem to be 50-100kg.

Check your vehicle handbook - Some cars are only rated 50Kg MAX.

The ideal nose weight will depend on the whole package setup - For example if I tow my laser how do I get 50 KG noseweight on a boat that weighs 58 KG? It runs with about 10Kg nose, and tows straight as a die.

Also to think about, if you load the nose more, the axle takes less of the weight, so it's likely to be a touch bouncier....

al40 · 19 February 2008, 20:06

This is a really useful website for info on towing etc and explains the nose weight requirements amongst other things.

http://www.ntta.co.uk/law/index.htm

will_m · 21 February 2008, 09:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by adams1x

I will also take blame for saying about moving the wheels forward, he did actually tell me to move them back!

Good thing too!!! I defo said move the axle back you plank!

For your info my van ‘trailer nose weight’ for my van is 70kgs…

adams1x · 21 February 2008, 12:34

I did admit to my mistake!! It was late at night and my brain was not funtioning when I posted this!! Hope all is going well, you getting your beast in the water soon?

jyasaki · 21 February 2008, 16:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by adams1x

Hi... I was looking for some advice on trailer set up. I have recently changed my rib and the front end of the trailer is very light, lift up with a couple of fingers! Ideal for lifting onto a tow hitch but is there a negative to having it like this. My friend has suggested moving the wheels on the trailer forward to give a better balance.....what are the thoughts here, how is the perfect setup.....

Thanks :-)

Backwards. If the hitch is light, move the wheels back. Ideally, the tongue weight should be 5 to 10% of the total boat/trailer weight; too light and you may get trailer sway; too heavy and you'll be lifting the tow vehicles front wheels.

jky

Sorry; posted after reading only the original post.