Forum Discussion

trailerbikecamp's avatar
trailerbikecamp
Explorer
Mar 14, 2014

Best towing setup?

I remember reading somewhere that how level the trailer is affect how it and the tv react to each other.

I know that if trailer is level is obviously best, but if that is not completely possible which is better. Would trailer being tongue high or tongue low be better?

This also affects sway but I don't know how. The article said that one position contributes to trailer sway while the other contributes to tv sway.

This would become more prevalent with smaller tv's. With today's larger trucks and SUV's it may not be quite so critical but I'm sure it still plays a factor.

Can some one help remind me which one is which?
  • Francesca_Knowl's avatar
    Francesca_Knowl
    Explorer
    Mar 15, 2014
    Tvov wrote:
    Francesca Knowles wrote:
    Tvov wrote:
    Why would lowering the front transfer weight to the rear of the trailer (assuming the decrease in tongue weight has to go somewhere)?
    Lowering the ball makes the front axle a pivot point and "lifts" the trailer off the back axle, reducing the amount of weight it supports. That weight is mostly redistributed to the trailer's rear.


    Hmm... I had never thought about it that way. Learn something new everyday!

    I know...I myself only learned that little seemingly counterintuitive factoid from a very recent thread here which is why it stuck so well in my head.

    One of the things I like about this site- I have much to learn, and so many folks are willing to share what they know. :)
  • Tvov's avatar
    Tvov
    Explorer II
    Mar 15, 2014
    Francesca Knowles wrote:
    Tvov wrote:
    Why would lowering the front transfer weight to the rear of the trailer (assuming the decrease in tongue weight has to go somewhere)?
    Lowering the ball makes the front axle a pivot point and "lifts" the trailer off the back axle, reducing the amount of weight it supports. That weight is mostly redistributed to the trailer's rear.


    Hmm... I had never thought about it that way. Learn something new everyday!
  • Francesca_Knowl's avatar
    Francesca_Knowl
    Explorer
    Mar 15, 2014
    Tvov wrote:
    Why would lowering the front transfer weight to the rear of the trailer (assuming the decrease in tongue weight has to go somewhere)?
    Lowering the ball makes the front axle a pivot point and "lifts" the trailer off the back axle, reducing the amount of weight it supports. That weight is mostly redistributed to the trailer's rear.
  • Tvov's avatar
    Tvov
    Explorer II
    Mar 15, 2014
    Ivylog wrote:
    .... On a trailer with Torque Flex axles... no equalization between the axles towing low in the front will will decrease the amount of tongue weight resulting in the trailer wanting to wag the dog.
    I have a 31' Airstream that I would like to tow with the front low so the back drags less often BUT with the Torque Flex axles this makes it want to sway. I'll probably lower the rear axle 1/2" to make it possible to tow it front low.


    I'm not really understanding this. By Torque Flex axles, do you mean torsion bar axles (or I am using the wrong terminology)? Why would lowering the front transfer weight to the rear of the trailer (assuming the decrease in tongue weight has to go somewhere)?
  • fla-gypsy's avatar
    fla-gypsy
    Explorer
    Mar 14, 2014
    downtheroad wrote:
    Slightly lower in the front is better.
    Level is best.

    High in the front will add to possible sway issues.


    X2, this has been my experience
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    Mar 14, 2014
    With a single axle trailer I would say it makes no difference. On dual axle trailers with a equalization bar between the axles... no difference within reason on amount out of level. On a trailer with Torque Flex axles... no equalization between the axles towing low in the front will will decrease the amount of tongue weight resulting in the trailer wanting to wag the dog.
    I have a 31' Airstream that I would like to tow with the front low so the back drags less often BUT with the Torque Flex axles this makes it want to sway. I'll probably lower the rear axle 1/2" to make it possible to tow it front low.
  • KD4UPL's avatar
    KD4UPL
    Explorer
    Mar 14, 2014
    low in front is better than high.
    With all the different adjustable hitches available today I really don't see any good reason not to be able to have it level.
  • downtheroad's avatar
    downtheroad
    Explorer
    Mar 14, 2014
    Slightly lower in the front is better.
    Level is best.

    High in the front will add to possible sway issues.
  • wandering1's avatar
    wandering1
    Explorer
    Mar 14, 2014
    Trailer being tongue high or tongue low is worse, make sure it is level so you have control.

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