Best towing setup?

[trailerbikecamp]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[Francesca_Knowl]

Here's a link to a publication from U-haul that I think explains all the principles involved really well.

[KD4UPL]

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]

Slightly lower in the front is better.
Level is best.

High in the front will add to possible sway issues.

[wandering1]

Trailer being tongue high or tongue low is worse, make sure it is level so you have control.