Trailer with slight forward rake?

Question

It would seem that a slight downward rake at the hitch (trailer nose slightly down from level) might be beneficial for several reasons. Weight distributed forward when moving (more tongue weight better sway control). Little less wind resistance (negligible) and a slightly raised rear bumper and tank valves slightly higher (negligible)for backing . What would be the downside.. ???

beemerphile1 · Answer

Downside could be overloading the front axle of trailer.  Level is best, slightly nose down is next to best.

nomadac · Answer

When towing a dinghy with a MH it is recommended it be level with the receiver ball. If during an emergency stop if the tow bar broke of came disconnect it could submarine the rear of the MH. If during an emergency stop the tow vehicle would have the rear raise as the front dropped and the same thing could happen with the trailer.  Level during towing is always recommended. JMO

astraelraen · Answer

A lot of sites recommend you put the ball on the tow vehicle higher than the coupler on the trailer.

I could never get this to work on my F150, I had to lower the ball by about 1 1/2 inches to get the trailer to sit level. It seems like they want the weight of the trailer to "push" down the ball and rear suspension.

Is this a function of trailer weight vs suspension of the tow vehicle as to how high the ball should be? Maybe the trailer did not weigh enough or the suspension was too stiff to properly align the tow vehicle and trailer?

partymarty · Answer

I tow slightly nose down, maybe 2 inches.
We do some dispersed camping .
We need the clearance in back of the trailer .
Because we use an HD 2500 gmc to tow a 24 foot OAL trailer we have no issues with a slight downward rake .

huntindog · Answer

I experimented once by weighing the tongue at level, vs. a couple of inches down. The difference was so slight as to be a non factor.

Slightly nose down can be a benefit in that it may on some setups reduce porposing

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Trailer with slight forward rake?

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