Trailer longer than boat

Post by **Joey Rat** » Mon Aug 06, 2007 6:48 am

I have a 16.5 ft boat on a 17 ft EZ loader trailer. I know the transom has to be supported but when I crank my boat up against the stops I have about 5 or 6 inches of bunk hanging out behind my boat. It's not a problem in anyway except that my loaded trailer seems a little tongue heavy and I thought moving the boat back a few inches might give things a little more balance.

Anyone have any thoughts on this.

Thanks!

Post by **Wallyboss** » Mon Aug 06, 2007 10:35 am

I am not sure but I think that there is a "magic number" of what the tongue weight should be. But I am not sure what it is.

Post by **1lastcast** » Mon Aug 06, 2007 5:55 pm

I dont see a problem with you moving the boat back a few inches on the trailer. Most trailers are designed to be adjusted in that way. You could even cut the bunks shorter to fit your needs.

I would adjust the weight so your trailer is sitting level on your truck.

Post by **Joey Rat** » Mon Aug 06, 2007 10:02 pm

Thanks guys. I agree that there is probably a magic number and like Wallyboss I don't know what it is. I don't think I want to cut the bunks but since everything is bolted on moving it shouldn't be a problem.

I'm almost due for my 100 hour so maybe I'll wait and get a second opinion on the tongue weight when I take it in. Maybe get a professional opinion. I don't want the trailer back heavy either since I've been told that causes sway.

I can't lift the tongue myself but then I'm not sure I'm supposed be able to.

Post by **Dartee** » Tue Aug 07, 2007 7:35 am

HI Joey

Your trailer tongue weight should be about 10-15% for the total loaded trailer gross weight.

IE if trailer and boat weight 2000lbs, tonque should be approx 200-300lbs.

http://www.etrailer.com/faq/trailer-towing-tips.asp
http://www.sportutilitytrailers.com/mot ... -guide.htm
http://www.easternmarine.com/em_showroo ... _info.html

Post by **Wallyboss** » Tue Aug 07, 2007 5:30 pm

here is a link with trailer info
The tongue weight should be between 5 to 7 percent of total weight of boat, motor,contents and trailer. Check in Balancing the load

http://www.boatus.com/onlinecourse/docu ... trailering

Post by **Graembo** » Wed Aug 08, 2007 11:05 am

Figure out your weight needed then DONT CUT THE BUNKS, move the bow-stop/winch assembly toward the rear of the boat until the boat's in the sweet-spot. I had to move mine AHEAD this year with the addition of a jackplate and a new motor, I was way too light on the tongue weight.

good luck
& check your nuts often

G