Can a Trailer Ride With the Tongue at an Upward or Downward Angle

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Question:

I recently lifted my trailer and it now looks like I need between an 8 and a 10 to tow my trailer. I think the 8 might make the trailer coupler slightly higher than level. Does this cause a problem?

asked by: Randy

0

Expert Reply:

Yes, a trailer that is nose up can cause big problems. A level trailer is ideal and worth working toward for safety. The good news is that you can get the trailer almost exactly level with switching ball mounts. This is where an adjustable ball mount like Convert-a-Ball # TK5007 comes in handy.

If you are unable to achieve level even with an adjustable ball mount, it is better for the trailer to be slightly nose down so long as the tongue weight capacity of the hitch and vehicle is not exceeded. If a trailer is nose up too much, the tongue weight is low enough that the trailer may begin to sway.

So in short, level is best. If level is not possible, then try to go slightly nose down. Slightly nose up can be fine, but keep an eye out for trailer sway.

You can view some additional information on towing a trailer at the links provided.

expert reply by: Patrick B

0

Martin N.

3/3/2020

Will increasing the towball height on the towing vehicle decrease noseweight on a twin axle trailer or does this only apply to single axle ones?Thanks.

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Chris R.

3/4/2020

Towing a tandem axle trailer nose high could potentially lead to sway and more weight on the rear tires and axle just like a single axle unit. Regardless of the trailer size it's always best to tow as level as you can. If the ball height was raised on the truck because of a new lift (or new truck), then I recommend countering it with a new ball mount that provides the needed drop to match the coupler height.

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Joe

9/20/2020

Does the hitch hight have anything to do with backing up a short trailer i been back up trailers for years but this trailer is hard to back its a high but not bad

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Jon G.

9/21/2020

@Joe I mean you want to have your trailer leveled out (which is the point of having an adjustable ball mount) so if it is pretty uneven then that would probably be contributing to difficulty backing up. With that being said, if you've only backed up longer trailers then backing up a short trailer will be more difficult simply because any turning will be more aggressive because of how close the trailer axle is.

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See All (4) Replies to Martin N. ∨

Answer 1

If the trailer is less than 1 inch off of being perfectly level either up or down then it will be perfectly fine. Having it slightly higher would be better because presumably the tongue weight of the trailer will pull it down a little. You could also…

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Answer 2

For your 2024 Chevy Silverado 1500 I recommend the Redarc Tow Pro Elite #RED63RR. You can use it along with the Plug in Adapter #3064-P for a plug and play install, since you already have the factory tow package. The Redarc controller is going to be…

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Answer 3

Curt recommends the use of 250 ft/lbs of torque when tightening the nuts of their hitch balls with a 1 inch diameter shank like the part #C40034 that you referenced. The general rule is for a 3/4" shank tighten to 150 ft/lbs For a 1" shank…

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Answer 4

There are a couple of differences between the wiring harnesses for your 2016 Ram ProMaster. The biggest difference is the technology used. The Curt #C56270 uses what is called Surface-Mount Technology. Essentially what this does is almost eliminate…

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Answer 5

The hitch ball angle adjustment on weight distribution systems is designed to provide more or less distribution of the tongue weight on your trailer hitch to the trailer and vehicle axles. If you adjust the ball angle farther away from the towing…

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Answer 6

I checked with SuperSprings, and yes, they do indeed fit for your 2022 Ford F-150 Tremor. Between the two capacities, I do recommend the 1,000 lb option, which is the following part number: - SumoSprings Solo Custom Helper Springs #SS88UV Since you…

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Answer 7

I recommend using the 1,000LB SumoSprings Solo Custom Helper Springs #SS88UV on your 2023 Ford F-150. Since your weight distribution hitch is redistributing most of the tongue weight from your trailer across your truck they will not have as much…

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Answer 8

This Cushioned Ball Mount, part #AMSC4, has a ball mount hole that measures 1 inch in diameter. If you are looking for a ball with a 1 inch shank that also has a 10,000 lb capacity I would recommend the Convert-A-Ball Interchangeable Ball Set, part…

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Answer 9

Hey David, thanks for reaching out! You can just install one of the Trailer Valet Drill-Powered Stabilizer Jack #TV68FR on either the front or back of your trailer, you don't need to have one on each end. Do you already have a set of jacks on one…

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Answer 10

Choosing a ball mount with the proper rise or drop is not an exact science. I typically recommend allowing for 1 to 2 inches for sag once the trailer is coupled. This figure can increase of decrease depending on the trailer tongue weight and the…

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Answer 11

The Buyers Products 2" Pintle Hook Mount #337PM1012 is 11-1/2" from the mounting face to the edge of the receiver pin mount.

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Answer 12

If the nose of your trailer is nose down when hooked up to your vehicle it will cause additional tongue weight on the hitch which could in theory lower your fuel economy, but I do not have an exact figure. As long as the extra tongue weight on the…

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Can a Trailer Ride With the Tongue at an Upward or Downward Angle

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