Can a Weight Distribution System Fix Trailer Sway on Boat Trailer With Very Low Tongue Weight
Question:
My boat trailer sways/fishtails above 50mph. The boat and trailer are around 3,000lbs and tongue weight only 10-15lbs should be 150-200lbs. Will a weight distribution tongue fix this or do I need to look into alternatives like moving trailer axle or buying new trailer?
asked by: Tom
Expert Reply:
With a tongue weight that low, the geometry of your trailer is so out of whack that I sincerely doubt a weight distribution system would be able to help. I'd use extreme caution when towing that trailer, be sure to keep your speed low.
The most simple fix would be to move the boat further up toward the front of the trailer if possible. It would involve moving the winch stand and the bunks and/or rollers so that the boat sits closer toward the front of the trailer. You might want to check with your local boat dealer to see if they can recommend somebody who's familiar with doing trailer fabrication work. If it's possible to mount your spare tire on the trailer tongue opposite the trailer jack, the 30 or so pounds it would add might be helpful. If you'd care to reply with the bolt pattern of your spare tire and the height and width of the frame member that makes up your trailer tongue, I'd be happy to make a recommendation for a spare tire carrier.
If altering your current trailer isn't possible, you might need a new boat trailer that would distribute the weight of the boat correctly so you have the proper amount of tongue weight.
