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

Question

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.

Reply

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.

Reply

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

Reply

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.

Reply

See All (4) Replies to Martin N. ∨

Answer 1

Assuming you are in that 9-10" range you can use the Draw-Tite Ball Mount #80248. This has a 9-3/4" rise and a gross towing weight of 3,500 lbs which would be perfect for your trailer. You will also need #C40002 for a…

view full answer...

Answer 2

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…

view full answer...

Answer 3

There are a few differences between the two controllers. The Voyager has been around for a looooooooong time. It uses an internal pendulum to determine how quickly the tow vehicle is braking. In order to operate correctly, this level of the pendulum…

view full answer...

Answer 4

For a replacement I would check the size of what you currently have and match it. AGM is perfectly fine to use and won't require swapping out your converter/inverter since it uses the same charge profile as lead acid. An upgrade is typically…

view full answer...

Answer 5

You can have a 2-5/16 inch hitch ball on either a 1 inch or 1-1/4 inch shank. The nut on a hitch ball with a 1-1/4 inch shank takes a wrench with a 1-7/8 inch socket. A hitch ball with a 1 inch shank will take a wrench with a 1-1/2 inch socket. You…

view full answer...

Answer 6

That foot pound rating for torqueing a hitch ball onto a ball mount requires a special torque wrench. A local mechanic should have something compatible. If you can't find anyone with the correct torque wrench as many max out at 250 lbs, then we…

view full answer...

Answer 7

Here is an image I have from the Xtreme Off-Road Swing-Up Trailer Jack #ORJW750D in zinc which will have the same dimensions as the black Jack #ORJW750BD you are looking at.

view full answer...

Answer 8

Yep, so long as your 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness is not a hybrid both the Curt and etrailer hitches will fit: - Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13382 - etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98912 The only difference besides price is the finish; the…

view full answer...

Answer 9

The Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Air Helper Springs part #AL88341 which are a fit for a 2021 GMC Sierra 2500 won't change your ride height while at the minimum psi rating of 10. This pressure if just enough to keep the bags from deforming…

view full answer...

Answer 10

SumoSprings custom helper springs like #CSS-1168R are intended for installation inside rear coil spring. They help stiffen and support the coils. Travel trailers usually have a leaf spring suspension. This type of system can be fitted with several…

view full answer...

Answer 11

I do have options for you but they do not make an airbag kit for your 2015 Ford Expedition. The only suspension enhancement option we have for you is the Coil SumoSprings Custom Helper Springs part #CSS-1168R which are only a fit for the 4x4 models.…

view full answer...

Answer 12

I have another option for you, but the Air Lift 1000 Air Helper Springs for Coil Springs - Rear #AL61792 you were looking at is designed for the 1997-2002 Ford Expedition and will not fit your vehicle. At this time the only rear suspension…

view full answer...

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

Products Referenced in This Question

Featured Help Information

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching