[Rhodes22-list] Beaufort trailer problems

[jbconnolly at comcast.net]

Bob,

I tow about 2x per year for the last two years with a Blazer (wheelbase about 107" 190 HP 4.3L V-6, 4WD) and have not had this problem.  My trailer is a 2003 single-axle galvanized Triad.  

The ramp I generally use is very good (built for Navy/Coast Guard patrol seaplanes), and this helps.  http://www.salemweb.com/winterisland/  
http://www.uscg.mil/d1/newengland/features/AS_Salem6Nov.htm

For highway-speed trailering, I invested in a load leveling/sway control system, rather than a 2-axle trailer.  If it's just me in the tow vehicle, I find that I don't really *need* it for leveling, but I bought it so I could load up the truck and take the boat, wife, kids and a truckload of stuff on vacation.  Filling the 4 seats and cargo area (to the top) at least comes close to exceeding the GVWR for the truck, so it's a bit if peace of mind.  I have not noticed a problem with sway, even with the single axle and no sway control.  

The problem is that it (and all the others I saw) mounts to the trailer frame rather than the extension tongue, so does not level with the tongue extended and wouldn't help on the ramp.

The one I bought was http://www.equalizerhitch.com/home.html The ball height is adjustable.

The only time I scraped the tongue, it was on the way *into* the water on a gravel ramp.  I found a better ramp.

A quick google suggested that air bag system or load leveling air shocks are widely available.  Some systems are automatic.  I can't say too much about them, the last time I used them was about 20 years ago on a '65 GTO.  I wasn't trailering.

Good luck

Jim Connolly
s/v Inisheer
'85 recycled '03
-------------- Original message -------------- 

> Ed, 
> I agree with you on the tow vehicle, I wanted to mention what Rummy has told 
> me. What he really said is that the wheelbase on my 4Runner is not long 
> enough (105") and that is the reason that the back of the vehicle is pushed 
> down due to the tongue weight. He might have a point there because when his 
> vehicle towed my boat, his vehicle remained level. Yes, I do have my hitch 
> in the highest position possible (I turned it over so it is angled up, not 
> down). Stan mentioned that the newer trailers use stronger materials for 
> the tongue and do not flex as much. So, I could get the tongue replaced 
> with stronger material. 
> 
> As for practice, I have towed my boat probably 9-10 times in the last 3 
> years. I have come to the conclusion that the single axle trailers force me 
> to overload the tongue weight (I have experimented endlessly with 
> positioning the boat fore and aft on the trailer) to prevent fishtailing. I 
> think the best solution (and most expensive) is to get a dual axle trailer 
> where I will not have to overload tongue weight, but will still be able to 
> trailer long distances on the highway at 65 mph. Or, I could just spend 
> more $ on this old trailer and learn from my "experiences." Still deciding. 
> 
> Of course, if I had just stopped at the top of the ramp and put the trailer 
> tongue back in at that point, there would not be any of these trailer 
> strories to talk about! 
> Bob K 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> >From: "ed kroposki" 
> >Reply-To: The Rhodes 22 mail list 
> >To: "'The Rhodes 22 mail list'" 
> >Subject: RE: [Rhodes22-list] Beaufort trailer problems 
> >Date: Tue, 30 Nov 2004 08:24:43 -0500 
> > 
> >Bob, 
> > If your vehicle towed the boat and backed the boat into the water 
> >then got it out again, I think your vehicle is adequate. Unless you are 
> >looking for an excuse for a new vehicle, I cannot see this incident as the 
> >reason to get a new one. If you do decide to sell, how much do you want 
> >for 
> >it? It sounds like exactly what I am looking for. Does Rummy's truck have 
> >a V-10? 
> > Rummy always uses the extension. In the past, unless I had a 
> >shallow ramp, I did not use it. I just put on a bathing suit and water 
> >sneakers and backed into the water. It is just faster. The brakes can get 
> >wet so you have to remember that. 
> > How to solve your problem? Stan and Elton have hitches on the front 
> >of all their vehicles. They seem to have the hitch much higher. Does your 
> >present hitch have a removable receiver? Is your receiver the kind with a 
> >bend? Is the bend on the bottom? Get another receiver for launching and 
> >recovery with a bend and have the bend facing upward. Mount the ball on 
> >the 
> >top and you raise your angle of connection significantly. 
> > If I could draw as good as Todd, I would have included pictures. I 
> >still do not have a working drawing program so I cannot even attempt right 
> >now. 
> > Consider those jacking or hiking shocks on the rear of your vehicle. 
> >You know the fun things that they use to rake the cars for dragging. I 
> >believe that they used to have some that work raised using air. Where is 
> >Rik on the subject? 
> > All the rest you could have managed to do with any vehicle. Maybe 
> >you just need more practice. Volunteer to tow the Seaward for Elton to 
> >take 
> >to Chicago next year. It seems with all his expertise he managed some 
> >problems this past year. 
> > 
> >Ed K 
> > 
> > 
> >__________________________________________________ 
> >Use Rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org, Help? www.rhodes22.org/list 
> 
> 
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