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…

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Answer 2

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 3

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…

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Answer 4

For sag from towing a trailer the best recommendation I can make is actually a weight distribution system. Suspension enhancement will help level your truck while towing. But the advantage to a weight distribution system is that it levels the vehicle…

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Answer 5

Since you have a 2017 Armada the pre-wiring is on the right side of the steering column, above the accelerator (see pic). This is where you'll plug the part #3050-P into for the Prodigy P3 part #90195.

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Answer 6

We don't have a combo of the Curt Hitch Ball #C40008 and Curt Ball Mount #C45340. The ball mount is extremely heavy-duty, rated up to 17,000 pounds. I think it's safe to assume you don't have a torque wrench rated up to 450 foot pounds…

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Answer 7

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Answer 8

You will need to use a cheater bar on the end of the wrench to get enough leverage to loosen the nut on the ball on ball mount #C45036. Chances are the crescent wrench has a wide and flat handle so you will likely need to go to a hardware store to…

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Answer 9

Yes, if you were to order three of the Global Link Baggage Lock Set part #GL34FR they would all show up using with the same key which is G391.

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Answer 10

Hi Joe, Yep, you heard correct, you can go from a 2 inch shank to a 2-1/2 inch shank with your Reese weight distribution hitch without issue. One of the following 2-1/2 inch shanks should have the right rise/drop for your application. Here are the…

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Answer 11

There is a suspension enhancement option for your 2021 Entegra Vision XL built on a Ford F-53 chassis, but I verified with the manufacturer that the steering stabilizer only fits if you have at least a 24,000 lb GVWR. You're not out of luck…

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Answer 12

Hey Chad this is a great question. So the MORryde ALLTREK part #MR89DR does offer additional vertical suspension but it does sit a little taller than the equalizers it replaces so you wouldn't have to worry about your tires hitting fenders or…

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

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