I need to replace some of my trailer spring hangers and I would like to move my axle back to improve handing on the road while trailering in interstate hwys. Tractor trailers that pass me cause alot of sway to occur and I thought that if I put more weight on the tongue, this would help. Has anyone ever moved an axle back and how many inches did you move it. Did it help if you were having the sway problem, or did you try something else to control the swaying.? Thanks for any help.
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trailer
I use an "anti-sway" bar and even with low tongue weight (less then 50# with a 22' Venture) I have no problems on the high speed (65-80 MPH)in the LOS Angeles area I no longer have sway on the trailer. Just be sure you use "trailer rated" tires, it makes a difFerence. Novelman
I use an "anti-sway" bar and even with low tongue weight (less then 50# with a 22' Venture) I have no problems on the high speed (65-80 MPH)in the LOS Angeles area I no longer have sway on the trailer. Just be sure you use "trailer rated" tires, it makes a difFerence. Novelman
Trailer sway
Most sway is caused by inadequate weight on the tongue of the trailer. Next morst common problem is underinflated trailer and tow vehicle tires. Make sure trailer and tow vehicle rear tires are inflated to maximum recommended pressure. Carry heavy gear in the trunk of the tow vehicle, if possible. Stow interior gear like ice chests, water, etc in the bow of the boat while trailering if possible. Moving axle back will help with sway, but will also increase the arc of the wheels on the ground when turning and maneuvering. They won't track as close to the vehicle's tracks as before. Allow for wider turns.
Most sway is caused by inadequate weight on the tongue of the trailer. Next morst common problem is underinflated trailer and tow vehicle tires. Make sure trailer and tow vehicle rear tires are inflated to maximum recommended pressure. Carry heavy gear in the trunk of the tow vehicle, if possible. Stow interior gear like ice chests, water, etc in the bow of the boat while trailering if possible. Moving axle back will help with sway, but will also increase the arc of the wheels on the ground when turning and maneuvering. They won't track as close to the vehicle's tracks as before. Allow for wider turns.
Friction Sway Controls
I'm guessing it's something like the Friction Sway Controls in the link. I have this for my class IV hitch but never had to use it towing 6,000 lbs. Looks like they have adapters for a lighter hitch setup. I would count on it only as a last resort. Put more weight on the tongue first and make sure the trailer is tracking properly. The tongue weight on my 25 is WAY to light. Make sure the trailer is working properly, otherwise the sway control is just a band aid. Like banging your head against the wall and taking an asprin for the headache when you should just stop banging your head!
I'm guessing it's something like the Friction Sway Controls in the link. I have this for my class IV hitch but never had to use it towing 6,000 lbs. Looks like they have adapters for a lighter hitch setup. I would count on it only as a last resort. Put more weight on the tongue first and make sure the trailer is tracking properly. The tongue weight on my 25 is WAY to light. Make sure the trailer is working properly, otherwise the sway control is just a band aid. Like banging your head against the wall and taking an asprin for the headache when you should just stop banging your head!
Trailer sway
In the mod's archive there are some people that have moved the axels back, seems like it was 12" to 14" . I haven't done it myself but was going to look into it this summer, as my M26 will be in a slip this season. Good luck, let us know how it works out.
In the mod's archive there are some people that have moved the axels back, seems like it was 12" to 14" . I haven't done it myself but was going to look into it this summer, as my M26 will be in a slip this season. Good luck, let us know how it works out.
Trailer Axle Set Up
On my D model, moving the axle 12 inches aft simply means that I don't have to deal with any weight distribution problems. I leave the outboard on the transom at all times, I drive 75 MPH when possible on long trips. Backing on the boat ramp seems the same. No real downside, lots of good reasons to move axle and or extend tongue.
On my D model, moving the axle 12 inches aft simply means that I don't have to deal with any weight distribution problems. I leave the outboard on the transom at all times, I drive 75 MPH when possible on long trips. Backing on the boat ramp seems the same. No real downside, lots of good reasons to move axle and or extend tongue.
Size of Motor
What is the size of your motor and how much does it weigh? Mine is a 50 HP Yamaha which weighs 247#. I was just wondering how much weight you had hanging on the transom of your boat compared to mine. Thanks for your help.
What is the size of your motor and how much does it weigh? Mine is a 50 HP Yamaha which weighs 247#. I was just wondering how much weight you had hanging on the transom of your boat compared to mine. Thanks for your help.
sway bar
A "anti sway" or "sway" bar is an adjustable bar that connects to your boat tongue and your trailer hitch. It has an adjustment that allows you to "tension" the bar from almost zero to completely imovable. Ask any trailer/welding shop to show you one. the cost, including the welding should be less than $100. I have had one on both my 22' Venture and my 24' Windrose and it completely eleminated the sway on both, even thjough the tongue weight was small. Novelman
A "anti sway" or "sway" bar is an adjustable bar that connects to your boat tongue and your trailer hitch. It has an adjustment that allows you to "tension" the bar from almost zero to completely imovable. Ask any trailer/welding shop to show you one. the cost, including the welding should be less than $100. I have had one on both my 22' Venture and my 24' Windrose and it completely eleminated the sway on both, even thjough the tongue weight was small. Novelman
THANK YOU NOVELMAN
THANKS NOVELMAN, THE MAC 23 IS ALWAYS LOADED UP WITH ALL MY STUFF AND THE DINGHY ENGINE IS IN THE BACK OF MY JEEP.THE ENGINE ON THE MAC IS VERY HEAVY ON THE STBD. SIDE TRANSOM SO I HAVE COUNTER BALANCED IT WITH ANCHOR CHAIN AND HEAVY STUFF UNDER THE COCKPIT ON THE PORT SIDE, BUT THE BOW IS VERY LIGHTLY LOADED I KNOW THE TOUNGE IS VERY LIGHT AND I WILL WORK ON THAT BY LOADING THINGS HEAVY UP IN THE BOW. LUCKILY FOR ME I DRIVE ON A ROAD WHERE THE SPEED LIMIT IS 40 SO I CAN KEEP FROM ANY SWAY ACTION BY GOING SLIGHTLY UNDER HOWEVER , IT BOTHERS ME TO HAVE SWAY AT THAT SPEED SO FIRST I WILL BETTER LOAD THE AUTO AND THE BOAT AND MAKE SURE THAT ALL THAT STUFF IS RIGHT, HOPEFULLY THAT WILL FIX IT BUT IF NOT I WILL LOOK INTO THOSE SWAY BARS..THANKS FOR THE LINK....SMITROE
THANKS NOVELMAN, THE MAC 23 IS ALWAYS LOADED UP WITH ALL MY STUFF AND THE DINGHY ENGINE IS IN THE BACK OF MY JEEP.THE ENGINE ON THE MAC IS VERY HEAVY ON THE STBD. SIDE TRANSOM SO I HAVE COUNTER BALANCED IT WITH ANCHOR CHAIN AND HEAVY STUFF UNDER THE COCKPIT ON THE PORT SIDE, BUT THE BOW IS VERY LIGHTLY LOADED I KNOW THE TOUNGE IS VERY LIGHT AND I WILL WORK ON THAT BY LOADING THINGS HEAVY UP IN THE BOW. LUCKILY FOR ME I DRIVE ON A ROAD WHERE THE SPEED LIMIT IS 40 SO I CAN KEEP FROM ANY SWAY ACTION BY GOING SLIGHTLY UNDER HOWEVER , IT BOTHERS ME TO HAVE SWAY AT THAT SPEED SO FIRST I WILL BETTER LOAD THE AUTO AND THE BOAT AND MAKE SURE THAT ALL THAT STUFF IS RIGHT, HOPEFULLY THAT WILL FIX IT BUT IF NOT I WILL LOOK INTO THOSE SWAY BARS..THANKS FOR THE LINK....SMITROE
Sway Bar
Good luck, I believe you will be satisfied with this choice, I know I have been. Novelman
Good luck, I believe you will be satisfied with this choice, I know I have been. Novelman
Another Question for Oreana 123
I think I sent my first reply back to myself regarding your reply on moving the trailer axle.( new in using this site) I had asked about the weight of your motor and also wanted to know what kind of tow vehicle you use to pull your boat. Thanks for your help.
I think I sent my first reply back to myself regarding your reply on moving the trailer axle.( new in using this site) I had asked about the weight of your motor and also wanted to know what kind of tow vehicle you use to pull your boat. Thanks for your help.
Trailer Set Up
Sorry for not replying sooner-I realise you have a different boat and motor. My auxillary is a 8 HP 2 stroke that probably weighs 50 lbs. My lazerette is often full of gear and a fuel tank as well. I wanted two things from my trailer: not to have to worry about moving weight around and stability at speeds. I moved my axle back 12 inches and lengthened my toungue about a foot. Works well.
Sorry for not replying sooner-I realise you have a different boat and motor. My auxillary is a 8 HP 2 stroke that probably weighs 50 lbs. My lazerette is often full of gear and a fuel tank as well. I wanted two things from my trailer: not to have to worry about moving weight around and stability at speeds. I moved my axle back 12 inches and lengthened my toungue about a foot. Works well.
Axle position
When I purchased my 22,the axle was rotted and I had severalbroken leaves in the springs. I replaced the axle with a torsion axle. That eliminated the chance of rusty springs and lowered the trailer several inches. I mounted the axle onto 36" angles that I milled slots in to provide adjustment since I really had no idea where it should go. It turned out to be about 12". Rule of thumb for towing, is 10% of the towed weight on the coupler. I have an idea these were set up light on the tongue so they could be towed with smaller cars. Clair
When I purchased my 22,the axle was rotted and I had severalbroken leaves in the springs. I replaced the axle with a torsion axle. That eliminated the chance of rusty springs and lowered the trailer several inches. I mounted the axle onto 36" angles that I milled slots in to provide adjustment since I really had no idea where it should go. It turned out to be about 12". Rule of thumb for towing, is 10% of the towed weight on the coupler. I have an idea these were set up light on the tongue so they could be towed with smaller cars. Clair
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