Dynamics of tongue weight questions

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Postby Frog » Sun Nov 01, 2009 5:32 pm

I agree with the heavier is better than lighter within reason. Since a TD is so light to begin with, even moving an ice chest or extra prolane tank or cast iron pots to the inside, or keeping the water tank or portable water container full or empty for that matter while traveling if the tongue weight is too low could make a world of difference.

It mike make sense to install unobtrusive folding tiedowns inside while building, the situation where something needs to be tied down while travelling.

Again some common sense here comes into play. Again, just my opinion.
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Equalizing hitch!!!!!!

Postby eamarquardt » Sun Nov 01, 2009 10:33 pm

One thing that no one to date has suggested is using an equalizing hitch setup to overcome high tongue weight. You'd have to make sure the tongue of the trailer could take it and would probably be "overkill" but it is another way of solving high tongue weight.

Here is a link for a setup appropriate for a teardrop:

http://www.etrailer.com/pc-WD1~3205.htm

Just a thought but there is always more than one way to skin a cat.

Cheers, 73, K,

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Postby Frog » Mon Nov 02, 2009 2:36 am

The equalizer point is interesting. Having towed several travel trailers 18' and 23' behind softly sprung passenger cars, I can attest that they really work. In addition, I feel that they also add some sway control just due to the friction added with the spring bars on the hitch even without an added sway control. The latter is trully a seat of the pants feeling and not a scientific one.

I did note in the comments on the web site that it reduces ground clearance because of the spring bar which is off the point here but might make a difference on some tow/td combinations.
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