|
08-09-2012, 06:11 PM
|
#1
|
Senior Member
Trailer: 13 ft Ventura
Posts: 103
|
Level plane or nose down trailer?
Hi everyone,
Depending how I flip the drawbar my trailer will ride level, or nose-down about 2-1/2".
I wonder which plane (level vs slightly nose down) is best, from a seat-of-the-pants engineering perspective.
Thanks in advance for your input!
|
|
|
08-09-2012, 06:26 PM
|
#2
|
Senior Member
Trailer: 2002 19 ft Scamp 19 ft 5th Wheel
Posts: 3,640
|
I prefer to keep things level because that is how they are intended to be used. In a nose down position you stand a chance to have an event with the hitch/ball connection should you have both the camper and the truck in a high position such as a dip, entering a driveway, etc. Camper rear high and truck front high thus the hitch being in a V situation.
|
|
|
08-09-2012, 06:26 PM
|
#3
|
Senior Member
Name: Dennis
Trailer: Scamp 16'
Utah
Posts: 258
|
The lower your hitch, the more weight transfers to the tongue.
__________________
Dennis
|
|
|
08-09-2012, 07:11 PM
|
#4
|
Senior Member
Name: Gilda
Trailer: 2011 Scamp 13'
California
Posts: 1,445
|
The people at the Scamp dealership recommended that we dip our 13' Scamp while towed on our Subaru Legacy sedan so as to improve aerodynamics so as to improve gas mileage. We have towed in this manner for a year now with no problems.
Gilda
|
|
|
08-09-2012, 07:32 PM
|
#5
|
Senior Member
Name: Mike
Trailer: 93 Burro 17 ft
Oklahoma
Posts: 6,025
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gilda
The people at the Scamp dealership recommended that we dip our 13' Scamp while towed on our Subaru Legacy sedan so as to improve aerodynamics so as to improve gas mileage. We have towed in this manner for a year now with no problems.
Gilda
|
I've heard of flea dip, but a Scamp dip? ... ! Need a pretty big tub to dip a whole Scamp in.... ... just kidding!
|
|
|
08-09-2012, 08:11 PM
|
#6
|
Senior Member
Trailer: Scamp
Posts: 7,056
|
Level level level
Scamp has been known to give some pretty weird advice even in one of their videos.
If check any towing site no matter the trailer LEVEL is the proper towing attitude.
__________________
Byron & Anne enjoying the everyday Saturday thing.
|
|
|
08-10-2012, 04:46 PM
|
#7
|
Senior Member
Name: Gilda
Trailer: 2011 Scamp 13'
California
Posts: 1,445
|
Now I'm curious...what is the weird advice in their video?
Thanks
|
|
|
08-10-2012, 04:48 PM
|
#8
|
Senior Member
Trailer: 13 ft Ventura
Posts: 103
|
Hmm, guess I'll tow it level unless some more compelling theories merge in favour of a nose down attitude.
Thanks for your thoughts. The Ventura is going coast-to-coast-to-coast starting next week and I'm fine tuning for the tow.
|
|
|
08-10-2012, 05:14 PM
|
#9
|
Senior Member
Trailer: Scamp
Posts: 7,056
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gilda
Now I'm curious...what is the weird advice in their video?
Thanks
|
OK You asked for it.
There's a video or was, that showed leveling using the stabilizers and the jacking bar. Leveling both side to side and front to back.
To avoid twisting the frame the side to side leveling should be done with the wheels, either by blocks or BAL Leveler. Then front to back with just enough pressure on the stabilizers to keep the trailer from excessive rocking.
There you have it.
__________________
Byron & Anne enjoying the everyday Saturday thing.
|
|
|
08-10-2012, 05:19 PM
|
#10
|
Moderator
Trailer: Fiber Stream 1978 / Honda Odyssey LX 2003
Posts: 8,222
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Darrell O
I wonder which plane (level vs slightly nose down) is best, from a seat-of-the-pants engineering perspective.
|
- The first choice is to be as level as possible.
- If perfectly level is not possible, then slightly nose-down is preferable to slightly nose-up.
- Just bolting a hitch ball to a truck bumper and towing 20 degrees nose-up is to be avoided! I've observed this way too often.
__________________
Frederick - The Scaleman
|
|
|
08-10-2012, 05:23 PM
|
#11
|
Senior Member
Trailer: Trillium 2010
Posts: 5,185
|
My understanding is that the issue is tongue weight. With the nose up you are reducing your tongue weight which can lead to instability. Raz
|
|
|
08-10-2012, 07:12 PM
|
#12
|
Senior Member
Trailer: 1988 16 ft Scamp Deluxe
Posts: 25,710
|
The weight of the trailer should be over its axle and wheels, with 12-15% tongue weight. Hence towing level is preferrable. I'm looking at a ruler, a 2-1/2 inch drop isn't excessive, but would be a LOT better than UP 2-1/2 inches. There are all manners of "stingers" available. Make sure whatever one you purchase or use allows for the tongue weight and "squat" of the rear end of the tug.
Safe travels!
__________________
Donna D.
Ten Forward - 2014 Escape 5.0 TA
Double Yolk - 1988 16' Scamp Deluxe
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
» Upcoming Events |
No events scheduled in the next 465 days.
|
|