With new axle, trailer no longer tows level -- concern? - Fiberglass RV
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Old 07-26-2016, 05:38 PM   #1
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With new axle, trailer no longer tows level -- concern?

The Lil Bigfoot is now 3-4 inches taller than it used to be. So it does tilt down in front to hitch to the Volvo. Is that a concern?
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Old 07-26-2016, 05:45 PM   #2
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Down is better than up, but the fridge won't work as well (if at all) unless the average road ride is fairly level.
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Old 07-26-2016, 06:39 PM   #3
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depending on the receiver, you may be able to remove the ball and flip the receiver to increase the ball height. The other option is a new receiver with the proper height for the trailer
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Old 07-26-2016, 06:43 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ellpea in CA View Post
The Lil Bigfoot is now 3-4 inches taller than it used to be. So it does tilt down in front to hitch to the Volvo. Is that a concern?
While level is recommended, "they" say that having the A-frame and coupler tilted a bit downward is preferred to any upward tilt.

I think the most common and economical approach is to simply get a different drawbar to get the ball height properly aligned with the coupler height. Things to consider include maintaining clearance for the hatch to open without interference from the tongue jack, etc.

In my case the tow vehicle manufacturer indicates a very limited range of permissible ball mounting locations. I posted here in regard to my Casita a while back:

http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...ght-74337.html

Glenn said easy-peasy to lowering the coupler. We still haven't gotten together on that. But then, I haven't done the lift yet.
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Old 07-26-2016, 07:17 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dudley View Post
depending on the receiver, you may be able to remove the ball and flip the receiver to increase the ball height. The other option is a new receiver with the proper height for the trailer
Terminology alert!

I'm confused about the terms for the components of trailer hitches.

My understanding was that the 'receiver' was the part welded to the tow vehicle with a square female opening.

The part that goes into it is a 'ball mount' or maybe 'insert'. By this account, what Dudley means is to 'flip the insert' (which will give you anything from 0 to maybe 12" difference in ball height, depending on configuration of the insert.

Then there's the term 'stinger', by which I assume is meant the insert, unless it is the 'receiver'—or maybe the 'coupler'—the tongue of the trailer that fits over the ball?

Clarification welcome. Then back to your regularly-scheduled thread.

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Old 07-26-2016, 07:20 PM   #6
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assuming that the trailer is towed most of the time it is hitched, then the fridge won't be affected. Modern propane fridges are now designed to tolerate 15 degrees off level, a big improvement over years past
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Old 07-26-2016, 07:37 PM   #7
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I don't know how much rise or drop your current hitch has. Perhaps one of these can help: 1-1/4 Inch Hitch | etrailer.com
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Old 07-26-2016, 08:24 PM   #8
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Fridge angle

Quote:
Originally Posted by floyd View Post
assuming that the trailer is towed most of the time it is hitched, then the fridge won't be affected. Modern propane fridges are now designed to tolerate 15 degrees off level, a big improvement over years past
The fridge, as far as I know, is original to the trailer, which is a 1989...? I haven't measured the angle off level yet.
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Old 07-27-2016, 10:17 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dudley View Post
depending on the receiver, you may be able to remove the ball and flip the receiver to increase the ball height. The other option is a new receiver with the proper height for the trailer
the part you call a receiver is actually a ball mount, or drawbar.
the receiver is the part bolted to the car.

The refrigerator can stand more off level that you think.
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Old 07-28-2016, 03:48 AM   #10
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As suggested, you can raise the tongue by changing the draw bar which will change the ball height. You also need to make sure it is far enough back so as not to interfere with opening the rear hatch.
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Old 07-28-2016, 04:08 AM   #11
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Originally Posted by tractors1 View Post
the fridge won't work as well (if at all) unless the average road ride is fairly level.
I read somewhere in my fridge manual that level was only important when the trailer was parked. When on the road the swaying action of driving negated the need for the fridge to be level.
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Old 07-28-2016, 05:39 AM   #12
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Tow as level as possible, then, you have no worries.
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Old 07-28-2016, 09:11 AM   #13
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Just flip the insert over and see if that levels it out, or get one that will make it level.
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