Level plane or nose down trailer?

[Darrell O]

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!

[Darwin Maring]

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.

[Dennis Clinton]

The lower your hitch, the more weight transfers to the tongue.

[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

[Mike Magee]

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!

[Byron Kinnaman]

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.

[Gilda]

Now I'm curious...what is the weird advice in their video?
Thanks

[Darrell O]

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.

[Byron Kinnaman]

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.

[Frederick L. Simson]

Originally Posted by Darrell O

I wonder which plane (level vs slightly nose down) is best, from a seat-of-the-pants engineering perspective.

1. The first choice is to be as level as possible.
2. If perfectly level is not possible, then slightly nose-down is preferable to slightly nose-up.
3. 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.

[Raz]

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

[Donna D.]

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!