Axle and spring location

[v8mgbal]

Hello All, this may sound like a crazy question but would it be a problem if I moved my axle and springs forward about a foot.

 

[iop]

Re: Axle and spring location

LOL!!! good one!!

 

[Shrike]

Re: Axle and spring location

Nah, I think it would be too light on the tongue.

 

[v8mgbal]

Re: Axle and spring location

Thanks guys, I removed the axle and springs this weekend to clean repair or replace as needed. I thought moving them forward some would center it better as it seemed tongue heavy before I removed everything but wanted to check here first because I did not know if it would throw everything out of wack

 

[bitterboater]

Re: Axle and spring location

I'm guessing that the trailer in question, is the one pictured? Normally, I and most here would suggest moving the winch stand back about the desired length. However seeing that the stand appears to be fixed, bringing the axle forward a foot seems pretty drastic to me. I might think about going forward, at most 4-6 inches.
Keeping tongue weight on the vehicle is what helps keep the trailer from becoming a violent hazard on the road. Personally, I would leave the axle where it was.

 

[Ike-110722]

Re: Axle and spring location

Leave the axle where it is, move the boat to better balance the load.

 

[v8mgbal]

Re: Axle and spring location

Thanks BB, and yes its the trailer shown. I will leave well enough alone and put everything back in the same place. that's what I like about this forum is you can get help from people with knowledge to keep me from doing something stupid.

 

[v8mgbal]

Re: Axle and spring location

Thanks Ike, the boat is not in the right position its just sitting there as I was moving it around to do some work on it. When I get the wheels back under it I am going to lift the boat and sit it on dollies so I can roll it around and work on it. I will be blasting the trailer later and painting it this winter.

 

[JB]

Re: Axle and spring location

Positoning the winch stand and the axle assembly are part of rigging a trailer for correct boat position and correct tongue weight, not for any esthetics.

Position the winch stand so that the boat has a firm support under the transom. Leave it there.

Position the axle cradle so that 7-10% of the total weight is on the tongue. Leave it there unless you change the position of load in the boat.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Axle and spring location

Positoning the winch stand and the axle assembly are part of rigging a trailer for correct boat position and correct tongue weight, not for any esthetics.

Position the winch stand so that the boat has a firm support under the transom. Leave it there.

Position the axle cradle so that 7-10% of the total weight is on the tongue. Leave it there unless you change the position of load in the boat.

That is the correct answer to the question.

 

[v8mgbal]

Re: Axle and spring location

Thanks guys, Hey Ron I see you are in charleston. I will be spending next week on VAC on sullivan's island. I am renting a boat for a day to have some fun on the water and can hardly wait.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Axle and spring location

Thanks guys, Hey Ron I see you are in charleston. I will be spending next week on VAC on sullivan's island. I am renting a boat for a day to have some fun on the water and can hardly wait.

From the Isle of Palms Marina?

I like their conditions - "No experience needed."

I suspect you're past that. It's been too hot to boat for a while. It's supposed to cool down to the upper 80s next week so you're in luck.

 

[v8mgbal]

Re: Axle and spring location

Your right I will be getting it at the IOP marina. Hey if you can drive a car you can drive a boat right LOL. I bet those guys have some good boating stories to tell.