Trailer NO NO!!

[Dick W.]

Re: Trailer NO NO!!

Rule of thumb on tongue weight is 10% of the total weight (trailer + car). Much less that this and you are in trouble, especially coming down a hill when the trailer starts to sway.

[George W.]

Re: Trailer NO NO!!

Dick, how about using an enclosed trailer; do you still do the X tie down and 10% tounge weight?

[Dick W.]

Re: Trailer NO NO!!

Dick, how about using an enclosed trailer; do you still do the X tie down and 10% tounge weight?

Bumper pull trailers, whether open or enclosed need at least 10% of the total weight on the tongue. You may have to level your vehicle with the equalizer bars depending on the spring capacity.

Personally I opt for a little more weight on the tongue with a HD 3/4 ton pickup. I go closer to 15%, I believe it reduces trailer sway.

I have had the misfortune to try to pull a trailer that was almost perfectly balanced. I took both sides of the highway while coming down a hill. Was only running 35 mph.

[William L.]

Re: Trailer NO NO!!

Dick, how about using an enclosed trailer; do you still do the X tie down and 10% tounge weight?

I always X one end of the car makes no difference if the trailer is an open or enclosed .
Bill

[Don H.]

Re: Trailer NO NO!!

I also experienced a tow with too little tongue weight, not a fun ride. At one point - after getting the sway under control where on-coming traffic was pulling off to the shoulder - I pulled off and stopped on the shoulder to thank the Big Guy above for not ending up in the ditch. VERY SCARY!!! Don H.

[William L.]

Re: Trailer NO NO!!

Went to a Indy for a Super Chevy show back in the 90's and this guy was there with his ZL1 Camaro. As he was traveling down the highway his trailer broke a spring shackle, tire began rubbing the fender and made a enough heat to set the peg board on fire by the time he got it stopped the damage was already done. Yes he had a fire extinguisher but it was in the trailer?? That's the big NO NO keep your fire extinguisher where you can get to it easy and fast. Bill

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[Barry H.]

Re: Trailer NO NO!!

Dick, I use a sysyem with wheel stops in the front for position, "basket straps" over rear wheels, & short crossed straps in the front. Have been trailering since 1980 with no problems. (Corvettes only) Barry Holmes

[Ronald L.]

Re: Trailer NO NO!!

On new cars its called wrap guard and it works just fine to protect cars during transport around the world, inclusive of within the USA. You can see this on the cars in lots by the ship years on the east and west coasts.

[John F.]

Re: Trailer NO NO!!

The only way to go! The rail system with the webs over the tires. The car will not move.

[Dick W.]

Re: Trailer NO NO!!

The only way to go! The rail system with the webs over the tires. The car will not move.

Fine on an open trailer, but a little awkward in an enclosed trailer.