Trailer Weight Distribution

[marksb2620]

I have never towed this tractor on this trailer.

I measured from ground level to the top of the rear wheel well and got 39" with the unloaded trailer attached.
With the tractor backed onto on the trailer the measurement is 38".
If the tractor is driven up onto the trailer, bucket first, and the rear wheels centered between the trailer axles then the bucket extends over into the truck bed.

In photo #2 The tractor is driven on with the bucket just behind the trailer tube and the measurement is 38"

Photo #3 The tractor is a bit further ahead with the bucket just passed the front tube and the measurement is 37 1/2"

So my question is I need some experience opinions considering safety first and then determining proper tongue weight.

 

[RjCorazza]

Most people would be satisfied with some amount of lowering of the truck suspension. You know there is an undetermined positive tongue weight, and I'm sure you'd be fine either way in your photos.
I prefer to confirm the tongue weight % with the numbers from the tractor and trailer weight, and weighing the actual tongue weight. 10-15% of the total weight is a range to shoot for.
Small hydraulic scales are available in the $150ish range, as are hitches with a scale built in. You could also look up how to use some lumber and a bathroom scale to check the tongue weight.

 

[LittleBill21]

leave it backed on, easier to strap. your not going to have a issue

 

[dodge man]

To my eye your first and second picture both look ok. The third picture I think the tractor is to far forward. Get a trailer tongue scale if in doubt.

 

[dieselscout80]

I think you have more tongue weight with it backed on than you think.

It looks like your truck is a 1/2 ton so you may want to weigh it and see what you have.

I have too much tongue weight with my tractor backed in the attached picture with my 2500 truck, but not if I pull it on. That said it tows great either way.

 

[marksb2620]

Thank you all for your thoughts.

I do like the backed on position as all of the tractor is within the boundaries of the trailer.

Is it important for an unloaded trailer attached to my truck to be nearly level?
I measured the ramp of the trailer at the tongue to be 6+ " higher than when the trailer is sitting by itself.

Maybe a 5" drop hitch?

(I might be overthinking this!)

Again, thank you!

 

[LittleBill21]

yea your over thinking this. level / slightly nose lower, is better, you never want to be above level, it will cause sway.

 

[Too many Kubotas]

level / slightly nose lower, is better, you never want to be above level, it will cause sway.

Huh? That's a new one to me. Please explain.

 

[George2615]

I like your pic#1 having the tractor backed on the trailer.
In pics 2&3 it appears like your truck will hit the bucket during a sharp turn.

I prefer my trailer to be level (or close) when empty. IMO 6" is too high.

 

[LittleBill21]

Huh? That's a new one to me. Please explain.

whats a new one? that the trailer nose should be slightly down? thats been a known thing for as long as i have been towing, you always want to be tongue heavy vs tail heavy.

want to test it, put your tractor to the front of the trailer, take a ride, put your tractor to back of the trailer, take a ride. when it starts swaying at 45+ you will get it.