Trailer Weight Distribution

[Chewwy]

PJ manual says this:

The height of the ball receiver on the trailer must be adjusted so that the trailer, when loaded to rated capacity, is level while connected to the tow vehicle. A level trailer allows equal weight distribution on the axles.

What sounds reasonable to me is that (separate from the issue of maintaining equal load distribution to multiple axles) the reason for keeping the tongue level is to prevent uplift on the rear axle of the tow vehicle when stopping.

When you are stopping, the front of the tow vehicle is going down anyway, then couple that with an upward force component from the trailer tongue pointing at the sky and pushing up on the rear axle, and you are reducing stopping power of the rear wheels. Granted, this happens anyway, cannot really be avoided, but upward-sloping trailer tongue makes it worse.

Also, towing with the tongue pointing at the sky makes you look like a newbie

Trailers tongue would not rise on a trailer with properly acting trailer brakes. The action of trailer braking would force the nose down.

 

[brucew6char]

And I thought if the trailer was sloping forward, you were going downhill and would use less gas!

 

[Runner]

Trailers tongue would not rise on a trailer with properly acting trailer brakes. The action of trailer braking would force the nose down.

That makes sense.

 

[inchman]

From

View attachment 1511140


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"

View attachment 1511155




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

View attachment 1511156

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

From what I see, the last two photos will most likely cost you a tailgate if you have to back the trailer into a tighter space. Just something else to consider.

 

[Runner]

View attachment 1511140


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"

View attachment 1511155




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

View attachment 1511156

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

Since I didn't give and opinion on the actual trailer loading proposals, I vote for number 1. It all fits inside the trailer, would be easiest to tie down and doesn't seem to be too unevenly loaded.

What I don't like about numbers 2 and 3 is that it would be hard to secure the loader bucket to the trailer (which, at least in my state is required) and even if you could, as the hydraulics bleed down, it would be constantly loosening the straps or chains and then the loader bucket is moving around.

 

[Little Red Tractor]

Here's a good video about tongue weight distribution.

Also, be sure that your truck is rated for the combined weight of the trailer and tractor, AND that your trailer is rated for the weight of the tractor.

 

[Omega Woods]

First photo. Do yourself a favor and get a weight distributing hitch.

 

[vagem55]

I have a Kubota B3030 with loaded tires and an 18' utility trailer with a beaver tail. I haul the tractor like picture 2 with either my BH80X BH or the Woods Brush Bull. The loaded tires go between the trailer axles, balancing the load of the tractor to either the BH or mower. The drive-on ramps just clear enough to raise and stow.
I've seen a lot of equipment trailered, but I only recall professionals loading backward when they have two pieces of equipment facing each other.
Your bucket looks like it could be secured to your front trailer rail.
As for the bucket hitting the tail gate, lift the tailgate up and lock it. Mine would bind on the trailer jack handle if I left it open.
As for the bucket hitting the truck, if you jackknife it that badly, the front rail of the trailer will take out the taillights, even with nothing in the trailer (as my son so aptly taught me).

 

[Paystar]

This summer I had the chance to go axle weigh two of my tractors on the way to a parade. I always loaded them with the rear tires centered between the trailer axles because I had extra crossmembers added under this trailer. So in this spot the rear tires are sitting on 3 square tube cross members and the front tires are on a cross member.

 

[Gord Baker]

View attachment 1511140


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"

View attachment 1511155




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

View attachment 1511156

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

First check your door sticker to see the combined weight allowed.
I recommend backing it on to get more weight on the tongue. Be absolutely sure that the Trailer brakes are working. Get the rig weighed if possible. Block it and chain it down well, then add a couple more chains!