ATV Connection Magazine

Balance on a trailer

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Posted by: Quad4Fun

First off, what is your tow rig???????????????

It kind of depends on what you are towing it with also.
If you are towing with a bigger truck that won't notice the tongue weight, it's not quite as critical as if you are towing with a small truck or car that to much tongue weight will drop the rear end, raise the front, and affect the steering of the vehicle.
Typically you want 10-15% of your total weight on the tongue.
Depending on what your tow vehicle is, it's better to have to much tongue weight than not enough.
The tongue weight is what will keep the trailer from bouncing or "porpoising".
But as I said above, if you are driving a vehicle that won't support very much tongue weight, than to much tongue weight is not a good thing.

If your not sure, or towing with a lightweight vehicle that won't take much tongue weight.........
Hook the trailer up to your tow rig...........
Pull the quad on the trailer from the rear.........
slowly pull forward, inching your way all the way to the front........
Keep an eye on how far the back bumber drops.........
If it drops a lot, I would only pull forward until the bumber goes down about 1/4 of the total distance it drops. (not a proven or very scientific theory for this one, just what I used when towing with the ol' mini van and it seemed to work pretty well)

Obviously if your pulling with a full size truck, you won't notice much bumper drop compared to something really light weight.

Good Luck


Posted by: Trasher

I would place the rear axle of the quad over the axle and the rest in front so you will have some weight on the hitch. It shouldn't sway as much like that. I have the same size trailer and it works for me.

Posted by: Trasher

Oh yea, welcome to the forum

Posted by: Grizzman42

i have a 5x12 and i put my quad in the front. that works the best for me.

Posted by: Whackem

I have a new 14x5 trailer with a back gate, single axle, 15' tires. I just have one quad for now (Sportsman 500) and wonder where I should position the quad for towing?

Thanks
Dan

Posted by: Whackem

Thanks for all the info guys. I am pulling with a 92 4Runner, so too much tongue weight is an issue. I pulled with my bros Landcruiser this weekend and the back wheel on the trailer axle seem to be just fine. A new towing rig by Thanksgiving is in the plan.

Thanks again
Dan