Trailer Tongue weight

[drewkaree]

Yes, my jack is between the winch and tongue. I like it there better. Plus what is also nice, is that the winch post base buts right up to it so that annoying problem of the Winch post sometimes moving was eliminated.

That's weird for me to hear, as I've never had my winch post move.

For a different perspective, since I haven't had issues with my winch post moving, I chose to put mine between the winch post and where the trailer splits off into a Y. I did this because it would allow me to raise the front of the boat just a smidge higher that way.

@MikeT29 as you can see from @RobbieO and his setup, it's different for him, and he has some different ideas. This discussion is a perfect demonstration of there being no specific setup that will be the magic bullet.

The more we discuss this, the more it's SUPER annoying to hear about the prep fees these dealers are charging, and they aren't doing the one thing that'll make the biggest difference to you, with the first major move you'll ever do with your boat.

 

[HangOutdoors]

That's weird for me to hear, as I've never had my winch post move.

For a different perspective, since I haven't had issues with my winch post moving, I chose to put mine between the winch post and where the trailer splits off into a Y. I did this because it would allow me to raise the front of the boat just a smidge higher that way.

@MikeT29 as you can see from @RobbieO and his setup, it's different for him, and he has some different ideas. This discussion is a perfect demonstration of there being no specific setup that will be the magic bullet.

The more we discuss this, the more it's SUPER annoying to hear about the prep fees these dealers are charging, and they aren't doing the one thing that'll make the biggest difference to you, with the first major move you'll ever do with your boat.

When i snug

https://jetboaters.net/threads/launching.28515/post-467223

 

[MikeT29]

So I found a trailer shop who answered my questions in a way that built up my confidence in their capability and I'll be bringing the boat and trailer to them over the next week or two. They said they've done adjustments on plenty of Shorelandr trailers before so fingers crossed they aren't pulling my leg. I had to contact about 8 places before I found one who actually understood the question and was interested in doing the work. Two of the shops told me to just get air shocks..........

 

[Neutron]

So I found a trailer shop who answered my questions in a way that built up my confidence in their capability and I'll be bringing the boat and trailer to them over the next week or two. They said they've done adjustments on plenty of Shorelandr trailers before so fingers crossed they aren't pulling my leg. I had to contact about 8 places before I found one who actually understood the question and was interested in doing the work. Two of the shops told me to just get air shocks..........

Please give us an update when they complete the work and let us know the towing results

 

[kgower]

You guy have me curious, going to have to order a scale. Currently the boat is off the back of the bunks about 2 inches.

 

[Stan M]

So I found a trailer shop who answered my questions in a way that built up my confidence in their capability and I'll be bringing the boat and trailer to them over the next week or two. They said they've done adjustments on plenty of Shorelandr trailers before so fingers crossed they aren't pulling my leg. I had to contact about 8 places before I found one who actually understood the question and was interested in doing the work. Two of the shops told me to just get air shocks..........

Where are you located, so others nearby may benefit from same shop?

 

[MikeT29]

Where are you located, so others nearby may benefit from same shop?

Shop is in South NJ - I will post more detail after they've done their work. Not sure if I'll get the rig there this week or next.

 

[MikeT29]

Trailer shop is a solid 100 miles from home so before committing to that round trip (twice) I decided to get a decent estimate of what the tongue weight is today. I used the method on Venture trailers' website using a 2x4, a couple of jack stands and offsetting a bathroom scale - and based on that approach the tongue weight with a full tank of gas, anchor and not much else on board is between 575-600. I used my own weight on the setup as a test to check the math and it was pretty close. Given the boat/trailer dry weight is 5225 and gas adds 225, I'm around 10-11%. That could go up if I have a fully loaded boat. But it's not nearly as far off as I thought. Now I'm on the fence about next steps - maybe I'll move the post back an inch or two and take another measurement. I would need to launch the boat to do that and won't be able to do that for a few weeks yet.

 

[HangOutdoors]

You don't need to launch the boat to move it back. I did it in the drive. I used a heavy tow strap and wrapped it around a pole then to the transom rings under the swim deck. I wet the bunks down good and then gave it a a couple of pulls with the truck and it slid back, I adjusted my hitch and then did the quick stop 5 mph maneuver to snug the boat. I didn't want to go to the launch. This way I could keep adjusting in the driveway.

Here is thread with pictures. Worked like a champ. You can stop the boat from going back to far by adjusting the length you loosen the bow strap

https://jetboaters.net/threads/adjust-boat-on-trailer-in-driveway.28422/post-465872

 

[Farny]

Starting to wonder if this has anything to do with the way my tires got seriously jacked up. Cupping on outside treads….

 

[1BadTundra]

I thought about moving the bow stop back... But, my bunks are already 12" short of the transom. I can extend them, but without a support at the end of them, I can see how that would be useful.

 

[HangOutdoors]

If you bunks are 12" short of the transom you have something very wrong going on. Most, at least whom have posted here, hand over 1 -2" including myself. TBH in I had to hang over more than I would put the correct size bunks on the trailer.

 

[1BadTundra]

If you bunks are 12" short of the transom you have something very wrong going on. Most, at least whom have posted here, hand over 1 -2" including myself. TBH in I had to hang over more than I would put the correct size bunks on the trailer.

That's what I thought. Its the shorlander trailer, came with the boat. The end of the bunk is just about 12" from the edge of the transom. My bow stop is about 2" short of the stop point before the hinge for the swing away tongue.

 

[HangOutdoors]

Just so we are on the same page, when you say transom you mean the where the jet pumps are not the where the swim platform ends?

If your transom is 12" over the bunks, there is an issue and I would change out the bunks. Also make sure it is the right size trailer. That is way to far.

 

[Farny]

Anyone checked toungeweight on the 19ft with the single axle shorelander???

 

[RobbieO]

@MikeT29 You need a scale. Each trailer may be set up differently from the factory. I bought this one and check my weight all the time, especially when I am loading for trips. You would be surprised at how much weight you can add as you start loading things all around the boat in front of the axels and front storage.

Amazon.com: Sherline LM 2000 - Trailer Tongue Weight Scale 2000lb : Automotive

A solid alternative is also a weigh safe hitch. I am thinking about switching over to one eventually. They are spendy but nice.

Amazon.com : weigh safe

I invested in one. It's great because you can check and adjust the tongue weight when loading up the boat. Yes, they are spendy, but I've seen your projects. They are more than spendy. Go for it.

 

[RobbieO]

That's weird for me to hear, as I've never had my winch post move.

For a different perspective, since I haven't had issues with my winch post moving, I chose to put mine between the winch post and where the trailer splits off into a Y. I did this because it would allow me to raise the front of the boat just a smidge higher that way.

@MikeT29 as you can see from @RobbieO and his setup, it's different for him, and he has some different ideas. This discussion is a perfect demonstration of there being no specific setup that will be the magic bullet.

The more we discuss this, the more it's SUPER annoying to hear about the prep fees these dealers are charging, and they aren't doing the one thing that'll make the biggest difference to you, with the first major move you'll ever do with your boat.

My winch moved several times. Finally she moved out for good.

 

[1BadTundra]

Just so we are on the same page, when you say transom you mean the where the jet pumps are not the where the swim platform ends?

If your transom is 12" over the bunks, there is an issue and I would change out the bunks. Also make sure it is the right size trailer. That is way to far.

Here's a pic of how she sits in the trailer...

 

[Stan M]

Here's a pic of how she sits in the trailer...

I believe mine is the same, approximately 12" short of transom. I'll have to check next time I'm at the boat.

 

[AZMark]

Here's a pic of how she sits in the trailer...

Mine sits exactly like yours.