Level Trailer??

[helijock]

I have a 6x12 utility trailer that I will be towing across the country next week. When the trailer is level, the coupler is 11" off the ground. My RL's receiver is 16" off the ground. I currently have a 2 1/4" drop draw bar so the trailer sits a little nose high. Should I spring for a 5" drop draw bar to level the trailer?

[shovelhd]

Did you measure it loaded or unloaded? Don't forget the tongue weight.

[csimo]

The trailer should be level when loaded. The 5" drop is too much.

[spun07RTX]

ideally, yes-you would get a new "drop bar" to level it

BUT as shovel said, once you load the trailer it may level itself(depending on how you load it)SO that being said, I would just try the one you have now

your not gonna hurt anything if the trailer is a little un-level, and depending how much weight is in the back of the truck you may be setup perfectly right now to compansate(with the tongue a little high)

[25 Year Honda Owner]

Be concerned about the tongue weight!!! I was passing a F-150 towing about a 6' X 12" enclosed trailer when the trailer took over and started swinging the F-150 all over the interstate. I was barely able to clear the wreck. Had to be the tongue weight as the driver had absolutely no control.

[ridgelinef4i]

Try to get it as level as possible. Also watch out the tongue weight. If you serious overload the trailer you can unload the front suspension of the truck and lose control over uneven surfaces. The ridge dows handle alot of weight very well, but alot can be said for an evenly loaded trailer.

Safe travels.

[MikeT]

I have a 6x12 utility trailer that I will be towing across the country next week. When the trailer is level, the coupler is 11" off the ground. My RL's receiver is 16" off the ground. I currently have a 2 1/4" drop draw bar so the trailer sits a little nose high. Should I spring for a 5" drop draw bar to level the trailer?

As the other members have noted, proper tongue weight is critical to safe towing. The maximum tow weight for the Ridgeline is 600lbs. The easiest way to calculate proper tongue weight is to weight the loaded trailor. 10% of that weight will be your proper tongue weight. Take a weight scale and and check the weight with the tounge resting on it. If you have any questions, a local RV dealer should be able to provide what you need to accomplish this.

[Webwader]

The maximum tow weight for the Ridgeline is 600lbs.
Mike meant to say tongue weight but his tongue got twisted. :D

[xridgelinex]

Or you can get one of these so that you won't have to keep buying drop draw bars.

The first 2 I found here: http://www.bageco.com/hitchaccess.htm

Third one is the Rapid Hitch 3412 by Andersen Manufacturing http://www.amazon.com/Rapid-Hitch-3412-Andersen-Manufacturing/dp/B000H31SW4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1199032666&sr=1-3

You can find even more types at amazon...

[MikeT]

Mike meant to say tongue weight but his tongue got twisted. :D

I'm trying to figure a way to blame that on fat fingers :o Yes, the maximum tongue weight is 600lbs and the maximum tongue weight on the Honda hitch (IIRC) is 500ibs. If I am not remembering correctly, someone jump in with the correct info.

[brandont]

With a single axle trailer there is not any effect to the trailer not being level. The only issue is stuff tending to move forward or back depending on how it is sitting. Otherwise the trailer is just as stable and able to handle bumps level or not. If you had a dual or triple axle then obviously there is an issue with the tires not being loaded properly.

[weatherman]

In order to ensure proper tracking and handling, I have always heard that the proper way to load a trailer is 60% of the total weight on the front half of the trailer or forward of the axle(s), and the remaining 40% on the back half or rear of the axle(s). I have followed this advice over the years, and it has worked very well. It is somewhat of a delicate balance, because too much tongue weight could damage the hitch and/or cause handling issues with the tow vehicle, but too much weight on the back of the trailer will cause it to sway back and forth. Once a trailer begins to sway back and forth, it's very difficult to stay in control of the vehicle and trailer. Just my 2 cents worth.

[brandont]

I've never heard it said that way, but the tongue weight is very important. A single axle trailer in particular will sway badly if not loaded properly. I have heard stories of a trailer actually spinning the tow vehicle around, so it is important. However you look at it, you have to have sufficient weight on the tongue.

However, do not misinterpret the trailer being level with being loaded properly. These are not the same thing. A properly loaded trailer can sit unlevel and a level trailer can be poorly balanced.

[Six Rails]

I pull my enclosed 2 place trailer all the time, the toung weight is aprox. 20 to 25 pounds give or take a few, the trailer doe's run level. It is a little bouncy with no sled's inside but it still travels ok. With 2 sleds and the trailer its about 2100 pounds. The Ridgeline has plenty of power hauling, in fact you can barely feel it behind you.

[bobpres]

And, for the record, MikeT is correct in stating the Honda hitch is rated at 500 pounds for tongue weight. Also, unlike some other hitches, there is NO rating for using a load levelling hitch, which means DON'T.

Good luck!!

[brandont]

And, for the record, MikeT is correct in stating the Honda hitch is rated at 500 pounds for tongue weight. Also, unlike some other hitches, there is NO rating for using a load levelling hitch, which means DON'T.

It'ss funny that Honda doesn't rate their hitch for WD, but almost every aftermarket company does: http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2007_Honda_Ridgeline.htm