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 OT: Do I need more drop to tow safely?
#437250
04/18/04 07:29 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,074
OP
Body Damage is Cool
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Guys: Since December, I've added a bit of height to my Trooper. My trailer has a very light tongue weight. Today I noticed that when I add 4wheeler the trailer is near neutral balanced. Do you think I need to add a few more inches drop on draw bar? ![[Linked Image]](http://images.cardomain.com/member_images/1/web/445000-445999/445519_25_full.jpg)
Mark-95Trooper,fr LockRight,rr LSD,5spd,TeraLow,Indy tierods&QD sways,CO2, RS9000Xs,OME912&2.5"spacers,1"BL,ARB w/Warn M8000,OBT rear bumper&sliders. Pics indy4x
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Re: OT: Do I need more drop to tow safely?
[Re: Wareagle]
#437251
04/18/04 07:35 PM
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,318
Body Damage is Cool
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Personally, I like to see a level tow,, with at least 100-200 lb togue weight. not neutral. Try this, I am sure you know how much you lifted the truck, if you were happy with the way it towed, get that same difference in inches on the drop bar. You can try it the way it is, is it safe...that all depends on the hitch ball. I definaltey wouldnt tow anything heavier than what you have with that setup though, you try to panic stop, the trailer will push the rear farther into the air, increasing nose dive...
My 2 cents
Chase
Chase
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Re: OT: Do I need more drop to tow safely?
[Re: Wareagle]
#437252
04/18/04 07:36 PM
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Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 9,030
4x4Wire.com Managing Editor Emeritus
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I'd add a few inches of drop hitch, but I'd also balance it more forward.
Randii
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Re: OT: Do I need more drop to tow safely?
[Re: randii]
#437253
04/18/04 08:05 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,868
Roll Me Over
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With my lift and my bumper which has the receiver in the bumper, I have gone to a 12 inch drop. It really makes a difference in trailer stability while towing.
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Re: OT: Do I need more drop to tow safely?
[Re: Wareagle]
#437254
04/19/04 12:55 AM
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 14
Need a Spot
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Short answer, as recommended by the others: YES. drop the tongue.
That said, would backing your ATV onto the trailer change the CG any? (don't own one; Don't know)
2001 Trooper stock hunting rig/canoe hauler and daily driver
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Re: OT: Do I need more drop to tow safely?
[Re: MutinousDoug]
#437255
04/19/04 01:15 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,074
OP
Body Damage is Cool
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Thanks for input. I wasn't sure if I was being overly analytical about the setup. I think I'll go from a 4" drop to 10" or so. I'm not sure if backing will help. I think weight is split about 50/50 front to rear.
Mark-95Trooper,fr LockRight,rr LSD,5spd,TeraLow,Indy tierods&QD sways,CO2, RS9000Xs,OME912&2.5"spacers,1"BL,ARB w/Warn M8000,OBT rear bumper&sliders. Pics indy4x
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Re: OT: Do I need more drop to tow safely?
[Re: Wareagle]
#437256
04/19/04 02:39 AM
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,984
Roll Me Over
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Your hitch should be level when loaded no matter what the tongue weight. You should also make sure to have a bit of tongue weight, neutral isn't a good thing. I'd add as much drop as you added lift to the truck, to make the hitch level again. If the 4wheeler really is 50/50 then another way to get tongue weight is to bolt a tool box to the tongue and keep gear in it, or if you're willing to do a little more work, redrill the spring pad on the axle an inch or so and slide the axle back a bit to push the balance point forward.
Dallas
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Re: OT: Do I need more drop to tow safely?
[Re: StinkBug]
#437257
04/19/04 03:46 PM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,392
Body Damage is Cool
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Just put a lift on the trailer and some bigger tires. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />
George <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/nana.gif" alt="" /> 92 Rodeo XS 4x4 HomePage
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Re: OT: Do I need more drop to tow safely?
[Re: RodeoXS]
#437258
04/19/04 05:25 PM
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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yeah, you could do a drop but it really doesn't matter b/c the tongue weight is so low it doesn't matter. a reason to get a drop tongue would be the back of the trailer might drag at that kind of angle. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Slightly OT: hey i've always wondered if a 4wheeler would fit inside a trooper? could someone measure their's and see? i bet with the seats folded forward that it would fit. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />
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Re: OT: Do I need more drop to tow safely?
[Re: Wareagle]
#437259
04/19/04 06:46 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 906
Rock Warrior
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I was told that you should ALWAYS keep the trailor as level as possible, it helps with the stability at speed.
Peter
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