boat trailer hitch height

[RR]

Just took our boat and trailer out last weekend and when coming back against a 35mph side- wind I could feel a little fishtailing. However, when I headed with the wind it was no problem. I have a Ranger 619 with a opti-200hp, 15hp.4-stroke kicker,etc. I read last weeks post on trailer fishtailing and checked out all the spec.'s. I weighed my trailer tongue and it was 185lbs. and should probally be closer to 225#. Also, acording to the Ranger trailer manual the base of the ball should be 16-18 inches from the ground; on my 98 Tahoe it was only 13 inches. What can a guy do to to increase the height of the hitch? I can slide my winch mount ahead 3" to gain some more weight on the tongue. Any advise would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Rick

[Chuck Pederson MN]

Sliding the winch ahead will most likely throw off where you rollers or bunks hit they may need to be adjusted too. Also you could get a different receiver to add heighth or invert the receiver you have will increase heighth. Good luck.

[Pitts]

Did you weigh you trailer hitch at 16 to 18 inches or at 13 inches high which is your current height. Tongue low will add more weight to the hitch so if you are 185 at 13" high then you may be even lighter at 18" off the ground.
Then check with the manufacturer of your hitch and see if the insert was designed to be turned over in the 2" reciever I'll bet if you rotate it bottom to top you will gain 3" of height but it must be approved for this (the weld will be at right angle to the 2"square tube). Turn your ball over and don't forget the anti seize compound on the threads.
Check where the back of the bunk is in relation to the transom. If the transom hangs over the end of the bunk you should be able to move it forward 2 to 3 inches to add tongue weight. If the bunks are even with the transom or already stick out behind you may want to move the bunks also which may be real easy.
One call that I would make before changing the winch and tongue is call Ranger and ask them I bet they will be willing to help you also you dealer should be great help on suggestions.

Hope this helps

Pitts

[RR]

Pitts,
Thanks for the good info. I tried to reverse my hitch so I could gain a few inches but it won't fit. I have a 5-ton rated hitch with rubber cushions in it to help absorb the abrupt banging when I hit the brakes,etc.
I have about 2" of my rear bunks sticking out beyond the transom. I think I'll call Ranger tomorrow and see if they have any ideas.
Thanks again,
Rick

[RANGER]

RR,

Pitts hit it right on the head. If your existing bunks/rollers extend past your transom you should call your dealer for advice as you are doing. The bunks/rollers should be even with the transom and supporting it.

The "BEST" set up a trailer and tow vehicle can have is one where the tongue weight is between 7% and 10% of your trailer/boat weight and the frame of the tow veh. is dead level with the trailer.

I have warned others on this board, from time to time, that moving your winch forward or back can result in a huge weight shift for the tongue. Be careful when you do this. An inch can be too much.


RANGER


"KEEP YOUR LINES WET, YOUR POWDER DRY and THE BEER COLD!"

[GORD]

Problem is.... too much weight behind the axle. If the tail is too heavey, the tail starts to wag the dog. Move the weight of the load forward or move the axle back.