Does my boat look right on this trailer?

I'm not sure that's the correct (most accurate) way to do it. From physics, we know that using a lever changes the amount of force needed to move an object. Your ball hitch is "X" number of feet behind the rear axle. Essentially, from the rear axle to the ball is a lever. This means you were really measuring the extra amount of pounds added to the rear axle. In the end, your tongue weight would be less - possibly quite a bit. And while it may trailer fine in a straight line, you could run into a very dangerous situation if you had to suddenly swerve. I had originally thought your picture showed the axles too far forward, but the number you posted sounded dead on. But with this info, I would move the axles. Or, at the very least, double check the weight the proper way, first.
Think of it this way...with both axles of the truck on the scale, now you grab the tongue of the trailer pick it up, you're now holding up 680#, pull it over to the truck and set the tongue onto the ball with the trailer tires off the scale. The weight of the truck has only increased by the same 680#. I think you're confused with the changes that loading can have on axle weights.
 
Think of it this way...with both axles of the truck on the scale, now you grab the tongue of the trailer pick it up, you're now holding up 680#, pull it over to the truck and set the tongue onto the ball with the trailer tires off the scale. The weight of the truck has only increased by the same 680#. I think you're confused with the changes that loading can have on axle weights.
Hmmm. Maybe I am. Gonna have to think about that some more... But if that is true, it would have made checking tongue weights a whole lot easier for me over the last 25 years!
 
lol. I think I agree with Woody here but not 100% sure. I guess thinking of his explanation 680 extra pounds is 680 extra pounds. Wouldn't matter how much of it went to the front axle or rear axle, it's still 680 extra pounds that is loaded to the hitch?

In PA it is illegal to leave your hitch insert in. But aside from that I left it in my 2007 Ram and it had to stay with it when I traded it in cause it was stuck at that point. But my WDH sticks out way too far. I would need an endless supply of band aids
 
lol. I think I agree with Woody here but not 100% sure. I guess thinking of his explanation 680 extra pounds is 680 extra pounds. Wouldn't matter how much of it went to the front axle or rear axle, it's still 680 extra pounds that is loaded to the hitch?

In PA it is illegal to leave your hitch insert in. But aside from that I left it in my 2007 Ram and it had to stay with it when I traded it in cause it was stuck at that point. But my WDH sticks out way too far. I would need an endless supply of band aids
I know what you mean about band-aids...ouch!#&*#@
 
Hmmm. Maybe I am. Gonna have to think about that some more... But if that is true, it would have made checking tongue weights a whole lot easier for me over the last 25 years!

The easiest, most accurate way to weigh tongue weight I have found is this hydraulic tongue scale. Just lower the coupler directly on the scale and read the weight. No trips to the scales for re-weighing after moving the boat, making trailer adjustments, etc. Take it to the boat ramp and spend the day adjusting/etc the trailer to fine tune it once and for all.

uc


It's available in 1K, 2K and 5K lb capacities...on Amazon and various towing-related sites online.

(Disclaimer: I own one but have no other relation to the item or manufacturer.)
 
I think something like this would be a lot easier.
https://www.weigh-safe.com/

The weigh-safe units are indeed interesting and look to be well made. Unfortunately, the capacity (trailer GVWR) rating isn't sufficient for my setup. Also, I use a weight-distributing hitch so the dedicated tongue scale happens to be more economical in my case. In different circumstances, I'd seriously consider the weigh-safe as well.
 
I think you're confused with the changes that loading can have on axle weights.
You're right. That's exactly what I was doing. Depending on how far from the axle the ball is, it will change the axle loading, but it doesn't affect the TRAILER tongue weight. Dropping that 680lbs onto the truck - no matter where it is - front, back, left, right - is still 680lbs. Thanks for the help.
 
I read reviews on the weigh safe. Very cool tool but 2 issues I have. First being it is aluminum. Not sure how comfortable I am with an aluminum insert. Second is I have read a few reviews where the 'scale' mechanism quit working after a few uses.
 
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They offer it in steel also. That’s what I was looking at getting. They are a bit pricey so I have not make the commitment yet because I only Tow a couple of times a year. I posted the link hoping someone here had one and could give us their experience with it.
 
Cool. Didn't know they made them in steel also. Didn't hear any complaints on the aluminum ones just in my head I can't get over using aluminum for such a heavy load. Only complaints I read were the gauge not working. Might be like all other reviews though were 95 work great but you never hear from those. Only the 5 that don't.
 
My Venture trailer looks to be identical to yours and I haul a 225 Sea Ray Weekender. You may move the winch stand in front of the V where the sides join together but I would check with Venture first to see if this is recommended. You really need to get the boat forward and get at least 10% tongue weight as recommended by another person. My bunks are even with the back of the transom. I pull the boat tightly against the winch stop and tie down the bow with a turn buckle like yours. I think the defining part of this issue is the capacity of the trailer. You should have a sticker on the frame giving you the capacity. Mine is model VATB 5925 with a GVWR rating of 6925 lbs. Also the tires are a big worry!! Nearly all ST tires are made in China and not worth a crap !!!! Get yourself a set of Goodyear Endurance made in America. I had a blow out last week on two year old China Bombs and now have the Endurance on the trailer! I don't know what your boat weighs but mine is about 4800lbs. Before trying to make this boat fit the trailer you need to be sure the capacity of the trailer can handle the weight.
I just got the same trailer and have the same boat. Do you know the measurements to the winch stand? Mine is not set. Also what do you have from the center of the left to the center of the right bunk? Thanks
 
I just got the same trailer and have the same boat. Do you know the measurements to the winch stand? Mine is not set. Also what do you have from the center of the left to the center of the right bunk? Thanks
Measure your boat to be 100% sure on everything. Measure a straight line from the garboard drain plug to the bow eye. That's the distance from the rear of the bunks to the winch stand roller. You can also measure the distance between your strakes and then adjust your bunks.

Depending on where the axles are and how that affects your tongue weight (you can weigh that), you may need to move the axles.
 
Measure your boat to be 100% sure on everything. Measure a straight line from the garboard drain plug to the bow eye. That's the distance from the rear of the bunks to the winch stand roller. You can also measure the distance between your strakes and then adjust your bunks.

Depending on where the axles are and how that affects your tongue weight (you can weigh that), you may need to move the axles.
Thanks I do know that, The boat is still in the water so its hard to get that measurement. Was hoping someone can get it close for me. I can always take it to work and have the crane reset it on the trailer for me but I still have to get it out of the water first.
 
Thanks I do know that, The boat is still in the water so its hard to get that measurement. Was hoping someone can get it close for me. I can always take it to work and have the crane reset it on the trailer for me but I still have to get it out of the water first.
If you don't hear from someone else you can still, relatively easily, get those measurements in the water. At least to the point where you'll be close enough - and then can fine tune. The length measurement can all be done topside - even if you don't have a dock. For the strake measurement (left to right)... you'll need to hold your breath :)

Actually, come to think of it, the length measurement might be in your owner's manual (can download it on SR's site if you don't have the original). Or there may be enough measurements to get you close enough.

Still another way... get close on the width of the bunks... then load the boat till it's fully on and then pull out and adjust.

Point is, I guess, is that it's 100% doable even if you don't have the measurements.
 
You need a bigger trailer no doubt. If you can lift the tounge that's a problem. I think a triple axle would be a hell of a lot safer for you and everyone else on the road
 
The first time my 310 da was put on it's trailer I told one of the crew that was hoisting it on the trailer that it was the fist time. One of them walked up to my truck and leaned his arm on the back of my truck. They proceeded in placing the boat on the trailer moving it forward until the guy leaning on the truck gave them the okay. Then we bolted down the winch post.
 

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I don't like where the winch is or the height you'd have to check it
 

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