Trailers should be as close to level as possible while towing to prevent uneven tire wear, as well as sway or turbulence during the drive. With the right know-how and equipment, towing a trailer should be easy and safe. Ball mounts can be purchased in various "rises" or "drops" to get the trailer level.

I bought a 20ft car hauler W the 2 ft dovetail. As a guide the centre of the tow ball should be between 400mm and 450mm from the road surface when measured on level ground with the trailer on the vehicle. Towing your trailer unlevel can cause these elements to become much less aerodynamic.

So in short, level is best. If you are new to towing, or you are experiencing problems when towing, the following information can help you tow easily and safely. Below, you can learn towing basics and see common towing equipment.

The trailer should be close to level when hitched. Just keeping the trailer level doesn't make the weight evenly distributed. How important is it for the travel trailer’s 400-pound hitch to remain level after I put on the weight distributing bars? Adjusting the trailer to be level is important for safety. On a tandem axle trailer, it should be level to slightly nose down.

Setting Up A Hitch For The Perfect Tow. Poorly loaded trailers with excessive weight rearward of the axle(s), or with too much weight on one side of the trailer are the most common reasons for trailer sway and the most avoidable. Slightly nose up can be fine, but keep an eye out for trailer sway. Despite the type of trailer you have, it is imperative to keep it perfectly level.

It's important that the loaded trailer be level to... Loading Up. They ensure that the profile and everything attached to the top and side of the trailer is aerodynamically stable when the trailer is level.

Should Tow Vehicle and Trailer be Level for Towing Question: Should the truck and trailer be level the rear of my 27 foot trailer is low I can the ball one bolt hole down. Step by Step guide to level your travel trailer for towing In order to level your travel trailer for towing, you will need to start on level ground. It is standard practice to have your trailer level before towing. Your tow ball height should be such that the trailer sits level when fitted to the tow vehicle. If the hitch is too low, it puts a lot of strain on the back of your vehicle. If a trailer is nose up too much, the tongue weight is low enough that the trailer may begin to sway. All hitches are not created equal.

It is easy to get a drop hitch for a receiver style hitch in any increment from flat to +- 8 inches if you need to adjust it. The weight and pressure could bend or damage your back bumper, and there will be an uneven distribution of weight on the tow vehicle. As a guide the centre of the tow ball should be between 400mm and 450mm from the road surface when measured on level ground with the trailer on the vehicle. Proper trailer positioning plays a critical role in how the tow vehicle handles the load and in how much ground clearance the trailer has. That is why you have to get the hitching setup right. I use a 4' carpenter's level to check the level of the floor.

Why A Trailer Should Be Level When Towing.

Your tow ball height should be such that the trailer sits level when fitted to the tow vehicle.

Why should a travel trailer be level prior to towing?

Rule 2 is the trailer should also be level side to side. The hitch and tow vehicle’s receiver must ride high enough from the ground to avoid scraping, even on potholes and bumpers. No matter what type of truck or trailer you have, it is … Careful consideration needs to be given to ensuring a level trailer when towing. It is easy to get a drop hitch for a receiver style hitch in any increment from flat to +- 8 inches if you need to adjust it. To Magazine Home Page. Eileen. There are several reasons why a trailer should be level while towing including better towing characteristics, even tire wire, ground clearance, and proper braking performance. If level is not possible, then try to go slightly nose down. If it's not, you need to rearrange your load - or repair the trailer - … Mostly, manufacturers design their trailers while considering level towing. Sorry Eileen, you need to rethink this.

Trailer sway is actually the most common cause of trailer accidents, so finding a level trailer setup is vital to ensuring a safe and secure towing experience. For best towing characeristics, minimal sway tendency, etc., all trailers should be towed as close to level as possible. “The weight on your trailer hitch ball after the rig is leveled, should be 7-12% of the total weight of your boat and trailer.” Towing an un-level trailer can be dangerous and hard to control as it can result in unnecessary sway, fishtailing, premature tire wear, excessive gas consumption and quite possibly cause an accident.

It doesn't matter if the trailer looks high in front or rear, as long as the floor of the trailer is level front to rear. Load your travel trailer as you would if you were to go camping. for the best towing results get it as close as possible.

If you’re worried about trailer sway – and you should be – read our detailed guide on how to prevent trailer sway when towing . My trailer sits close to level, it's not your typical landscape trailer..

Setting the Hitch Height. How to Tow a Trailer The Right Gear. By Bruce W. Smith.