Adjusting the axles on your boat trailer can help with two key issues:

1. Alignment: If the axles or suspension are out of alignment, adjusting them will correct this.
2. Tongue Weight: Achieving the correct tongue weight is crucial for safe towing. The optimal tongue weight should be between 5% and 7% of the total trailer weight when the trailer is level.
   • To Decrease Tongue Weight: Slide the axles forward or move the boat back.
   • To Increase Tongue Weight: Slide the axles backward or move the boat forward.

Why the Difference in Recommendations?

Venture Trailers recommends a tongue weight of 5% to 7% for boat trailers. However, you might find recommendations of 10% to 15% online. The higher range is generally for RV or cargo trailers with shorter tongues, which create less leverage. Boat trailers have longer tongues (sometimes up to 10 feet), which require a lower tongue weight (5% to 7%) to ensure stability and safe towing.

Adjusting Your Axles

Most Venture Trailer models (except some Jon boat and PWC models) have adjustable axles. Here’s how to adjust them:

1. Loosen the U-bolts: This allows you to slide the axles forward or backward.
2. Measure for Accuracy: Before adjusting, measure from the end of the frame to each spring mount or axle bracket on both sides. Ensure both sides are adjusted equally for proper alignment.

By following these steps, you can achieve the correct tongue weight and ensure your trailer is aligned and safe for towing.