To find the correct tow ball height, follow these steps with your trailer empty:
- Level the Trailer:
- Raise the tongue jack so that the trailer's main frame rails are parallel to the ground. This is best done on flat, level ground.
- Use a Level and Tape Measure:
- Place a level on the main frame directly over the center of the axle(s).
- For a single-axle trailer, place the level over the center of the axle.
- For a tandem-axle trailer, place the level between the two axles.
- For a triple-axle trailer, place the level over the center axle.
- Adjust the tongue jack until the trailer is level.
- Measure the Frame Height:
- Measure the distance from the ground to the bottom of the frame at the rear (near the tail lights).
- Then, measure from the ground to the bottom of the frame where the frame meets the tongue.
- Adjust the tongue jack until both measurements are the same.
- Determine the Tow Ball Height:
- Measure from the ground to the top of the trailer's coupler. This measurement is the target height for your tow vehicle's tow ball when it's not connected to the trailer.
What to Watch Out For When Loading the Trailer
When the trailer is loaded, its suspension will compress under the weight, and the same will happen with the tow vehicle. This is normal, but if you notice significant bowing or deflection in the trailer frame after loading, it could indicate an unbalanced load. In that case, check your tongue weight and adjust the placement of the boat or the position of the axles to achieve a tongue weight between 5% and 7% of the total weight of both the boat and the trailer.