Posted by Russ/Wyo on Monday, January 19, 2004 at 3:19PM :
In Reply to: trailer towing question posted by mrmc on Monday, January 19, 2004 at 1:23PM :
I prefer running chains around the axle tubes and over the spring packs so the chain is pulling directly on the top of the spring packs on top of the axle tubes. Recently, I've switched over to using the 4-inch wide nylon straps that are used to hold loads onto semi's. One strap with ratchet winch, located at the front of the trailer to pull forward on the rear differential. One strap with ratchet winch, located at the rear of the trailer to pull backward on the front differential. You should be careful about not pinching brake lines.
One trick I use to get proper tongue weight is to measure the height of the rear bumper with the empty trailer hitched to the truck. I then pull the load forward onto the trailer until the bumper lowers about 1.25" to 1.5", this gives me nearly perfect towing. Too little or too much tongue weight will make your trailer very unstable.
Don't be pushed into driving too fast with a loaded trailer. Speed is your worst enemy when the unexpected happens, and it will happen.
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