The Silver Streak E-mail ListArchive Files[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index] Re: [SilverStreak] size of propane tanks
Al, The recommendation by at least Sherline is not "maximum 15%", but rather "at least 15%". Others will set the maximum lower, but I think that in many cases this is without a weight distribution hitch and spring bars. The tricycle comparison is, I believe, not applicable as it ignores too many factors. Fifth wheel trailers, also with a triangle setup have up to 25% of their weight on the tow vehicle. The problem with too much weight is what it does to the tow vehicle. Aside from the effect on the rear axle and suspension, both steering and braking deteriorate with all the weight on the rear. The remedy is in the weight distribution hitch and spring bars, which move some of that weight both to the tow vehicle front axle, and to the trailer wheels. Again, in my case, I have neither a sway problem, nor a "wallowing" problem with approx. 800 lbs. and a 4,500 to 5,000 lb. trailer. I do have a lot of truck, but I also use a weight distribution hitch with spring bars to move some of the 800 lbs forward and backward. I have not weighed the setup after hitching up, but know that I have a lot less than 15% - perhaps 12% of the tongue weight on the hitch with the use of spring bars. -Tom ----- Original Message ----- From: <waymark1@juno.com> To: <sslist@tompatterson.com> Sent: Thursday, March 13, 2008 6:05 AM Subject: Re: [SilverStreak] size of propane tanks > 15% of 4,500# is 675#; 15% of 5,000# is 750#. 800# is above the maximum > 15% recommendation for tongue weight. > Too much weight on the tongue makes for "wallowing" by the trailer, which > is supported on a triangle like a tricycle. If you recall your kids' > trike, if you leaned forward it was easy to tip over. For coasting down > hills you leaned back toward the rear wheels for stability. Of course > there was little or no loading out behind the rear axle, which is not the > case with "teeter-totter" RV trailers. A second kid hanging out the back > of the trike made the trike want to veer all over. > If the center of gravity is high, it makes "wallowing" even more likely. > A tow vehicle that is heavier than the trailer makes up for a lot of > trailering sins. :-) > Al
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