is this safe?? trailer hitch height

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fishin_magician

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Is this too high .... Note that I'm at a slight angle I just want to be safe.... The trailer is off level by 4 inches Should I drop the hitch?
 

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Barefoot_Johnny
That's for the reply... That's the low end of the hitch.. Don't have a transom saver but I have transom straps and x2 straps that will go around the boat and trailer... Motor is a 2 stroke so it can be laid on its back.. Could I just put it in the boat?? Or am o asking for more problems
 
earl60446 said:
Your good to go, I always like a safety chain on the front. Can't tell if you got one or not.
Tim
Thank you.. Yes I do have a safety chain in the front its connected to the I hook on the top of the bow couldn't fit both the winch hook & safety hook in the same one
 
of course you can carry the motor inside the boat.
It just depends on how much of a hassle it is to take it off and put it on.
piece of carpet so the motor doesn't get scratched up.

Just magnified your photos and was wondering how much tongue weight you have
at the bumper ??? Not sure, but I think a hundred pounds or more would be adequate
for a boat n motor that size. maybe someone else can clarify the tongue weight issue.

your call !!!
 
I would get a drop ball mount. It's always best to have your trailer as level as possible.
 
I could not find a 5 inch drop for a 1 1/4 receiver so I had to get a 1 1/4 to 2" adapter and a 2 in adjustable drop hitch
 

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I have the 1-1/4" receiver on my Jeep Cherokee and HATE IT !!
It is firmly bolted to the frame and is of good welded quality,
it is just that I have used the 2" heavy duty for so long, it just seems like spaghetti to me.

and the more adjustable links you add to it to make it fit your trailer,
IN MY MIND, it is compromising the integrity of the original hitch by putting unnecessary
force in the first coupling. The area in the yellow circle would be my primary concern.
So please keep an eye on your welds and keep it clean to see if any cracks develop over time.
BUT, your boat is "probably" within the safe weight category with no worries.

Please understand,
This is strictly my frame of thinking...... maybe I am putting too much thought into it.
 

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Using a 1 1/4 hitch to haul a boat would worry me more than the height with which yours is sitting tbh. Those small hitches are for bike racks and things like that I thought.
 
Another issue, well, question really . . . .

is your winch post welded to the frame ? or bolted on.

Here is what I would toy with in my mind - - - if the winch post is bolted on,
I would consider moving it forward quite a bit then make all the necessary adjustments
in the bunks, etc. I doubt you can move the axle forward but does not seem necessary.
Just an idea . . . . the trailer just looks too long, or the boat is too far back to look right.
see the modified photo of your rig with the winch post moved forward.
 

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fishin_magician said:
I could not find a 5 inch drop for a 1 1/4 receiver so I had to get a 1 1/4 to 2" adapter and a 2 in adjustable drop hitch
I have seen 6" drop hitch's in 1-1/4" on ebay. You could take the adjustable hitch to a welder and have it reworked to 1-1/4".
 
Barefoot_Johnny said:
Another issue, well, question really . . . .

is your winch post welded to the frame ? or bolted on.

Here is what I would toy with in my mind - - - if the winch post is bolted on,
I would consider moving it forward quite a bit then make all the necessary adjustments
in the bunks, etc. I doubt you can move the axle forward but does not seem necessary.
Just an idea . . . . the trailer just looks too long, or the boat is too far back to look right.
see the modified photo of your rig with the winch post moved forward.
Longer trailers are easier to back up and you don't have to back the tow vehicle in to the water. As long as the trailer has the proper tongue weight the length is fine.
 
I install hitches daily. Our standard height is 18" to the top of the ball.

I wouldn't use the 1.25 to 2" adapter. You've extended the weight further out. It doesn't seem like you have a bunch of tongue weight, so it should be OK. I just wouldn't do it.
 
Keep searching until you find a proper drop hitch. Your boat is light enough that I wouldn't worry about it. Make sure you have tow chains and a good pin in your receiver. I think you are over thinking this. Keep it simple.
 
It looks like a pretty light boat/trailer, but I personally wouldn't want that many joints.
 
earl60446 said:
Your good to go, I always like a safety chain on the front. Can't tell if you got one or not.
Tim

Your trailer is pretty darn level, the boat is propped up in front a little. As I said before, your fine, go fishing. You don't need
all that extra gear on your hitch.

Tim
 
I agree with Earl, you're good. Get on the water. Id take off that adapter. That long trailer will keep your truck tires dry also. Good for the salt launchings. Fish on...
 

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