20
fastwaytrailer.com
Step 9 - Final Tightening
Do not tow your trailer until all bolts and nuts have been checked and
properly tightened, and all pins and clips are securely in place.
Towing with loose bolts for an extended period of time can cause abnormal
stress on the hitch resulting in accident, severe injury, and property damage.
Step 8 - Trailer Pitch Adjustment
After achieving a good weight distribution setup you may need to adjust the pitch
(angle or attitude) of the trailer. Step back and look at the trailer to see if the front
appears to be tipped up or down excessively.
Measure the front and rear of the trailer again at the same points you did when
setting the trailer parallel to the ground in Step 3. Record these measurements on
the Trailer Pitch Adjustment chart. See Figure 26.
Find the difference between the front and rear heights.
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WARNING
WARNING
Figure 26
Trailer Pitch Adjustment Chart
Actual
Example
Highest Measurement
20
Lowest Measurement
-
- 18
Difference between highest and lowest
2
If the difference between the highest and lowest measurement is 1-1/4” or more,
adjust the hitch ball height. If it is less than 1-1/4” different, complete Step 9 and tow
a short distance with this setup to see how it handles before making any adjustments.
If the
higher
measurement is the front of the trailer, move the hitch head down one
hole position on the shank. If the
lower
measurement is the front of the trailer, move
the hitch head up one hole position on the shank.
Adjustments made to the ball height affect how weight is distributed. Moving it up
slightly reduces the amount of weight distribution you get from a particular setup.
Moving it down slightly increases the weight distribution from that same setup.
After making an adjustment to the ball height, return to Step 6 and 7 to check the
weight distribution measurements again. Adjust the weight distribution if necessary
until it falls within the guidelines. Check the trailer pitch again to see the difference
made by moving the hitch ball height. You may need to try several setups before you
get one that achieves good weight distribution and trailer pitch.
