trailer and table trouble

[Kevin White]

Hello out there. I hope everyone is staying safe and boating a lot!
I have a 2009 Ranger Tugs R25 classic with an EZ Loader Trailer and I was wondering if others are having trouble with tongue weight or being able to get the boat far enough forward to achieve proper tongue weight.
Also, is there a trick or method to easily collapse the dining table to create the bed?
Thanks,
Kevin/Wildest Dreams

 

[scross]

Kevin,
Our Journey, a 2009 R25 Classic, weights in at about 7,700 pounds in towing configuration. Add 2,000 pounds for the trailer and the gross towing weight is approximately 9,700 pounds. We have confirmed these weights many times.
Our tongue weight is 650 pounds or 6.7% of the gross total towing weight. This is on the lower side of what most (EZ Loader, Tuff and LoadRite are the ones I spoke with) boat trailer manufacturers recommend for a dual axle trailer to be between 6-9% of the gross towing weight.
The often quoted 10% tongue weight is what is recommended for single axle trailers.
We’ve towed our boat over 9,000 miles so far with the tongue weight at 6.5 to 7.0 % with no stability issues whatsoever - Including when going up and down long 5% grades on I-5 in Oregon and California. It’s as stable as a rock back there!
So, is your tongue weight under 6% of gross towing weight? If so you need to get the axles moved back on the trailer.
PS: Remember that it’s really important to have the trailer frame parallel to the ground when towing to distribute the weight equally between the two axles.

 

[scross]

As far as getting the dining table set for sleeping, it’s a two step process. First lift the table top by grasping the bow and stern sides while standing in the passageway. I find that grabbing about 1/3 of the tables width away from the wall works best. A bit of serious wiggling while lifting will get the table top off the two aluminum legs.
Then push the black button on the mount for each leg while twisting and lifting that leg. They will come out. Good luck!

 

[PanaSeaAh]

Re the table: I have a rubber mallet on board. After trying the Vicki and Al method, I beat the *%#@# out of the bottom of the table next to the leg, and then it lifts off. 😳 🙂. Fortunately the leg always releases easily from the floor socket.

 

[serpa4]

My C30 and trailer weighs 16,020. Tongue is 800 lbs. Tows very well at 5% on a triple. I've heard some have even less tongue. More axles means less tongue.

 

[KKRCRACE]

I have hauled a lot of race car trailers and sometimes all it takes is a friction stabilize to to help it from swaying. I tow with a 2500 Suburban.
KKRCRACE

 

[Kevin White]

Thank you for your input and suggestions. I figured out how to undo the table and after a couple of tries, I figured it out. Regarding the trailer, I will weigh the tongue weight and see what it is. Super helpful to know the ratio. I will bring it up with a trailer mechanic I am hiring on Wednesday.
Thanks,
Kevin

 

[scross]

Kevin,
One more thing. Don’t weigh the tongue weight by measuring it from the weight at the tongue jack wheel. It needs to be measured by first weighing the truck without the trailer attached and then measuring the weight of the truck with the trailer attached. The gain in total weight of the truck is the tongue weight. Also, the trailer needs to be level (parellel to the ground) when doing the weighing. Good luck!