Posted 2011-12-05 6:31 PM (#139345) Subject: Question about safe towing
Regular
Posts: 78
We have a aluminum 3H BP with DR in front, and tow two horses in the first and second stalls, leaving the third stall for a couple of bales of hay , the empty water tank, and such. There is a stud wall between the seond and third stalls.We have weight distribution system installed.I'm happy with the way my rig handles with this set up. But I'd like to put the stud wall up front ,use the first stall for hay, full 30 gallon water tank, and some other stuff. This would make unloading way easier and make such a handy storage area. Would this work or are we asking for instability and trailer sway issues? Any ideas on how to make the new set up work would be greatly appreciated.
Posted 2011-12-05 6:52 PM (#139346 - in reply to #139345) Subject: RE: Question about safe towing
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 406
Location: Minneapolis, MN
More hitch weight is always better than too little. The best would be to load it how it's configured now, and weigh it. Then configure it how you're proposing, and weigh it. I'm guessing that the axle is placed maybe slightly behind the centerline of the second stall.
Posted 2011-12-05 7:14 PM (#139347 - in reply to #139345) Subject: RE: Question about safe towing
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 402
Location: Lockport, Illinois
FWI. When you are traveling to your destination the 30 gallons of water and two bales of hay will add about 350 lbs, but when you are returning the water will be empty and the hay will be used up.
Posted 2011-12-05 10:15 PM (#139353 - in reply to #139345) Subject: RE: Question about safe towing
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA
The placement of the axles will determine if you can place the horses in the last two stalls. If they are centered under the middle stall, two horses in the back will usually cause the trailer to swerve. If the axles are behind the center stall, chances are placing the horses in the back will not unload the tongue weight.
It's a simple matter to find out. Before any modifications are effected, load two horses in the back and try pulling the trailer. Make sure your trials are on curvy roads, varying speeds and include braking. If there are no stability issues, your mods should work.