Tongue weight on FEMA trailers

[lascassas_camper]

Anyone have issues with the tongue weight on their 2006 GS Cavalier (FEMA) trailer?

I assume the tongue weight is typical of a 32' (28' box) trailer, I had thought of adding a 3rd axle or moving the axles forward, any thoughts on that?

Adding a 3rd axle looks pretty straight forward since the trailer is built above frame, although I'm not sure how it would affect towing.

[anoldman]

I can't comment on your trailer specifically but I can comment on tongue weight vs. trailer weight in general. Trailers are set up with about 10% to 15% of their weight on the tongue. If that weight is reduced your trailer will fishtail on the highway, sometimes violently, and could cause you to lose control. If you feel the axles are now overloaded then adding a 3rd one may make sense. If you're doing this to lower the tongue weight then be very careful.

[lascassas_camper]

I think the tongue weight is excessive compared to other long trailers i've owned (31' Airstream). I could reduce some weight, by going to 1 standard size tank, instead of the 2 large tanks. I could also relocate the battery....that might reduce tongue weight by 100# more or less.

The trailer had severe tire wear on 4 new trailer tires just from 1 trip.

I replaced them with 4, 15" Jeep steel rims with a closer backspace and that seemed to solve that problem.

[strawpatch]

I just bought a 8x32 basic FEMA camper at a Henderson action. Not sure what the togue weight is, but I am pulling mine with a 2004 Z-71 with a equal-i-zer 10,000 lb anti sway hitch. Mine pulls great at 70 mph. When I bought mine I was surprised to see the number of people pulling with a bumper ball or even a standard tow package receiver hitch. I posted a wanted add on criags list and bought a slighty used $400 hitch for $200. Well worth the money.

[No1Hillbilly]

Where do you find information about that auction?