Towing Trailer level

Jokaj · 11-10-2021, 01:01 PM

Hello! New to the forum with a newly purchased Micro Minnie 2225RL. Nice trailer with a good layout. I’m new to towing a travel trailer( have towed boats and uhaul moving trailers) and need some help trying to figure out where to measure level for the TT for the purpose of towing. Is level at the campsite the same level as the trailer? If not, where do I measure? I noticed the frame is not completely one piece so I can’t use front and back. Thanks for any help!

**creativepart** · 11-10-2021, 02:29 PM

Let me ask for a bit more info. Are you asking about towing the TT level behind your tow vehicle OR level in a campsite disconnected from the tow vehicle.

I think you're asking about level behind the tow vehicle when towing but wanted to be sure.

Most of us don't measure for level behind the tow vehicle EXCEPT when setting up the hitch the first time.

You find a nice level parking lot and connect the trailer A-frame to the hitch ball and first eye ball it from the side. Does it look level? To measure look for a common line of trim or other point and measure the furthest front to the ground and furthest rear to the ground.

Here's a photo a 225RL and it sure looks like measuring the bottom trim at the front and the rear would tell you if the trailer is within an inch or less from level. I'm not sure what you mean by "the frame isn't one piece"?

Jokaj · 11-10-2021, 03:49 PM

Thanks for the response. Yes. I will setting up my trailer for towing and not campsite. I thought about measuring from the frame to the ground front and back to check level but it appears the frame (beam) is not one piece. It looks like two pieces - one beam extended out. Hard to put into words.

**creativepart** · 11-10-2021, 04:12 PM

The chassis cut away on the Micro Minnie brochure shows it one piece. Are you sure? The body does rise over the tires but other than that is flat.

Morich · 11-10-2021, 04:14 PM

Understanding why we want to do this may lessen the tention on the question of getting it right as the towing level is not that precise.
Idea is that we want it level as a way to make the suspension and tires more uniform so we don't want it going down the road so off the the front wheels get far too much weight, nor do we want it tail dragging so bad we can't get in a gas station without dragging.

But it is not a thing to need a precise level. If you keep in mind the road is constantly changing and getting it soemwhat level , like when you look at it is usually all that is needed. And you may in fact notice it may change some when you do things like load it or fill the fresh water tank, then while camping that water and weight may get moved from the fresh tank to the waste holding and make the springs a bit different?

For me, if it feels "okay" when I want in it with it on the hitch, it is close enough!

Jokaj · 11-11-2021, 09:51 PM

Just want say thanks for everyone’s suggestion. Was able to bring my trailer home and to the scales. I added the picture just as a FYI for the frame comment I made in a previous post. Now I need to figure out how to lighten up my tongue weight!

Marine359 · 11-20-2021, 07:16 AM

Why do you feel the need to lighten tongue weight Jokaj?
The most important thing to manage weight-wise is tv rear GAWR. The stuff you put in the tv has more of an impact on towing than tongue weight. Moving heavier stuff from tv into pass thru may slightly increase tongue weight, but will give you a better tow.

You have a tt GVWR of 6,000 lbs. So, your tongue weight should be between 600 and 720 lbs. (10-12% of GVWR). If you reduce tongue weight below 10%, you may find that towing will feel a bit squirrelly. I’ve been through this exercise after getting my 2108ds last year. By taking heavier stuff out of the tv and putting in the pass thru, my tongue weight increased from 550 to 600lbs, and my towing became a bit more stable.

Jokaj · 11-20-2021, 07:28 AM

Thanks Marine. The trailer weighed in around 5160 lbs and the tongue was 800. My Blue Ox WDH is rated at 750. Trying to hit the 720 mark. I think the dual 6v battery on the tongue is the issue. Once I swap out with a LiFePo in the pass through, I hope it will be within that range.

Marine359 · 11-20-2021, 07:40 AM

Good idea. Minus 120 for the 2x6v. Add 30 for for 100ah lfp

Jokaj · 12-13-2021, 10:22 PM

Just a quick update, I swapped out the dual 6v batteries for dual lifepo4. The lifepo4s are in the front pass through furthest away from the tongue. With just the 2 - 20lbs full propane tanks, I measured the tongue weight to be 700lbs. This is good news for me!