MacGregorSailors.com

What is the correct height from ground to the ball? Should the trailer
not loaded, be inclined forward and if so at what angle?
Why do I ask? My spare tire cover has black marks where it has bottomed
out several times. I usually take the front landing gear tire off when
traveling and have a heck of a time getting it back on.

Rob

The trailer should be level or just slightly sloped down toward the ball. Not really at any noticeable angle. I have no problem putting back on the jack wheel. With the jack full up and the trailer on the ball I have 5"-6" clearance to the ground. The trailer sit's level at my ball height of 18" to 19" from the ground to the top of the ball. I do have slightly oversized tires.

Sounds like your ball is to low.

My nose wheel practically welded itself in place one year (probably due to salt air exposure for 4 years and never removing the wheel at the marina all that time. The good folks at the marina got it loose for me with an acetylene torch and a sledge hammer. Two of the tools that I do not (yet) carry on the boat.

I like the newer type nose wheel that has 2 U bolts holding it to the frame and the whole thing tilts to raise the wheel completely without it being a major operation.

You didn't mention tow vehicle or spare tire mounting location. I never even mounted my spare tire. I tow infrequently so I just toss the spare tire in the tow vehicle when towing. Keeps it from degrading in the weather and also saves the cost of the mounting bracket.

With the addition of the second axle, my trailer rides an estimated 1.5-2" higher than standard. The trailer is dead level at 19.5" ball height. Also, since I adjusted the tongue weight upward the springs on the Expedition compress about 2" when I hitch up the Mac. I adjusted the ball height so it is correct when hitched up and fully loaded for travel.

I developed a habit of removing the landing wheel many years ago, based on a particularly damaging episode involving a travel trailer and a sharply angled driveway entrance. Trust me, that plastic landing wheel will not work as a wheelie bar; and neither it nor the jack will support both the trailer tongue weight and the entire rear end of the tow vehicle, which is in effect what occurs when it hits.

It's not only insufficient ball height which can cause problems in this area. A tow vehicle with long overhang (distance from the rear axle to the ball) can also cause it to crash. Motorhomes are particularly susceptible. Driveways are where you will find out. Parking lot speed bumps are another (those things should be illegal).

On mine, the first thing that will hit is the spare, which mounted, projects slightly below the jack minus the wheel. The spare bracket probably won't take it either, but in three plus years it's never hit.

Yes, I also should have mentioned that my 18" ball height settles about 2" when hitched to my Suburban so when towing I would guess the height is more like 16".

I tow with a Ford Expedition and with the load it tows at 17 inches. I just got a new tow bar for my receiver, made by masterlock. It is infinitely adjustable from 4 inches up to 6 inches drop. You just snap a 3/8 dive ratchet into the top and it screws up and down for precise adjustment. I bought a 99 cent magnetic level, which rides on the trailer and I crank it to level. Great idea for 42 bucks!