Trailer question

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timtune

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timtune said:
I'm looking into a new trailer. 5x7 utility.
I've noticed some have the wheel near the the mid point of the box and some noticably much closer to the rear. (see pic)
Should I be concerned too much tongue weight with something like this one shown?
I'm pulling with a Matrix that has a 200lb tongue limit.

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That one has a weird forward bed extension. Set the front trailer wall where it normally is and the axle is just behind centre.
 
The axle being close to the back of the trailer allows the weight to be more easily placed forward of the axle. This is safer to pull because if more weight is place behind the axle than in front, it will cause the trailer to fishtail. The higher the ratio of weight rear of the axle, the worse the fishtailing. the downside to this is the farther back the axle is, the more weight that's on the tongue.
The axle being back is the safest, but you have to balance that with the weight capacity of the tongue, and the amount of weight you'll topically be pulling.
I like the axle to be 60% from the front and 40% from the back, for best balance.
I'll also suggest an 8 foot trailer. It's always nice to have the option of laying a 4x8 sheet flat. You could alway leave the tailgate open (or off) on a 5x7 trailer, but then you're placing more of the weight rear of the axle.
 
I currently have a 4x8 trailer that holds a 4x8 sheet with about 1/8" to spare on all sides, which is really nice, but the axle is to light for the occasional gravel or triple-mix load (which flattens my springs and leave the trailer bed sitting directly on the axles).
I've been collecting materials to built a 5x9 trailer with a strong axle and leaf spring. Thing is, I don't want two trailers kicking around, and I really like that I can easily walk my 4x8 around by hand in the yard. If my 5x9 ends up too heavy do do the same, l'll like end up selling it as soon as it's built. :ROFLMAO:
 
timtune said:
I'm looking into a new trailer. 5x7 utility.
I've noticed some have the wheel near the the mid point of the box and some noticably much closer to the rear. (see pic)
Should I be concerned too much tongue weight with something like this one shown?
I'm pulling with a Matrix that has a 200lb tongue limit.

www.kijiji.ca

Utility Trailer 5 ft x 7 1/2 ft | Cargo & Utility Trailers | Cornwall | Free local classifieds - Kijiji

Utility Trailer for sale. Used very little. Good condition.
www.kijiji.ca www.kijiji.ca
Click to expand...
As the owner and user of a 5x7 trailer exclusively for towing my GSXR 600, I can tell you the axle on the trailer is too far back for your needs.
The Center of the mass of you bike (the engine) should be close to being over the trailer axel to balance the weight. That can be fine tuned by where you bolt your wheel chock.
My trailer gives a tongue weight of about 50 lbs which suits by vehicle.
The other thing to consider is- and this is very important - is that the trailer will sway left to right and shake you car if the balance is too far forward or back. Check out you tube videos that demonstrate this phenomenon

Of course the larger the tires the better off you are too. But I think you already understand that.
 
timtune said:
I'm looking into a new trailer. 5x7 utility.
I've noticed some have the wheel near the the mid point of the box and some noticably much closer to the rear. (see pic)
Should I be concerned too much tongue weight with something like this one shown?
I'm pulling with a Matrix that has a 200lb tongue limit.

www.kijiji.ca

Utility Trailer 5 ft x 7 1/2 ft | Cargo & Utility Trailers | Cornwall | Free local classifieds - Kijiji

Utility Trailer for sale. Used very little. Good condition.
www.kijiji.ca www.kijiji.ca
Click to expand...
"The Toyota Matrix has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds (680 kg) when equipped with the 2.4-liter engine."

"The maximum tongue weight for a Toyota Matrix, when equipped with a Class I or II trailer hitch, is 250 lbs. The maximum gross trailer weight is typically 2,500 lbs."


"Here's a more detailed breakdown:
  • Engine: The towing capacity is specifically tied to the 2.4-liter engine option.
  • Not for Heavy Towing: While it can tow, the Matrix is not designed for heavy-duty towing. It's more suitable for light-duty tasks like pulling a small trailer.

  • Considerations: When towing, it's important to keep an eye on engine coolant temperature and avoid excessive strain on the engine.
  • Class Comparison: The Matrix's towing capacity is notable in its class, as many similar vehicles don't recommend towing at all.
  • Curb Weight: The Matrix has a curb weight of around 2,679 - 2,888 lbs.
  • Hitch: A Class 1 hitch with a 1-1/4 inch square receiver is compatible with the Toyota Matrix."
 
xodot said:
My trailer gives a tongue weight of about 50 lbs which suits by vehicle.
Click to expand...
You want 10-15% of the total trailer weight on the tongue. Assuming a 450 lb bike and 450 lb trailer, you want somewhere between 90-135 lbs on the hitch. Less risks sway, especially in windy conditions that may unload the hitch even more.

xodot said:
The other thing to consider is- and this is very important - is that the trailer will sway left to right and shake you car if the balance is too far forward or back. Check out you tube videos that demonstrate this phenomenon
Click to expand...
Trailer sway is almost always caused by insufficient tongue load, not excessive tongue load. The limit to tongue load is usually the hitch limit and/or the GVWR including passengers, cargo and hitch loading combined.

(Source: I bought a mini pickup (Santa Cruz) and spent way too long researching which travel trailers it can and can't tow. What really shocked me is how low the GVWR is on most modern half-ton pickups. My Santa Cruz has a payload of 1411 lbs, while many common full-size truck configurations (4x4, crew cab, short box) have a payload limit of only a few hundred pounds more. Add a family of four and a bed loaded with camping gear, and there's a lot of trailers being towed by vehicles with net negative payload capacities.)
 
I'm always looking for a trailer for my property if anyone wants to donate one. 😀
 
With a small vehicle you don't have a lot of options and you need to get tongue weight right.

I have a 6' x 10' trailer that weighs 800 lb and was setting it up to carry an ST1100 and ST1300 to NC. Figured about 2,300 lb in round numbers and set it up for a 310 lb tongue weigh on my 500 lb limit Highlander.

Used a tongue weight measuring setup similar to Figure B as per attached.


Don't fasten down your chock until you find the point where the tongue weight is correct. IMO a Matrix is a pretty light weight vehicle to be pulling a trailer.
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