Trailer hitting at the ramp

cdail28590 · 04-02-2008, 05:06 PM

I have a 31' trailer that I have my boat on and I was wondering if anyone has any issues with the trailer hitting the concrete on the ramp when you pull it over the crest. I have only put my boat on this trailer at my house and I have to put it in on the side of the ramp on the beach area because the ramp stops. When I pull it out it scrubs and pulls up all the grass and dirt. My truck is lifted 8" but I bought a 6" drop to put it pulling close to regular ride height. Should I not use the drop hitch and use a straight hitch or do I need to flip the 6" drop over and make it a 6" raise? Anybody else have or had this issue and how did you correct it?

floridadeckie · 04-02-2008, 06:34 PM

instead of a 6" drop, try a 4" drop hitch. running a straight hitch, or worse flipping the 6", will make the back of the trailer drag all the time and screw you up if you hit something backing up

fullblown · 04-02-2008, 07:29 PM

The trailer should be level to the ground, in tow on flat ground. more so with a tamdem with disc brakes. if it's level maybe it's the ramp.

mrfishy · 04-02-2008, 08:54 PM

Mine drags on the top too, I just try and get it past that point as quick as possible

It doesnt seem to do any harm to the trailer just annoying.

blueoceaneyez · 04-03-2008, 12:16 AM

We have a trailer of similar size & it used to drag - at the time we were using a crappy ramp that was short & shallow. Now we are using a different ramp that is a lot better and we don't drag at all.

cdail28590 · 04-03-2008, 11:32 AM

I also think the ramp has a lot to do with and since I will be using the ramps at Oregon Inlet mostly I would think there wouldn't be a issue. I was looking at my trailer last night and the spot that hits is the front cross braces under the bow. They are not straight across but a little V in them and that is what is hitting. I just don't want to hit the ramp and rip these off and tear the rails.

Skipjack1 · 04-03-2008, 11:48 AM

Oregon Inlet is the ramp that I also scrape my trailer on - it has a steep incline whne tide is low.

Skipjack1 · 04-03-2008, 11:48 AM

Oregon Inlet is the ramp that I also scrape my trailer on - it has a steep incline when the tide is low.

PurpleGold · 04-03-2008, 11:49 AM

If the trailer is sitting level with the 6" drop then why can't you just flip it over once you get to the ramp. That way you won't be hitting the ramp while loading and unloading but also won't be pulling your trailer un-level. I know it is a pain to do it that way but it's better than tearing up your trailer. Hopefully like you said, it won't be a problem at OI where you will be using it mostly.

Mirage36 · 04-03-2008, 09:44 PM

I've never had a problem with my old trailer but now I do with my new one. Only thing that is different is the axles are farther back on the new trailer which has changed the pivot point. To solve this I've had to raise my hitch a few inches.

04-02-2008, 05:06 PM	#1
cdail28590 Anthony's Ark is a blowboater Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Windsor, NC Posts: 287 Credits: 1,413.2 Boat: 28' Bertram and 20' Sea Ox Home Port: Oregon Inlet Best Catch: All of them Occupation: QA Manager and Landscaper	Trailer hitting at the ramp I have a 31' trailer that I have my boat on and I was wondering if anyone has any issues with the trailer hitting the concrete on the ramp when you pull it over the crest. I have only put my boat on this trailer at my house and I have to put it in on the side of the ramp on the beach area because the ramp stops. When I pull it out it scrubs and pulls up all the grass and dirt. My truck is lifted 8" but I bought a 6" drop to put it pulling close to regular ride height. Should I not use the drop hitch and use a straight hitch or do I need to flip the 6" drop over and make it a 6" raise? Anybody else have or had this issue and how did you correct it?

04-02-2008, 06:34 PM	#2
floridadeckie Stop staring at my Avatar. Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Big Bend, Fl/Islamorada, FL Posts: 419 Credits: 1,604.6 Boat: hula girl Home Port: islamorada Occupation: fulltime freelance deckie	instead of a 6" drop, try a 4" drop hitch. running a straight hitch, or worse flipping the 6", will make the back of the trailer drag all the time and screw you up if you hit something backing up __________________ *SALTWATER COWBOY OUTFITTERS* Serving the Florida Big Bend to the Keys with all your guiding, deckhand, and detailing needs Jimmy D.

04-03-2008, 12:16 AM	#5
blueoceaneyez I practice safe fishing Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 67 Credits: 4,767.6 Boat: 26' Sea Hunt Triton, twin 150 Yamahas Home Port: Destin, FL & Wilmington, NC Best Catch: the one that keeps getting away...	We have a trailer of similar size & it used to drag - at the time we were using a crappy ramp that was short & shallow. Now we are using a different ramp that is a lot better and we don't drag at all. __________________ www.Florida-Offshore.com Home of Bluewater Supermap

04-03-2008, 11:49 AM	#9
PurpleGold Anthony's Ark is a blowboater Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Holden Beach, NC Posts: 343 Credits: 1,448.1 Occupation: Project Manager	If the trailer is sitting level with the 6" drop then why can't you just flip it over once you get to the ramp. That way you won't be hitting the ramp while loading and unloading but also won't be pulling your trailer un-level. I know it is a pain to do it that way but it's better than tearing up your trailer. Hopefully like you said, it won't be a problem at OI where you will be using it mostly. __________________ www.thehabanaco.com

04-03-2008, 09:44 PM	#10
Mirage36 I use a green machine Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: IR Delaware Posts: 206 Credits: 1,221.5 Occupation: Self Employed	I've never had a problem with my old trailer but now I do with my new one. Only thing that is different is the axles are farther back on the new trailer which has changed the pivot point. To solve this I've had to raise my hitch a few inches. __________________ Rob aka RM2 Owner of 36' Mirage Mate Dana Lynn Charters 46' Carman Custom Walkaround Member Indian River Captains Assoc

04-02-2008, 07:29 PM	#3
fullblown Cockpit Monkey In Training Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 35 Credits: 1,323.3	The trailer should be level to the ground, in tow on flat ground. more so with a tamdem with disc brakes. if it's level maybe it's the ramp.

04-03-2008, 11:32 AM	#6
cdail28590 Anthony's Ark is a blowboater Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Windsor, NC Posts: 287 Credits: 1,413.2 Boat: 28' Bertram and 20' Sea Ox Home Port: Oregon Inlet Best Catch: All of them Occupation: QA Manager and Landscaper	I also think the ramp has a lot to do with and since I will be using the ramps at Oregon Inlet mostly I would think there wouldn't be a issue. I was looking at my trailer last night and the spot that hits is the front cross braces under the bow. They are not straight across but a little V in them and that is what is hitting. I just don't want to hit the ramp and rip these off and tear the rails.

04-03-2008, 11:48 AM	#7
Skipjack1 I Need More Posts Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 9 Credits: 1,273.0	Oregon Inlet is the ramp that I also scrape my trailer on - it has a steep incline whne tide is low.

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