New utility trailer, weight distribution question.

[keaneb23]

Hello GM drivers, I was gifted a 5x8 open utility trailer with wood flooring. This trailer is NOT an A frame at the hitch, it is a single rod in the center. I have a 2016 rado 1500 5.3LT with the towing package. I am going to be running a mobile detailing business off the trailer that now sits in the back of my truck. MY MAIN QUESTION: I have a 100 gallon water tank appx 40lbs empty. I planned on putting it all the way forward of the trailer but now I am concerned about "tongue weight". I am a complete NOOB when it comes to this topic. Would 900lbs -/+ be ok all the way forward? Or more positioned over the axel?

[Horacio]

Short answer, if you can position the tank over the wheels, you'll always be better off than having that weight on the tongue.

[keaneb23]

That's kind of what I'm assuming after doing some research. I really wanted the tank up front and everything to follow so now back to the drawing board for the plumbing!!

[Brandon5799]

I'd be more worried if the trailer was rated for that kind of weight. 900 lbs plus other "gear" might be kinda high for a small 5x8 trailer depending on the quality of the trailer

[BigBadSierra]

Your right there, over the axles. This weight shifts to remember especially if the tank is half empty.

 

Even Travel trailers keep the tanks behind the axles and this one of the reason the axles never sit centered on them. off setting the backed weight.

 

Usually find the fridge/ Bathroom and showers all back there in most of them.

[Andy Seibel]

You want your weight nearly centered on the trailer axle, or just slightly in front of the wheels. If you do it right, the tongue weight should be 10% of the total trailer weight.

 

So lets figure your trailer + gear + full water tank weigh in at 2,000 lbs, then you should be putting 200 lbs on the hitch of your truck. That is not what you would get with the water tank in the front. (it would be less than the 900# due to leverage, but still too much)

 

Back to the drawing board. For that size of a trailer, you should be able to pick up the tongue, at least briefly, when its loaded (if you have a healthy back)

[Krusty]

Are there baffles in that tank? That load is going to shift and slosh if not...........

 

How about a pic of the trailer and tank...........

 

[keaneb23]

I would upload a pic but it says images too big and idk how to resize. Trailer Is from Home Depot made by work Sport. I believe it's a 5x8..I installed wood floors measured 71.5 long and 47.5 wide for the floors.. I dropped the trailer off for new wiring so I don't have it now.

[keaneb23]

There are no baffles? Yes it sloshes around. I've kept the tank in my bed. On my last truck( Nissan Titan 6" lift) you could feel every slosh it made inside the cab. With the rado I forget if there's water in it. I'd say the tank full of 100 gallons weighs let's say 900lbs, generator another 30lb pressure washer 20lb and other stuff 100lbs were at 1050lbs of load.

[keaneb23]

The tank is 42"Lx26"Wx26"H

[Donstar]

I had a trailer setup years ago that I used to pump oil from underground storage tanks. I quickly learned the benefits of putting the tanks over the axle! Too far forward or too far back will be problematic for you.

[keaneb23]

I started another forum on a detailing website and I'm glad I did!! I need to place the tank over the rear axel no doubt! I'm thinking slightly forward like a few inches of the tank on the forward side of the axel. Any suggestions as I mount the tank and fill with water? Like what should I look for as far as signs it's too forward or backwards?

[keaneb23]

Also....I always fill the tank with water only for that day. Ex 2 cars today I put 60 gallons in i do have water left but like 15-20gallons. I would be hooking up to truck then filling to avoid lifting that much weight. Not the best back but I am 29y/o. GUYS I LOVE MY CHEVY THOUGH!!!

[Krusty]

I would upload a pic but it says images too big and idk how to resize. Trailer Is from Home Depot made by work Sport. I believe it's a 5x8..I installed wood floors measured 71.5 long and 47.5 wide for the floors.. I dropped the trailer off for new wiring so I don't have it now.

 

 

Open pic with paint on your PC - resize options at top............ Your PC literate son or daughter or neighbor kid can help.......

[keaneb23]

Man oh man that's a ton of work. I'm on a cell phone right now. I'll upload pics when I get a chance probably tomorrow of the tank and at least a week until my trailer is ready. I have been wanting to post pics on here though. The trailer is a work Sport from Home Depot its older but most importantly it was free