How to increase toungue weight capacity on trailer

[bnew17]

Well if that is the case that is the limit on the frame of the trailer itself. I would guess you would need to beef it up some or start over and custom build a trailer using the 3500# axle you have.

Chris

I do plan on beefing it up quite a bit, along with adding a new coupler like mentioned. I dont really see the point of starting all over iwth a trailer, so im just going to use what i have and make it stronger.

 

[Case485Guy]

bnew17, why not weigh the trailer on a scale before modifying the tongue? Find a set of truck scales or other scale and dolly the jack down on the scale, tongue weight only on the scale. Then you will know what you got.
When loading a trailer, especially a pbumper pull, I always try to load with about 60% of weight forward of axle center line, 40% to the rear of center line.THE worst thing you can do is go 50/50 on axle center line. A trailer is like a teeter totter, if you remember those, you want the fat kid on the truck side so it will pull without any sway. OK, not a real fat kid, but you get my point I hope.
What kind of trailer are you starting with, pics would be a major plus in order to get sound advice from anyone here. Also length of pit area, trailer load area, additional add ons for cooking,wood storage etc.

 

[mbrun]

...I cant imagine why you would need more than 300 pound tongue weigh for a butane tank bbq pit. Just adjust the centerline of the pit on the trailer to keep the tongue weight within limits.

I agree. My past experience with trailers is that the manufacturers seem to design their trailers so that only 5%(typical) to 10%(max) of the trailer weight is carried by a tongue. A 1 ton capacity trailer would only apply 100lbs to maybe 200 lbs on the tongue. A 3500lb trailer 175 to less than 350lbs.

So to me if you have 3500 lb rated trailer you intend to use, and that weight is not going to be exceeded, then adjust the position of your rig so about 5% is on the tongue. This will leave room for addition stuff you may carry.