2002 SAN - Eagle Trailer ball height

[peterdev]

I have just purchased a 2002 Super Air Nautique on an Eagle tandem trailer, and need to pick it up 450 miles away in the next two weeks. Can anyone provide me with the correct ball height I need on the tow vehicle - measured to the top of the ball. I called Eagle and gave them the vin number, and they came back and said 17.25 inches to the top of the ball. The previous owner, who never towed it very far, has the ball on his Durango at 21 inches from the ground.

I would be very grateful for some advice as I need to get the correct ball hitch before I leave.
Peter

[Rick]

RE: 2002 SAN - Eagle Trailer ball height

My guess is that after the trailer is on the durango it sags about 3" I tow my DHM at 19" top of the ball unloaded. With Dual axle trailers you have 2-3" leeway as it just loads either the forward or rear axle a little more. I would go with 19 unwieghted.

[speck]

the eagle trailers usually have leaf springs, not torsion, so if you are off a bit you will not load one axle more that the other because of the swing shackle in the centre of the leafs. this will compensate for ride height and even the load between axles.
don't worry about it

[jmo]

RE: 2002 SAN - Eagle Trailer ball height

I was in the exact same situation when I bought mine last year, so what I did is purchase several ball receivers (0" drop, 1" drop, 2" drop) and figured out on site which one worked best for my truck, then I just returned the 2 I didn't need the next day. If you are buying it from a marina, they probably have most of the towing accessories you might need - but call ahead to make sure. The key is to have the trailer level once it's hooked up.

You will also want to figure out if you need an adapter to connect the electrical line for the lights & brakes as they come in different combinations of shapes and # of pins.

Lastly, make sure you have boat insurance active prior to driving out and make sure you water test it prior to driving it home.

Good luck!

[wakejunky]

RE: 2002 SAN - Eagle Trailer ball height

End all your worries...

http://ultrahitch.rpmsolutions.biz/index.cfm?Section=73

Pricey but, worth it.

[peterdev]

RE: 2002 SAN - Eagle Trailer ball height

Thank you for your kind advice. I had not considered the sag of the rear suspension as it is loaded with the hitch weight. I like the idea of a few ball receivers to choose the ideal height on site, and will also look at the "Ultrahitch".

I will be towing with a Chev Trailblazer which has the 7 contact round plug, and I am planning to buy tha adaptor from this 7 contact to the standard 4 pin flat - does anyone know if all these contact pin locations are standardized on all vehivles, and that this will definitely work?

Again thanks for taking the time to help
Peter

[jmo]

RE: 2002 SAN - Eagle Trailer ball height

Not sure if the configuration is standardized - but my guess would be yes, I would call your nearest Chevy dealer and get the adapter from them just to be sure (even though it might cost you a little more).

[pj]

RE: 2002 SAN - Eagle Trailer ball height

Just picked my baby up from storage. I've got an eagle single axle trailer. The top of the ball is at 17" and the trailer is level.

[Rick]

RE: 2002 SAN - Eagle Trailer ball height

I tow with a 2005 Thaoe. I bought the 7 pin to 5 pin adapter and it works perfectly. Make sure you get the 5 pin as I bet the trailer has brakes and you will need the reverse bypass wire(blue) to be energized when you back up or you will not be able to as the trailer brakes lock up. Make sure the marina where you are buying it go over the trailer with you as well as the boat.