Ideal weight distribution for a 1/4 ton military trailer??

[cbmontgo]

As some of you know, I am starting to wrap up my project trailer in the coming weeks. I laid out most of the items that I will want to carry in this trailer tonight, and I want to know what your thoughts are on which things should go where for optimal weight distribution.

I have 2 NATO jerry cans for fuel and 2 Scepter military water containers. I also have a Honda 800EX small generator, a cooler, a Hi-Lift, a 33x9.50 spare for the FJ60, and various other tools. These items will permanently reside in the trailer.

The fuel containers, water containers, and cooler will be light when empty, and heavy when full. Are they best to be permanently positioned toward the center (over the axle) of the trailer or towards the back? Keep in mind that the weight will vary on these.

I want to avoid trailer sway, but I want to reduce tongue weight when crossing streams and driving off road. I have stock suspension on the 60, and I don't want the ass to sit low when the trailer is hooked up. Last time I was at Big Bend, I dragged at several of the creek crossings. Of course, the back of my rig was loaded down with everyone's stuff and all the weight. This is why I bought the trailer...

I know that by the book, about 10% of the trailer's gross weight should rest on the tongue, but I wanted some other ideas if some of you have any other nuggets of wisdom on this. These short military trailers surely handle differently than most.

 

[Rubiconcruiser]

OK nearly rollin. good. Keep the weight tools etc in the center either side, fuel and water to the rear, counterbalance the tongue and Ice chest or batteries, whatever is up front., you wont really notice the fuel and water in the rear. try to keep it as low as possible no more than 12 in above fender level. Good luck.

 

[REZARF]

Do you want to mount everything but the spare inside the trailer?

If not the gas can setup that Exiled has is great for keeping that sloshing weight low and near the axle. I am mounting my 21 gallon water tank near the front of my trailer, but I will not usually run that much water. I have read that 60% of the wieght should be in front of the axle while 40% should be behind the axle.

I love your build up, it has been very inspiring.

Rezarf <><

 

[Panzer]

Carson,
Based on the US M101 specs that I have to use on my other job all of the above is correct.
You want the tongue weight at 10% of the "total" trailer weight.
- IIRC, The max specs on the US M101 are 2780 gross weight with a 285 max tongue weight according to the data plate.
Also you want at least 60% of the total weight forward of the axle to prevent sway, especially with a pintle mount. The added play in the pintle could exacerbate the sway issues of an improperly loaded trailer.
CAS

 

[cbmontgo]

Thanks for the good info. I think I have a good idea of how I am going to do this now.

REZARF, I do like the way Exiled has those cans mounted on the outside. I am going to try storing it all inside and see what happens. If fumes or leaks occur, I may look at the outside option.