Trailer Weight Balance

[BC_Explorer]

It has probably been about 2 years since I last posted but I still have CT and a lot of original CT has changed since my first implementation of it. Now today, I have some questions on weight balance.

Over the winter, I will be adding solar panels (which I already have.) In doing so, I will also be adding a couple of 12 volt deep cycle batteries. Note: I don't wish to get into any debates of 6 volt vs 12 volt batteries as my choice on the 12 volt is final.

Currently the way I have my trailer designed and configured (6 x 10 V-nose), putting 2 batteries in the front interior nose of the trailer is not an option, nor at this time, is putting the batteries on exterior tongue of the trailer as I have a box mounted there and box is not deep enough anyway.

However I do have room for the 2 batteries at the front interior roadside wall of the trailer and conveniently, there is an unused 110 volt receptacle box that can be cut bigger and be re-purposed as a battery vent. Before I go this route though, I do have some concern about the weight of these batteries which will weigh about 140 lbs combined. I also have plans to add a small dorm style fridge along the same roadside wall. The fridge would add another 50 lbs to that side of the trailer.

On the opposite curbside wall, I don't have anything heavier then a 5 gallon container of water (which is not always full) to counterbalance the battery and fridge weight on the opposing side of the trailer. I also do not have any more room to add any more weight to the curbside, especially near the front due to the side door.

So in summary: Planned front roadside additional weight 200 lbs vs curbside weight of about 60 lbs max.

My question is: Should I be concerned about the uneven side to side weight balance or not? Will it cause any drive-ability problems such as uneven tire wear, uneven bouncing, tracking etc? My TV is a Ram 1500, so no problem there.

Thoughts?

[McDave]

Not sure, but I have heard snowmobilers say when towing single sled on double trailer, to keep weight to the inside (roadside). I believe their concern is mostly with the slush and snow that tends to pile up curbside.
Just a thought, I have seen batteries built into the floor just ahead of the axle. Less tongue weight and centered right to left. May be worth looking into.
McDave

[msnglinc]

When hauling one horse in a two horse trailer always load on the roadside not curbside. Logic is that if you wander or are forced off onto the shoulder you won't have that weight sinking into the soft dirt. Less chance of it digging in and may give you a chance to recover. Doubt the weight will be a problem but you may notice it some. Tongue weight is more important than side weight within reason.

[Gonefishin]

Good to see you back BC. I agree with the previous answer. Two-horse trailers are loaded road-side with only one horse, and that's a thousand pounds. I doubt that the weight of two batteries will have very much effect on your CT. They're built for heavy loads to begin with, and as mentioned, tongue weight is more important to watch. Mine is generally heavier on the road side just due to where I have my cargo stowed and my cabinets hanging. The curb/door side is pretty clean.