What is trailer hitch height for a 1981 Magic Tilt trailer?

Just bought a 1981 Hobie 16 with the original Magic Tilt trailer, but haven't picked it up because I don't have a hitch on the car yet. Anybody know what the trailer coupler height is so I can order the right drop/lift hitch height? Or know where I can look that up?

Thanks,
Stuart

you can find out with a tape measure and level.

put the level on the tongue(just before the coupler) and then measure down from the top of the coupler to the ground.


Unless you are towing with a small car you can use that measurement as ride.

You want to have a bout 10% of the total trailer/boat wieght on the tongue.

I think that is the same trailer I have. I cannot check the height easily because it is at the lake.

I would say these are set up for a fairly low ball height but are somewhat flexible. I am guessing about 12". If you get the ball too high the back of the trailer may drag when you go over bumps. It also can vary depending on how the boat sits on the trailer and you might have to worry about how low the rudders are.

Another item to note is that an 81 trailer probably is a 1-7/8" ball instead of the now standard 2" ball. When I went to pick up my boat I ran into this and the guy I bought the boat from just gave me a 2" receiver with the 1-7/8" ball.

Good luck.

Carrying the load level is best, but not a must. Height of the coupler will depend on the tire diameters and spring setup. I'd guess 12" - 18" off the ground would work.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Thanks for the replies, I'm took a guess and ordered the hardware to put me at 14" (that's kinda what I measured when I looked at the boat, only without making sure it was dead level) having learned that drawbars are cheap enough in case I get it too wrong.

So I guess you guys leave the rudders on when trailering, or are they easy enough to take off? Sorry, newbie question, I have a lot to learn yet. I promise I'll study the manual before asking too many dumb questions.

Stuart

Depends on the distance and road conditions. Shorter hauls, on with no problem. Better for the hardware if you take them off.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)