Trailer modification for a JV17

[MajHarry]

My new JV17 is on a trailer that I believe could carry a little longer boat. As such, the length of the beam between the post that winches up the boat to the actual hitch (pictures would help here, eh?) is long enough such that I think I can remove about 1 foot of this beam - effectively shortening the entire motor + boat + trailer tongue by a foot and enabling me to get this in my garage. Any concerns? Any rule of thumb re how much distance between the boat/tongue, or boat and vehicle?

Also - I have a drop-down hitch in my receiver. This prevents me swinging the jack/wheel down or up, it's about 1 inch too low - locals advise that I can reverse my ball and run that hitch in to the receiver upside down? Anyone see any concerns regarding this move?

Cheers,

MHM

[Nbrian21]

Maj
Check this out at Bass pro.
Might solve part of your problem.
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_61350_200004002_200000000_200004000_200-4-2

[MajHarry]

Thanks! What DID people do BEFORE the Internet???

Cheers,

Maj Harry

[Nbrian21]

Maj
It sounds like your Ball height is wrong. When hooked to the Tow Veh your trailer should be level.
Ball Height

Measurement from the ground to the top of the ball or ball coupling (trailer) when parked on a flat surface and parallel to the ground. Used to determine the amount of drop or rise needed in the ballmount to make the trailer ride parallel to the ground when being towed.

Ballmount (Ball Mount)

The part of a trailer hitch that slides into a receiver and fastens with a pin and clip to allow the attachment of a ball for towing a trailer.

[Slim to None]

yes you can just flip your receiver over and reinstall the hitch ball. it will be fine. i have two different receivers for my truck, one for my skiff which is lower and one for my parents boat which is flipped up to raise the ball height.