[a/s] How many links? Reese hitch question

["Bradican, Michael" <michael.bradican@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Sorry to resurrect the hitch discussion again, but this is a purely
technical question.

I have a dual cam sway control Reese hitch.  I originally used it on a 1971
31' International.  Now I have a 1970 23' Safari Land Yacht.  When I used to
hitch up the '71 I never noticed a problem, but now, with the same set up on
the Safari I've noticed my spring bars have more of a curve to them and I
have to use fewer links when I hitch up.  I've heard that the ball mount
tilt can be adjusted to help this and I plan to try it, but I was wondering
if there is any specific clearance distance, or length of chain, that should
be used between the springbars and the trailer tongue.

It seems odd that with the same car, hitch, and ball mount that the lighter
23' would need more spring compression to level the car.  I did have to
lower the ball mount one hole to get the trailer level.  The spring bars are
the same.  Does it have something to do with the 23' being a single axle?
Is there more tongue weight on a single axle?  Any advice on the ball mount
tilt and clearance question would be appreciated.

Mike

1970 Safari
1986 Grand Marquis
(5) bicycles