Periwinkle,
1 1/2 inches doesn't sound like much to me but you probably want to check the tongue weight at a scale someplace just to make certain it's not too much for your hitch. I had a similar problem a while back with my Chevy 1500. I solved it by moving the winch stand back about 6 inches. Do this an inch or two at the time as you can go too far and make your trailer squirly. You could also consider electric brakes and go ahead and use your ez-lift. Contrary to popular beliefe electric brakes will not fail just because you get them wet. I had electrics on my previous trailer for several years and never had a problem. I also plan to switch my new(used) trailer to electrics as soon as the weather gets better.