Notices
All Things Towing Conventional, 5th Wheel, Toy Hauler, Flatbed, Gooseneck, Electrical/Brakes/etc.

Boat Trailer Issues

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 8, 2016 | 03:49 PM
  #1  
On Holiday's Avatar
On Holiday
Thread Starter
|
Tuned
10 Year Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 292
Likes: 25
Boat Trailer Issues

I have a 26 foot boat approximately 6,500 pounds with trailer as weighed at a CAT scale (can't remember the exact weight). I usually tow the boat with a 2500 Dodge diesel and hardly feel the boat behind me. This weekend I towed with my 2003 F150 Super crew and can feel every pound even though I am within the tow limits. I said to my wife that the Ford is struggling and I can definitely feel the boat behind me. About a mile on the highway I see smoke at the tires as my trailer brakes weren't releasing. I am getting the trailer serviced and inspected for my 6 hour tow this weekend. I love my diesel and yes it is a Dodge, I also enjoy my Ford as it rides a lot better. Happy towing everyone.
 
Reply
Old Jun 9, 2016 | 05:10 AM
  #2  
senix's Avatar
senix
Super Moderator
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,375
Likes: 1,860
From: Frederick, MD
Club FTE Gold Member
Mostly likely the boat has surge brakes. You will have to get that checked. You may need the brakes replaced now.

Be sure to check the fluid level in the brake system.

Your older ford has the 5.4 or maybe the 4.6 in it. Take it out of OD and that may help.

There is certainly a different in a 1/2 ton vs a 3/4 ton towing anything.
 
Reply
Old Jun 9, 2016 | 12:57 PM
  #3  
sgeorge's Avatar
sgeorge
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 236
Likes: 4
From: El Cajon, Ca
I was having constant problems with my drum surge breaks on my boat trailer, and I am **** about servicing the trailer. Salt water can over come any maintenance plan. I switched to disc breaks on the trailer and have not had one issue since. Well worth the cost for me.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Hecklerboy
1997 - 2003 F150
4
Jul 30, 2012 02:29 PM
Stewey
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
6
Feb 2, 2009 04:29 PM
countrysF250
All Things Towing
6
Feb 23, 2008 05:38 AM
RyanF
6.0L Power Stroke Diesel
8
Nov 22, 2004 11:13 AM
hfactor
All Things Towing
15
Jan 31, 2002 08:54 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:47 PM.

story-0
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-1
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-2
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-3
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

Slideshow: Here are the top 10 Fords coming to Mecum Indy 2026.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:49:49


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford truck wheels of all time

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:49:01


VIEW MORE