Towing
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 332
Likes: 2
Towing
How many of you tow a boat without a weight distributing hitch? My boat and trailer are between 6500-7000 lbs. I've towed it on two different vacations now and all seems fine. I'm not saying that it is the correct way but just wondering for future trips. Actually I've never seen one used for boat hauling. Is it because boats are set up better or different than a travel trailer?
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
From: Tampa
My boat weighs around 5k and I've always used a regular hitch with it. In regard to boats a lot of it has to do with how the trailer is set up. The tongue weight on mine is perfect and it pulls as smooth as a boat trailer can. My only real concern was making sure the trailer beams are level with the ground, so I don't put more stress/load on one axle(tandem). With the level kit and 33 inch tires a Reese 2 inch drop 6k hitch was perfect.
Are there benefits to a WD hitch absolutely, with what we're towing it is my opinion that it isn't necessary. Pending your trailer is set up properly, most I see at the boat ramp are not.
Are there benefits to a WD hitch absolutely, with what we're towing it is my opinion that it isn't necessary. Pending your trailer is set up properly, most I see at the boat ramp are not.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
From: Sonoma, CA
My boat is too light, but I regularly tow an enclosed car hauler w/ car and race gear, @6500 lbs. Very well adjusted and balanced. Huge benefit w WD bars.
Now, a front engine car isn't a stern-drive boat, and the car hauler wheels are further forward for that reason. I've put the car in forward and backwards to experiment...forward is best, and how trailer is designed.
All that said, the wd bars provide so much stability, reduces/eliminates any "porpoising", and is much more secure and controllable all around. IMHO, worth the cost.
Now, a front engine car isn't a stern-drive boat, and the car hauler wheels are further forward for that reason. I've put the car in forward and backwards to experiment...forward is best, and how trailer is designed.
All that said, the wd bars provide so much stability, reduces/eliminates any "porpoising", and is much more secure and controllable all around. IMHO, worth the cost.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 332
Likes: 2
My boat is too light, but I regularly tow an enclosed car hauler w/ car and race gear, @6500 lbs. Very well adjusted and balanced. Huge benefit w WD bars.
Now, a front engine car isn't a stern-drive boat, and the car hauler wheels are further forward for that reason. I've put the car in forward and backwards to experiment...forward is best, and how trailer is designed.
All that said, the wd bars provide so much stability, reduces/eliminates any "porpoising", and is much more secure and controllable all around. IMHO, worth the cost.
Now, a front engine car isn't a stern-drive boat, and the car hauler wheels are further forward for that reason. I've put the car in forward and backwards to experiment...forward is best, and how trailer is designed.
All that said, the wd bars provide so much stability, reduces/eliminates any "porpoising", and is much more secure and controllable all around. IMHO, worth the cost.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 332
Likes: 2
Even with WDH your still hooking up to hitch and all the weight is still on the ball and hitch. I can't wrap my head around the fact that when using one you can haul more like from 5000 to 10,000.
Elder User
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 551
Likes: 4
The advantage that a wd hitch provides is that it transferres part of the tounge weight to the front axle.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
