boat towing
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 24,724
Likes: 74
From: Blue Hill Township
huh? How does a hitch get you better performance? Provided that you are not overloading the bumper and that it is properly secured I see no reason to not use it. Been there, done that.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 586
Likes: 1
I think he's including in truck performance it's abilty to tow. with the frame hitch you have the ability to make sure the trailer is leveled and that would make the towing smoother and safer.
the step sides I've seen don't have the reinforce 3500/350 bumper ball mount. they are just a class 1 with the regular bumper brackets, no extra frame bracing.
the step sides I've seen don't have the reinforce 3500/350 bumper ball mount. they are just a class 1 with the regular bumper brackets, no extra frame bracing.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 4,982
Likes: 1
From: Clearwater, Fl
loading on a hitch, the boat is leveled off a little more dispursing the weght evenly throughout the boat making for an easier pull.
been there done that with the same boat, same vehicle, when i added the hitch, i was told that it would be easier to tow, and i found that out the first day i towed it.
has nothing to do if the bumper can hold the weight and tow it. and there is nothing wrong with it. with a hitch it is safer,you do get better mpg and performance as well.
this constitutes most things, im not talking about a 14ft john boat that i could tow with a rope over my shoulder
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,045
Likes: 1
Modern surge brake systems have a wire that sends a signal, via the reverse lights, to a solenoid on the coupler that prevents the hydraulic system from engaging when you need to back up.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 24,724
Likes: 74
From: Blue Hill Township
Some do, some don't
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,045
Likes: 1
Boats. Maybe it is because they are, obviously, often driven backwards. My wiring had an issue once and I had a hell of a time trying to back up. I guess if a trailer is light enough you could back up but many boats weigh 7K 8K 10K or more, there would be no way. At 5K I can back mine on level pavement but not on any incline or gravel if the wiring isn't hooked up..
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
Im not sure about boats but surge brakes are not legal in some states on trailers rated for 6k pounds or more. Set up correctly surge brakes work awesome but they can be really fussy when it comes to loading the trailer. If they dont have the electric soleniod to stop the tounge from sliding they usually have a pin you can put in to keep the brakes from coming on while backing up.
As for towing on the bumper i personally wouldnt especially after seeing the bumper brackets on my f150 after a few years of pulling the boat/fishhouse.
As for towing on the bumper i personally wouldnt especially after seeing the bumper brackets on my f150 after a few years of pulling the boat/fishhouse.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,045
Likes: 1
I dont disconnect them. Some people think it makes some difference but I have never had a problem. I have LED lights so they dont heat up really so no thermal shock. But even with the old one I never had a failure.
Additionally, since ramps are down hill, its a moot point.
Additionally, since ramps are down hill, its a moot point.
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
Just wasnted to say thank 's to all of you who replied, and to let you know that everything went sssmmmmmooooootttthhhhhhh, I installed a class 3 hitch that was suggested by you and didn't have any problem's what so ever, couldn't even tell the boat was behind me except for when going up hill, the overdrive would kick off but other than that no problem's. Thank's
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