WD Hitch for boat trailer

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Feb 2, 2012 | 09:47 PM

luisp1966

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WD Hitch for boat trailer

Tax refund time!!! Ready to mod the X.

One thing I don't know anything about is what WD Hitch can I use on my boat trailer. I have a tandem axel trailer and I'll be towing 9000# behind the X. That's total for boat and trailer. The trailer has a braking system too.

When I've looked at photos of some Reese or husky WD hitches, I can't figure out if they will work on the boat trailer. Thinking I'm looking at the wrong kind of WD Hitches.

If you know of any models that are designed for boat trailers, please advise.

Thanks,

Lou

Feb 3, 2012 | 05:51 AM

X_Hemi_Guy

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From: Florida

Lou,

I assume your trailer has "surge" brakes?...if so...there's only two WD hitches that I know of (could certainly be more) that also have SWAY control that works with "surge" brakes...One is the Reese SC WD hitch Reese SC Weight Distribution System w Sway Control - Trunnion - 10,000 lbs GTW, 800 lbs TW Reese Weight Distribution RP66153 and the other is the Equal-i-zer BRAND hitch Equal-i-zer Hitch 1000/10000lbs Trailer Weight - RVWholesalers.com RV Parts

The links I provided are not for price...although they may not be bad prices...both links also provide free shipping...I only linked to show you the two hitches that will work for you with a boat and surge brakes. Neither one of these needs to be removed for backing up either...although I would recommend releasing the pressure on the WD bars prior to unloading the boat off the trailer...

If I had to choose...I would go with the Equal-I-zer Brand hitch...the Reese is a new addition to the market...and it may be just as good...I just haven't seen a lot of reviews on it or spoken to anyone that has actually used it...the Equal-I-zer is one that I've talked with a lot of people on and know it is a proven performer!

With both of these hitches in the link...all you would need to purchase would be a ball with a 1 1/4" shank rated for your load...

Hope this helps...

Good luck,
Joe.

Feb 3, 2012 | 12:18 PM

jasonodsky

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From: Milwaukee, WI

What is the expected tounge weight on the boat trailer? I thought most boats are well balanced on the axles and there is little tounge weight, thus no need for WD on a boat trailer. Tounge weight is the reason to "weight distribute" some weight off the rear axles to the front axles.

Not tryin to talk you out of a toy, just not sure if you need it. Maybe that money could be well spent on a different mod for your Ex

Feb 3, 2012 | 12:22 PM

X_Hemi_Guy

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From: Florida

A 9000# boat (sounds like a heck of a boat!)...but it "better" have at least 900#'s of tongue weight...if not...it will be one heck of an unstable ride...

At a minimum of 900#'s of tongue weight...our receivers REQUIRE a WD hitch...

Also ANY trailer over 5000#'s requires a WD hitch on our receiver...that's because a 5000# trailer better have at least 500#'s of tongue weight...i.e 10% of the load...

Joe.

Feb 3, 2012 | 12:27 PM

jasonodsky

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From: Milwaukee, WI

Thanks for clarifying Joe!

Feb 3, 2012 | 03:18 PM

luisp1966

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Thanks for the info Joe and Jason.

I apologize now for being such a newbie when it comes to towing. I just want to be both safe and legal for when I toe to Florida from Georgia in June 2012.

I'll be getting a RAS, a Helwig anti sway bar, new blistein shocks and steering stablizer in two weeks.

So that leaves me wondering if I need a wd hitch for a boat trailer. It seems like all the info on WD hitches doesnt pertain to boat trailers. I have what I think is a surge type braking system in the trailer.

The Ford owners manual states you must use a wd hitch for a class IV TRAILER.

It doesnt specify if the trailer is a boat or travel trailer?

Right now the boat's in the slip but I'll be towing it to a CAT in a couple of months to get the exact weight for each /including tongue weight.

If the boat's on the trailer, it's way too heavy to lift or move by hand.

Hoping the above info helps explain why I was asking.

I'm hoping the WD hitch is not required but don't know enough about them or towing.

I appreciate the advice.

Feb 3, 2012 | 05:08 PM

X_Hemi_Guy

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From: Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by luisp1966

I'm hoping the WD hitch is not required but don't know enough about them or towing.

Lou,

In your first post you stated

Quote:

Originally Posted by luisp1966

I have a tandem axel trailer and I'll be towing 9000# behind the X. That's total for boat and trailer. The trailer has a braking system too.

What makes a WD hitch "required" is the receiver on your Ex.

Do one thing...go out to your Ex and take a look at the tag affixed to the receiver on the back of your Ex.

It rates whether you need a WD hitch or not by the total load and tongue weight.

it will look something like this (please note that I have an '05 Ex...some earlier Ex's had a hitch with a LOWER WD mode rating):

What makes you NEED a WD hitch is not whether it is a boat, utility trailer or RV...what makes you NEED a WD hitch is the 9000#'s you posted your boat and trailer weighs.

Notice the ratings...in "weight carrying" (i.e. NO WD hitch) you are limited to 5000#'s total and 500#'s on the tongue...if your 9000#'s is accurate...even it it is only 7500#'s...you will be overloading the receiver withOUT a WD hitch with that much weight...

Do people tow more weight without a WD hitch behind an Ex...sure...would I recommend second guessing the Ford Engineers?...No...

Good luck with your choice.

To me at least the choice seems obvious...

joe.