BAM298

I don't necessarily agree with this. My research shows tandem axle boat trailers run lighter on tongue weight, typically 5-7%, and if I'm over 5k lbs it can't be by much. Trailer is listed as 1205lbs on the Certificate of Origin and the boat is listed at 3765lbs on same. That combined with lower tongue weight leads me to believe I'm under both numbers. Maybe just barely but definitely not anywhere close where I would see a drastic change by using a WDH.

And besides, even FORD doesn't use a WDH when towing a boat, that's larger than mine even!

Link > http://blog.caranddriver.com/the-201...r-you-w-video/

Pictures from said link....

http://www.caranddriver.com/photo-ga...-you-w-video#5

http://www.caranddriver.com/photo-ga...you-w-video#11

I will get this thing weighed shortly though just to confirm it and make sure I'm not being misled by the boat/trailer manufacturer.

uzikaduzi

I think it's very likely that you are under 5k pds with those numbers... i assume those are dry number and you likely have more than 30 pds of gear in the boat. not that i think the hitch is magically completely safe at 5000 pds and will explode and kill every one at 5001pds.

in regards to tongue weight, I actually think that's your issue... but not too much weight, not enough. loosen the u bolts (after securing the boat in other ways to the trailer) that hold your winch on, move it forward more, tighten, then pull your boat farther up on the trailer. (assuming there isn't something else in the way that would stop the boat from being able to be farther forward on the trailer.

EDIT: I've heard 5-7% tongue weight is ideal for boats, but having more on any other trailer generally makes them better to tow and i can't see a reason why it wouldn't do the same with a boat

brulaz

Wow, where does this 5-7% value come from?

That seems awfully low even for a boat trailer.

But if there's no sway, guess there's no problem.

uzikaduzi

If you look at boat trailer manufacturer recommendations, they normally fall into the 5-7% (quick google search for proof http://1source.basspro.com/index.php...-tongue-weight
) which is likely pretty odd to you if you're used to pulling any non-boat trailer... you don't get sway near as bad with boats because of how much more aerodynamic they are compared to travel trailers like your sig pic.

EDIT: i should clarify, i "THINK" you don't get sway as bad because of the aerodynamics... as well as how far back the axles tend to be.

brulaz

Thanks for that link.
I had no idea that 5-7% was acceptable for boat trailers.

EDIT: Ford's Tow Guide consistently says 10-15% for bumper pulls. Can't find any reference to anything lower in the Ford stuff.

marauder11

Well you are right they didn't use a WD hitch with the boat in the article you posted. I would point out that Car and Driver is not Ford as you stated. I just mentioned what the recommended weights were from Ford for their trucks. Do i think you need a WD hitch no i don't. I believe it is like mentioned before not enough tongue weight.

Try this maybe your insert in your hitch is sloppy


https://www.etrailer.com/comparison....REV&pc2=RM-061

Air Lift Company

Air bags will go a long way in stopping your bounce while towing. We have several different bolt on kits available for your truck. Let me know if you have any questions!

BAM298

I guess that could be the issue and the trailer itself it bobbing back and forth. My winch post is welded onto the trailer tongue so no moving that unfortunately.

My truck doesn't appear to sag at all, again I need to measure it unloaded vs loaded but if it does it's definitely minor and shows no indication that it's overloaded.

BAM298

Interesting. My hitch is sloppy and this is a NEW one I just bought. I guess I didn't think about that change either. I bought an adjustable drop hitch for this boat trailer and haven't used it for towing so maybe this is my issue or at least not helping. I'll swap out the hitch for my old one first to test it but that looks like cheap insurance either way. Thanks!

Definitely interested! I'm going to play with a few things on my hitch setup this weekend but airbags were one of my first thoughts as my truck is damn near annoying to drive when towing this boat, my head hurts from all the rocking.

RLXXI

Does the trailer have electric or surge brakes? I had to pull a twin axle car hauler that did the same thing and it had surge brakes, gawd those things are a nightmare to pull.