First time tower - just bought boat
03-10-2019, 08:45 PM
#12
Senior Member
It's also a good idea to go to the boat ramp you plan on using and watch how people launch and recover. We use a 3 lane boat ramp and "most" people understand 'boat ramp etiquette'. If you let others know you are new to this, most will be more than willing to help. Enjoy your new boat. Post pictures of it hooked up to your truck. Here is a thread for future use.
https://www.f150forum.com/f118/its-p...-boats-342590/
https://www.f150forum.com/f118/its-p...-boats-342590/
Last edited by Florida Hag; 03-10-2019 at 09:12 PM. Reason: Grammar
03-10-2019, 08:46 PM
#13
Senior Member
boats don’t normally have electric brakes but surge brakes. Some have a 5 flat so in reverse it locks out the brakes so you can back up.
03-10-2019, 08:57 PM
#15
I tow a similar size boat (21') with about a 2" drop. As others said, your mirrors are fine. You may want to call the dealer and ask if the trailer has surge brakes. Didn't see in your post if you had a 7 pin RV plug, but again check with the boat dealer on electrical plug type. Most boat trailers with surge brakes require a 7 pin (RV) type plug that the reverse light circuit is live. The reverse light connection is necessary when backing up the trailer. The reverse wire controls a solenoid which prevents the brakes from locking up when backing up the trailer. The trailer may come with a key that prevents the coupler from applying the brakes if no reverse circuit is present. Be sure to ask for that key.
The other two things I'd suggest in addition to a spare are:
1) Transom tie down straps (ratchet straps will work in a pinch)
2) Hitch lock.
Enjoy your boat.
The other two things I'd suggest in addition to a spare are:
1) Transom tie down straps (ratchet straps will work in a pinch)
2) Hitch lock.
Enjoy your boat.
03-10-2019, 09:12 PM
#17
so the trailer wiring is another question I have....the trailer has surge brakes. The dealer told me to get a 5 flat ...although the connector on the back of my truck only has a slot for 4 pins.
What am I missing here?
What am I missing here?
03-10-2019, 10:48 PM
#19
I googled up boat trailer towing and found this excellent article about pulling boat trailers: https://www.boatus.com/magazine/trai...-a-trailer.asp Have a fun trip, and give us a post-trip report. Godspeed!
03-11-2019, 12:05 AM
#20
You'll be fine with a 21' boat. I tow a 20' and I see no reason that I would ever need town mirrors. Hard to say what you'll need for a hitch but for mine (4x4), I used a standard hitch with no drop. You can see below how it lined up. I also don't have any kind of brake assist and never felt the need for it. My truck tows it like a champ. Tow mode seemed like over kill but I find that Sport mode works just right.
Congrats on the boat and enjoy it!
Congrats on the boat and enjoy it!