Originally Posted by JaseBosto

Also, I have never towed a boat trailer that could accomodate a WDH. This is because all boat trailers I have seen have a long center main channel You would have to modify it.

Originally Posted by BadAltitude

This is full if misinformation.

First, there are threads describing weight distribution on boat trailers so you can search to get info. You can also search etrailer.com and hitch manufacturers equipment for WDHs. You will also find systems compatible with surge brakes.

Since a lot of boaters believe they are blessed with devine intervention eliminating the need to conform basic over the road vehicle specifications, those boaters dont demand WDH on large boat trailers. For the rest of us simply demand a compatible trailer and you will get it.

Truck hitches may or may not add additional tongue or maximum trailer weight limits. However, most limitations are established for the truck. For example, all F150s have 500# hitch and 5000#trailer limits which are limits of the TRUCK. No aftermarket hitch modifies those limits. Most trucks have similar type limits which, if exceeded, require a WDH. You have to understand the limits of each particular truck. Generally, after market hitches serve no purpose on a truck, and if a hitch is provisioned with a truck the hitch is adequate for the capacity limits of the truck.

Finally, surge brakes are commonly used on boat trailers, but some folks have electric actuated boat trailers brakes. Electric brakes are better but are more vulnerable to problems due to immersion in water.

Originally Posted by BadAltitude

This is full if misinformation.

First, there are threads describing weight distribution on boat trailers so you can search to get info. You can also search etrailer.com and hitch manufacturers equipment for WDHs. You will also find systems compatible with surge brakes.

Since a lot of boaters believe they are blessed with devine intervention eliminating the need to conform basic over the road vehicle specifications, those boaters dont demand WDH on large boat trailers. For the rest of us simply demand a compatible trailer and you will get it.

Truck hitches may or may not add additional tongue or maximum trailer weight limits. However, most limitations are established for the truck. For example, all F150s have 500# hitch and 5000#trailer limits which are limits of the TRUCK. No aftermarket hitch modifies those limits. Most trucks have similar type limits which, if exceeded, require a WDH. You have to understand the limits of each particular truck. Generally, after market hitches serve no purpose on a truck, and if a hitch is provisioned with a truck the hitch is adequate for the capacity limits of the truck.

Finally, surge brakes are commonly used on boat trailers, but some folks have electric actuated boat trailers brakes. Electric brakes are better but are more vulnerable to problems due to immersion in water.

Originally Posted by smokeywren

Yes, you have to modify it by adding a pole tongue adapter.

Most boat trailers have a "pole" tongue, not an A-frame tongue that is on most RV, cargo, animal, and utility trailers. But the industry makes a "pole tongue adapter" that allows hooking up a WD hitch on a pole tongue. Like this one for an Equal-I-Zer hitch that will work with surge brakes on a boat trailer
https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories...5-01-5950.html

Originally Posted by BadAltitude

Is it a challenge?

Well that is an excuse not to do it. You may join the exclusive club of boaters who enjoy devine intervention which allows a boater to bust any over the road spec or law just because. Just because they are a boater. A good example is trailer brakes. Ford recommend trailer brakes over 1,500#. States have trailer brake laws most are @ 3,000#. But if you are a boater and enjoy devine intervention then bust the brake laws, too. No problem.

For the rest of us poor slobs the F150 has a 500# tongue and 5,000# trailer limit above which a WDH is required by Ford. Ford provides no exceptions. None. Do as you wish but you at least know what the specs are.

Originally Posted by SpencerPJ

I wonder if the published weight of a boat includes a full tank of gas? Our F150's payload takes into account a full tank of gas and 150# driver

I've never used a wdh on a boat, tend to agree with you, but I guess if I wanted to pull a heavier boat, I'd consider a wdh for it, and consider removing the bars as part of the launching process. No biggy for those of us that deal with them with our travel trailers.

Originally Posted by JaseBosto

I've been in the boating world longer than some people have been alive (25+ years) before I could even drive.

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As far as a WDH on a boat trailer, not practical at all. I would put a bigger hitch on and bag the rear end. I would never use a WDH on a boat trailer.

Originally Posted by JaseBosto

You are incorrect about the truck limit. The F150 is not limited to 500 lbs tongue weight. The hitch is. It is advertised as 500 lbs tongue weight because thats the hitch they put on in the factory. You can put a stronger hitch on a truck. On an F150 your biggest limiter with a class 5 hitch will be payload. It is also not easy to replace the factory hitch with a class 5 on an F150 these days, but it can(and has) been done.

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At the least you should properly educate yourself on that before telling me my post is full of misinformation.

Originally Posted by 23 Blackout-Platinum

Ok thanks.

Originally Posted by Joe Tom

Yes and thank you for reviving an old thread @23 Blackout-Platinum


I come here for advice on which fuse to use to get a brake controller working. But stay for the science.

🍿

Originally Posted by JaseBosto

This was almost 2.5 years ago and I was wrong about just replacing the hitch.