When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
First time tower - just purchased boat....rookie question
So I just purchased a 21' boat in Florida that I will be towing back up to PA. Since this is my first boat and my first experience towing with my 2016 2.7 XLT, I am trying to make sure I am all set. Below is the weight of the boat, per the dealer,
Boat wgt. 2785#. Motor wgt. 487# Trailer wgt. 1000# Fuel wgt. 410# total - 4682#. That is full of fuel (54 gal).
My question centers around which is the best hitch/ball option for me. Is that weight limit too close to the 5,000 threshold for the below hitch? I imagine we may pack some light items in the boat that will of course add some additional weight (towels,etc...). The ball that goes with this has a 7,500 lb rating so I am not sure which weight rating is the one I should be paying attention too?
The second option is below, which is a 45 lb hitch due to its solid construction, but it has a rating of 7,500 lbs with the 2" ball. I am just not sure if this would be overkill, or if the versatility of the various ball sizes included with this one, along with the perceived durability of it being a solid unit rather than hollow, would be worth it in the long run.
The nice thing about boats (99% of the time) is the boat is matched to the trailer and weight is generally pretty evenly distributed.
I have three boats/trailers and my sky boat is comparable to yours.
I use a simple ball hitch with a 6000# rating and a 2 inch drop. Assuming your truck isn't lifted, this is all you need.
Add (I assume you need a 2" ball)(6000# rating) and you're set!
Shouldn't cost you more than $25
FYI...
In preparation for your trip home make sure wheel bearings are packed and well greased, you have a spare tire with air in it, and a jack and wrench to change a tire.
Most boats are 7% tongue weight. Even at 10% you are good with the standard ball shank. Don't over think it for this one. If you know how much drop you need, 2", 4" 6" etc. you can just get a shank and ball in that drop, but if you don't know how low it will be, then get the bottom universal one.
Most boats are 7% tongue weight. Even at 10% you are good with the standard ball shank. Don't over think it for this one. If you know how much drop you need, 2", 4" 6" etc. you can just get a shank and ball in that drop, but if you don't know how low it will be, then get the bottom universal one.
So I just purchased a 21' boat in Florida that I will be towing back up to PA. Since this is my first boat and my first experience towing with my 2016 2.7 XLT, I am trying to make sure I am all set. Below is the weight of the boat, per the dealer,
Boat wgt. 2785#. Motor wgt. 487# Trailer wgt. 1000# Fuel wgt. 410# total - 4682#. That is full of fuel (54 gal).
My question centers around which is the best hitch/ball option for me. Is that weight limit too close to the 5,000 threshold for the below hitch? I imagine we may pack some light items in the boat that will of course add some additional weight (towels,etc...). The ball that goes with this has a 7,500 lb rating so I am not sure which weight rating is the one I should be paying attention too?
The second option is below, which is a 45 lb hitch due to its solid construction, but it has a rating of 7,500 lbs with the 2" ball. I am just not sure if this would be overkill, or if the versatility of the various ball sizes included with this one, along with the perceived durability of it being a solid unit rather than hollow, would be worth it in the long run.
First, do you need something capable of that much drop? Personally, I'm a fan of getting one of the solid, forged units with the proper drop... much less stuff to fail than all those pins.
03-23-2019, 04:32 PM
First time tower - just purchased boat....rookie question
