Choosing Correct Ball Mount Drop on 2011 Silverado for Towing 17 Foot 2000 Lb Bass Boat

Updated 01/23/2012 | Published 01/19/2012

Question:

I have a 2011 Chevy Silverado and will be towing a 17 Ranger fiberglass bass boat. I would estimate the weight of the boat to be slightly over 2,000 lbs. My question: if I get the trailer hitch with the correct drop when I measure the boat trailer tongue on level ground, wont the tongue weight compress the shocks of the truck where the trailer is no longer level but slightly down? If thats the case, shouldnt I buy a ball mount that would be slightly higher than the level trailer tongue in order to compensate for this? Thanks!

asked by: Pete C

Expert Reply:

We typically calculate the tongue weight of a trailer as between 10 and 15 percent of the weight of the trailer. A boat trailer is typically toward the lower end of that spectrum. The tongue weight of your boat and trailer should be between 200 and 250 lbs. Given this relatively low tongue weight with the sturdy rear suspension of your Silverado, I do not believe you will have much in the way of rear end sag with the trailer coupled.

I would go ahead and use the method of calculating the necessary ball mount drop outlined in our Ball Mount FAQ article, and not worry about any sag. I would recommend choosing a ball mount that places the trailer ball about 1-1/2 to 2 inches above level, as having the coupler a bit on the high side is preferable to having it a bit low.

expert reply by: Mike L