Weight Distribution System for a Boat Trailer with Surge Brakes

Published 06/13/2013

Products Featured in This Question

2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-3/4" Long Shank - Chrome - 12,000 lbs

(2635)

$23.60

Reese Pole-Tongue Adapter for Weight Distribution Systems - 14,000 lbs GTW, 1,400 lbs TW

(25)

$251.99

Question:

I have a 2003 Ford F150 Super Crew. The rating on the hitch is 8700 lb weight distributing and 5000 lb weight carrying. The boat and trailer with gear/fluid see picture weighs no more than 7000 lbs. Based on that 7000 greater than 5000 I need a WD hitch, correct? Also since I have surge brakes vs electric breaks I need a WD hitch that slides vs chains. My question is, will the hitch connect to the straight tongue of the trailer? And will the trailer jack interfere with mounting?

asked by: Dave

Helpful Expert Reply:

There is a way to use weight distribution on a boat trailer with surge brakes. First, you will need to contact the trailer manufacturer to determine if the trailer frame can be used with weight distribution. Not all boat trailer frames, especially aluminum frames, can be used with weight distribution.

The trailer tongue weight is probably in the neighborhood of 700 pounds (10 percent of the gross trailer weight) but you have to add the weight of anything loaded behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle to the trailer tongue weight.

You will need to use a pole tongue adapter, # RP58393, in order to use a weight distribution on your boat trailer. The pole tongue creates an artificial A-frame for the weight distribution system. Then you can use # RP66560 with the pole tongue adapter. The 600 to 1,200 pound tongue weight capacity of this system should be right where you need to be.

You will also need a properly sized ball. Use # 19286 for a 2-5/16 inch diameter ball. I have included a link to our FAQ article on weight distribution and sway control for you.

expert reply by: Michael H