Boat and trailer weight

[teamblair]

We just purchased a Four Winns 19’ boat (weighs ~2700 lbs) on a tandem trailer (not sure what the trailer weighs). We are using a 23’ class “C” RV with a Ford V10 and a hitch rating of 3,500 lbs. This is the first time we will be pulling anything this big with the RV, should we expect any problems? The trailer has disk brakes, any tips on this subject? What does a typical tandem boat trailer weigh?<br /><br />Thanks for any advice.

 

[JB]

Re: Boat and trailer weight

Howdy, MB.<br /><br />By the time you have equipped your boat and filled the fuel tank your whole rig will probably weigh over the 3500lb hitch rating and maybe over the tow rating of your RV.<br /><br />If your RV is rated for at least 5000lb, get a 5000lb (or better) hitch installed.<br /><br />It seems to me that the Ford F250HD chassis with the V10 should handle at least 5000lb, but you need to confirm that with your Ford dealer AND get a towing package installed if your vehicle doesn't already have it.<br /><br />Good luck and happy travels.

 

[chemistbill]

Re: Boat and trailer weight

You can get the serial number from your truck, call the Ford dealer and they can (if they will) look up exactly what you truck is rated to pull. I'd put a trans oil cooler on it(if it's auto)

 

[teamblair]

Re: Boat and trailer weight

JB,<br /><br />Thanks for the info. The RV actually sits on a Ford E-350 chassis with a GCWR of 18,500 lbs. and a trailer weight range of 8,000 lbs. The RV manufacturer states a GCWR of 15,000 lbs. with a GVWR of 11,500 lbs. and a UVW (dry) of 9,902 lbs. with a net carry capacity of 1,598 lbs.<br /><br />I think your advice is right on, get a stronger hitch.<br /><br />MB

 

[teamblair]

Re: Boat and trailer weight

Just an update on my issue.<br /><br />The guys down at the hitch center took a look. They are installing a class III (5,000) hitch and reinforcing the chassis extensions with additional welding. They also verified that I already have a transmission oil cooler installed. I should be ready to go.<br /><br />Thanks for the advice.<br /><br />MB

 

[MIKE F]

Re: Boat and trailer weight

MB<br />You've stumbled on to the answer to your question. That cut-away van your motor home is sitting on is rated to pull 7,000 to 8,000 lbs. But most class C motor home builders (until recently) would not rate their motor homes to tow more than 3,500 Lbs ONLY because of their frame extensions (kinda makes you wonder about how good a welding job they've done).<br />I have a 1995 22' class C on a Chevy C30 5.7L(350CID) with a 4.10 rear end. GVW is 10,500 and GCVW is 13,500. I tow a 20'center console boat on a tandem aluminum trailer(600#).Boat,motor and trailer with no gas, and no anchors, life jackets,etc. weights 3,260#.The boat weights 300-400 lbs more than the manufacurers literature said it did. I do have a transmission cooler, and surge/disc brakes on the trailer.(I sure can tell when those brakes aren't working).You should not have any problems with your rig once you get that heavier duty hitch installed. Your trailer if it's steel would weigh around 900-1000# -that's just a wild guess.