Surge brakes & Equal-i-zer WDH

[nu_2_boating]

Hi all! <br /><br />Does anyone have experience towing a boat trailer with surge brakes and using an Equal-i-zer WDH?<br /><br />I'm picking up my first boat in a couple of weeks and trying to get my truck ready to pull it.<br /><br />A member on another board suggested this set-up and wanted to check and see if any boaters are using this.

 

[arks]

Re: Surge brakes & Equal-i-zer WDH

A WDH is not recommended for a trailer equipped with surge brakes. The torsion bars transfer some of the tongue weight to the towing vehicle and the actuator doesn't work properly.<br /><br />With that said, I've actually done it in the past and while it seemed to work OK, the trailer brakes didn't function as well. I think the weight transfer "fools" the actuator into thinking the load is less than it actually is.<br /><br />If you're using the WDH to bring up the rear of the towing vehicle, you might want to try adding heavier springs or air shocks. Just a suggestion

 

[nu_2_boating]

Re: Surge brakes & Equal-i-zer WDH

Thanks for the reply Arks. My main objective is to get the maximum tow rating out of my hitch and try to get some sway prevention too.<br /><br />My F250 has a hitch rating of I think 6K#/500# tongue and 10K#/1.5K# tongue with a WDH.<br /><br />My boat will weigh in around 7-8K#.<br /><br />How do you all trailer boats with surge brakes above 6K# without a WDH?

 

[HD in NY]

Re: Surge brakes & Equal-i-zer WDH

The Equalizer hitch is the only weight distributing hitch you can use with surge brakes. I think you'd be wise to use the WD hitch with that equalizing setup. This will give you a more stable ride and will help to prevent sway. I haven't taken notice of how boaters with large boats have their towing setup done. However, I do know your hitch is rated for 500 lbs hitch weight and 5,000 lbs trailer weight without a weight distributing hitch. If your boat goes over 5,000 lbs, the dead load hitch weight is over the limit and the towed weight is over the limit. Just my two cents.

 

[nu_2_boating]

Re: Surge brakes & Equal-i-zer WDH

I just got a response from Equalizer and they say their hitch will work with surge brakes. I sent them pics of my boat and trailer and the weights/lengths.

 

[MrBill]

Re: Surge brakes & Equal-i-zer WDH

Nu_2:<br /><br />I tow with a similar rig, the tongue weight of a 6-7000 lb boat should be distributed enough that the weight is under 700lbs. Tongue weight as a guide should be 10%+/- a bit, unless there are special conditions, etc that make it unusual.<br /><br />What is the type of boat and trailer?

 

[jlshields]

Re: Surge brakes & Equal-i-zer WDH

nu-2, I tow #8000 with #650 tongue weight with a '96 F150 Supercab with a frame hitch. You shouldn't have any trouble with an F250 and no WDH if you have a frame hitch.

 

[nu_2_boating]

Re: Surge brakes & Equal-i-zer WDH

Since I'm new to boating/trailering I decided to get the Equal-i-zer and play it safe.<br /><br />If it works well - then I have peace of mind.<br />If it doesn't work well - there's always Ebay!

 

[POINTER94]

Re: Surge brakes & Equal-i-zer WDH

NU-2-BOATING, <br /><br />How did the weight distribution hitch work? I have a very similar setup and don't want to waste money, but if it works its money well spent.<br /><br />Thanks in advance.

 

[impactdax]

Re: Surge brakes & Equal-i-zer WDH

I too would like to know how this combination worked out. I am buying my first boat. Total Weight is about $7,000 wet with a triple axel trailer. Tow vehicle is an Escalade. Cadillac rates max at 8100 lbs. Max dead weight 600 on tongue and 10,000 with wdh. My dealer is telling me not to waste my money on a wdh and sway control hitch but my manual specifacally says that if I tow over 5,000 lbs I need to use a weigh distibuting hitch with sway control.<br /><br />Any thoughts