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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2020
    Posts
    17

    Default Makai hitch question

    Looking at a 21 Makai. The dry weight of the boat is 5,200. I have a 2019 Expedition max with the HD tow package. Looking at the sticker on the hitch the max trailer weight is 6,600 and 9,000 with weight distribution. DO any of the Moomba owners use a weight distribution hitch on their boats?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    May 2018
    Posts
    4,920

    Default

    WD hitches are typically not capable of backing up which is obviously required for a boat.

    Boatmate trailers does not recommend WD hitching.

    Don’t forget to add the weight of the trailer to the boat, looks like total weight is 6400.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    2021 Supra SA 400
    2018 Supra SA 400 (SOLD)
    Michigan

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Oct 2020
    Posts
    17

    Default

    I did see that boat and trailer weight was 6,400. So with fuel and gear I would be over the weight carrying limit on my truck. What have others done to work past this issue.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Dec 2020
    Location
    Boone NC
    Posts
    334

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by 1967-mustang View Post
    I did see that boat and trailer weight was 6,400. So with fuel and gear I would be over the weight carrying limit on my truck. What have others done to work past this issue.
    Send it, wait that's probably not the best answer..

    But wow ford is advertising 9000lbs with no mention of having to have a WD hitch, that's a little sly

    How far are you planning on going? Every weekend towing 100 miles or?
    Josh
    2021 Mojo, Sold 7/15/22
    2023 Supreme S240, on order

  5. #5
    Join Date
    May 2018
    Posts
    4,920

    Default

    Welcome to the wakeboat towing dilemma.

    1/2 ton pickups are pushing the limits to tow these boats. 1/2 ton SUV’s even worse.

    The trucks will pull it but research your hitch gear, brakes and payload limits.

    Obviously a 3/4 ton pick up all day but understand that they are not ideal for daily drivers and family applications.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    2021 Supra SA 400
    2018 Supra SA 400 (SOLD)
    Michigan

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2014
    Location
    Columbus, Ohio
    Posts
    388

    Default

    I believe the big difference with boat trailers is the lower than average tongue weight for the size of load being towed. I've never used nor known anyone to use a WD hitch for towing these boats with a half ton truck or SUV and I've been doing it for years. I do use a WD hitch for my enclosed car trailer on the same truck however.

    YMMV.
    Boatless for now

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Oct 2020
    Posts
    17

    Default

    from what I can see reading my owners manual my only issue is the weight carrying setup on the hitch. My GCRW is 15,500 vehicle weight now is 5,800. I was looking at getting the optional electric over hydraulic breaks on the trailer.

    Most of the time I would tow about between 55 and 120 miles depending on what lake we are going to. However once or twice a year we would take the boat from where we live in Missouri to Texas I have grown kids that live in Texas about 640 miles.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Oct 2020
    Posts
    17

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by That Guy View Post
    I believe the big difference with boat trailers is the lower than average tongue weight for the size of load being towed. I've never used nor known anyone to use a WD hitch for towing these boats with a half ton truck or SUV and I've been doing it for years. I do use a WD hitch for my enclosed car trailer on the same truck however.

    YMMV.
    Yes with our older expedition had a 2003 model when all the kids were still home and a travel trailer I had a WD setup.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jun 2020
    Location
    Reno, NV
    Posts
    741

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by 1967-mustang View Post
    I did see that boat and trailer weight was 6,400. So with fuel and gear I would be over the weight carrying limit on my truck. What have others done to work past this issue.
    Options depend on what you are hoping to accomplish.

    Option #1 - Find a friend who has a 3/4 ton you can swap vehicles with. Tow my boat to the lake, friend rides free. Buy their fuel.

    Option #2 - If you are dead set on using your vehicle, and are trying to stay legal, tow the boat empty of fuel and gear. Put the gear in your tow vehicle or second vehicle. This is a PITA especially if you have lead.

    Option #3 - If you are trying to avoid warranty issues with your vehicle, don't tow with it. See option #1, #5, or #6.

    Option #4 - If you are trying to stay safe, don't tow with it. See option #1, #5, or #6.

    Option #5 - Find a cheap used 3/4 ton truck to tow with.

    Option #6 - Check with equipment / truck rental companies. I'm not sure if Home Depot trucks have towing exclusions in their agreement, but most car rental places do.

    Option #7 - Rent a slip with a lift. This may not even be an option. See option #1, #5, or #6.

    Option #8 - Buy a Kaiyen. This gives you 900# margin, and is very similar. Money saved can help you get a 3/4 ton truck.

    None of this is meant to be tongue-in-cheek. They are all viable, and reasonable options to ensuring towing safety and legally, while protecting your interests.
    2020 SA 450 Wife calls it White Cloud. Said it makes her feel "Classy"
    2017 Sanger V215sx. We call it Viagra because it's the little blue pill that gets everyone up (Sold)

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jun 2020
    Location
    Reno, NV
    Posts
    741

    Default

    Some Ford owners have had a second class V hitch installed that is rated for more weight. The problem is you start to exceed the braking capacity and steering friction when you go above designed weight limits. Upgrading calipers and rotors may give you more margin, but your altering a designed system, and there is so much interplay between those systems. Plus, the investment to do such might be cost prohibitive as well.

    My Tundra will safely tow my SA loaded. I know this, and have done the research. But, even though it will tow the boat, should it? Every time I tow I fear the transmission is going to grenade. Towing in fear is not fun, especially for a long trip.
    2020 SA 450 Wife calls it White Cloud. Said it makes her feel "Classy"
    2017 Sanger V215sx. We call it Viagra because it's the little blue pill that gets everyone up (Sold)

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