Hitch Extension - Large Pontoon boat and trailer

[newcomlr]

When loading/unloading my 25 foot pontoon at our lake, i have to back the truck so far down the ramp to get the boat to float the rear wheels of the truck are in the water. I have to back the truck to the point the exhaust is slightly in the water (still out at the top, but bubbling). The toon still isn't floating much at that point, so I have to high rev the motor in reverse to get the toon off the trailer. Loading is similarly difficult. I found the deepest part of the ramp and that helps.

My question is I'm thinking of using an 18" hitch extension (18" pin-to-pin added length). Would only use at the ramp, not when towing. The toon is approximately 1800 pounds...don't know what the trailer weight is. I use an F-150 SuperCrew.

I think 18" may be just enough to give me the extra depth I need. The ones I see online are rated at 3500 lbs GTW, 350 lbs TW. Anything I should be concerned about?

 

[boat1010]

Re: Hitch Extension - Large Pontoon boat and trailer

Just seems like quite a bit of extra work to extend the trailer each time you load and unload the boat. I just back in until mine floats and at the end of the season I check the oil in the differentials and change the oil if there is water in it. Everything under the truck gets wet when it rains. Just my opinion. But I see no problems with the extension if that's the way ya want to go. Just make sure it is sturdy enough to support the weight.

 

[Quit It]

Re: Hitch Extension - Large Pontoon boat and trailer

Someone posted this http://www.xtend-a-hitchnorthwest.com/ a while ago. I've never used it, don't recommend it, just pointing it out.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Hitch Extension - Large Pontoon boat and trailer

I doubt the 18" extension will do much.
I tried a 24", but still wasn't satisfied.
I lengthened the tongue on my trailer 36", and have still used the 24" extension a few times on really flat shallow ramps.

I would definitely give http://www.xtend-a-hitchnorthwest.com some thought.


If you go that route, make sure your tongue jack has enough lift height.

 

[rbh]

Re: Hitch Extension - Large Pontoon boat and trailer

Collapsible reach?
(heavy duty approach/application)

Remove the end hitch piece, down to the square tube, get a piece of DOM square steel (or something heavy duty) that will slide inside with little to no side/up down play all the way to the end.
Grease it up and slide it in all the way.
Drill one hole in the old reach, and as were they would be required for the extension in the new extendable reach.
Weld hitch on the new piece.
So now you have an extendable reach.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Hitch Extension - Large Pontoon boat and trailer

I launch from a shallow launch. and I have came up with a way that works good, and yes I do have to back in deep to get it off and to avoid it getting real deep I back in till i see it starting to float and hit the breaks and it gives it a nice push off and I ether have some one holding a rope of have the rope tied off to the truck. Even by my self I am on or off in 3 minutes.