Hitch for towing

[Newowner2011]

What class of towing hitch do I need for my pickup to tow my 19ft Eurostar?

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Hitch for towing

What Pickup? and How much does the Boat, Trailer, Fuel, and gear weigh?

 

[Newowner2011]

Re: Hitch for towing

Truck is a Dodge Dakota 4X4, total weight probably 3500 +-

 

[tomdinwv]

Re: Hitch for towing

You need at least a class III hitch. Class III hitches are rated to tow up to 5000lbs. I had to put one on the 04 Dakota I had to tow my boat. Make sure the trailer at least has surge brakes on it. Good luck!

 

[Newowner2011]

Re: Hitch for towing

Thanks

 

[BlueLightSpecial]

Re: Hitch for towing

Hey there not sure if you found a hitch or not, but I also have a Dakota(pulls my j16 skiff just fine) and ended up with http://www.hitchanything.com/Reese-36047-Premium-Receiver.html this one here. The j16 weighs nothing but might as well get the big hitch for the truck.

I couldnt agree more. When it comes to towing, more is better. Im sure your not expecting to pull a skid loader or a 30ft sunbridge, but having the piece of mind knowing, without a doubt your equipment is plenty strong for the load being pulled, is worth every penny. Also remember, your hitch may be rated for, lets say 7000#, but the reese ball you purchased for your draw bar is rated for 5000#, lowers your safe tow rating to 5000# You wouldnt believe how many people dont think of the weakest link. Just make sure you use quality equipment, and keep up on the maintenance, and you'll be fine. Good luck!

 

[Mikeyboy]

Re: Hitch for towing

I totally agree. When I buy things I usually try to get the best I can to last as long as possible. I would never buy a hitch that isn't as big as my truck can handle. I've learned through experience if you try to save some money and just go with the minimum you need you will almost always spend more in the long run replacing it when you realize you need something more.

 

[Thalasso]

Re: Hitch for towing

Thanks

Get a ball and drawbar (ball mount ) that is rated for what you are towing. You can get the ball rated higher then 5000lbs. Then get the drawbar for the ball. The holes in the receiver come in diff. diamaters to accept the size of the shank of the ball. For example, my ball is rated for 14000lbs but is 2 5/16 in diameter. The drawbar is rated for the same thing. The hole for the shank is, i think 1 1/4.