Towing Basics

[reinlib123]

Hi
sorry to ask some simple questions, but I just bought my first boat (1987 Bayliner) and have a 2006 Trailblazer to tow it. I was looking at hitch balls and see a few kinds. Does it pay to get the 3 in 1 or do the other balls just get in the way? Also some of the hitches have a 4" drop. Is this necessary or will the straight bar do? I see a Master Lock Ball & Mount Kit-w/ 4 in Drop on sale for just $25. Is this a reasonable one or do you have any recommendations?

(hi Jesse if you're out there!)
thanks!
Les

 

[NYBo]

Re: Towing Basics

Welcome, Les.

There has been a lot of discussion lately about proer hitch platform height. Just look at some of the recent threads. You need to determine what height makes your trailer level and work from there.

Unless you will be towing several different trailers requiring different size hitch balls, don't bother with the fancy stuff. However, that $25 setup sounds like a very good deal, if you need a 4" drop (or 4 1/2" rise).

 

[clarkbre]

Re: Towing Basics

Simple questions are good. You have to start somewhere.

First, the 3 in 1 ball. I never used these because I never had to switch ball sizes. The 3-in-1 would be nice if you were always switching between trailers. In this case, it sounds like this is your only trailer to be towing?

The 4" drop depends on how your trailer sits in comparison to your vehicle. When I towed my boat with a lifted Jeep, I used a 4" drop hitch to keep the trailer level. It all comes down to being level. Get the trailer on flat ground, chalk the wheels, and then use the front wheel/jack to level the trailer. Find out how high the hitch ball needs to be in order to keep the trailer level. Then, measure the back of your tow rig. If it's about the same height you probably don't need a drop or rise hitch. If it's way off, get a slide in that will accomadate the height difference. Chances are good that if your trailer has regular sized tires and your trailblazer isn't lifted or lowered, you'll just need the regular height hitch.

As far as $25 for a hitch...That's a fair price. It's about the going rate for something like that. Before you buy anything for a good price though, figure out what you need to tow the trailer as level as possible.

 

[woosterken]

Re: Towing Basics

check 6 topics down from this one,I even posted a diagram
that came with my hitch to explain how to get your trailer level.
it is alway better to ask questions BEFORE you get in trouble,than to ask how to get OUT of trouble!

woosterken

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Towing Basics

on level ground, set your trailer level. then measure from the ground to the bottom of the hitch, that is how far from the ground you want the base of the ball on the vehicle.

i use the multiple ball reciever hitch, because i have multiple trailer with 3 different size hitches.
1 7/8, 2 and 2 1/4.

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Re: Towing Basics

My brother and I both have the Master lock interchangable hitch balls 1 7/8" and 2" 10,000lb load rating. I also have a 2 5/16" ball as my truck has a higher towing capacity.

 

[JorgeE]

Re: Towing Basics

Hey Les,
Welcome to boating!
Others much more knowledgeable about trailering than me have given you good advice on height, so on the balls, here's my $0.02 worth...
I have a "convert-a-ball" I think it's called. It runs about $20-25 more than a single ball, and it's well worth the extra.
Do you have any friends with utility trailers?, do you ever think you might use a trailer other than you boat's? If yes to either, get the switchable ball set-up.
It takes about 15 seconds to switch balls sizes, and I have used it many, many, times over the years I've had it. Very convenient.
Enjoy you boat!!
Jorge

 

[Wee Hooker]

Re: Towing Basics

Welcome!

I'll add a couple of thoughts.
Harborfreight.com sells a 2 or 3 way hitch that can just be flipped to get you the size you want. for a Whopping $20 or so. It's nice to always have the right ball with you no matter what.


As for backing down ramps, remember this simple rule of thumb: Grab the bottom of the steering wheel and turn it in the direction you want the boat /trailer to go. (Can't tell you how many marriages I've saved by passing that one along )

 

[reinlib123]

Re: Towing Basics

Wow - thanks to everyone who replied. Appreciate your patience with me and your wisdom...

Les

 

[CAVU V]

Re: Towing Basics

I have a 3 in hitch and it has come in handy a couple of times when I have had to rent a uhaul, had to use the middle size ball.

I have an adjustable hitch, sometimes it has come in handy at ramps when I needed to raise the height of the trailer just that little bit.

Dale

 

[5150abf]

Re: Towing Basics

Just keep in mind the ball and receiver hold the entire weight of the boat which under hard breaking is ALOT of weight, this is not an area to save money.

Spend the money and get a good Reese reciever and ball.

Unless you tow alot of different trailers get a single reciever with the same size ball as the hitch reciever on the trailer, probably a 2'', the extra balls I think would just rust away from lack of use.

I doubt you will need any drop if you are pulling a bayliner with a trail Blazer, the trailer should be straight with the full load of the boat on the hitch.

 

[AZSenza]

Re: Towing Basics

All Very good replies. Also dont forget your truck will "settle" a bit with the tongue weight of the trailer on it, you might want to subtract an inch from your "Unloaded" hight (thats where it will be with the trailer attached).

 

[reinlib123]

Re: Towing Basics

Thanks again to everyone. It looks pretty level with the trailblazer so I am going to order the triple ball hitch from harborfreight. No offense to the purists, but I tend to keep things a long time and I can imagine needing a different size ball here and there.

thanks again !
Les

 

[TBarCYa]

Re: Towing Basics

One thing to consider is that if you need a different size ball for different trailers, you probably will need a different rise or drop for the ball. I use a 4" drop when towing my boat with a 2" ball but use no drop when towing the Jeep trailer with a 2-5/16 ball.

I also would agree with spending the money and getting a quality bar and ball and definitely check the rating on it to make sure that it's sufficient for the load you're carrying. You'd be surprised at the crap that's out there that looks just like a well build and rated bar but has a much lower load capacity.