Towing a Seadoo

Hi All,

I have a 2015 Taco with the factory towing package. No lift kits or anything. Anyone else tow a Seadoo? I am buying a trailer with the Seadoo but the dealer doesn't know how tall the trailer is so I am struggling with what tow hitch ball to purchase. 4 inch drop? 2 inch drop? Etc... Anyone in a similar situation that can tell me the drop in the hitch ball (if any at all)?

 

I am just guessing. I bet a straight one (no drop) would be fine. Don't forget that you will need to have at least 10% of the total load as tongue weight. You will also need to take in account passengers and gear. Both of which will lower the receiver height. But if you want to be sure just use your bumper to get it home and then load everything up (don't forget fuel) and go from there.

 

Thanks for the reply. So I am a total newb at towing anything. Embarrassed to ask this but what do you mean 10% of the total load as tongue weight?
I went to the Curt video on which drop to buy and they mentioned measuring the top end of the tow hitch on the truck versus the height of the coupler on the trailer and the difference is your "drop" for the hitch ball. It's frustrating that I don't have the trailer yet so I cannot measure the coupler height.

 

If the total weight of the Seadoo and trailer combined is 3000 lbs you need to adjust the cargo on the trailer so that at least 300 lbs is on the tongue. If you have too little weight the trailer will sway as you drive. Too much can cause problems too. Normally 10% is considered minimum and 15% maximum with about 13% being considered ideal.

I don't think you'll have any issues with a Seadoo, but I'm not sure how much total weight you're looking at either. I don't think it will be anywhere near max on a Tacoma. Tow capacity is 6500 lbs on most Tacomas, but it is payload that limits most people. There is a sticker on the drivers door or doorjamb with payload on it. It will fall between 1000-1200 lbs on most Tacomas. Some may be a bit more or less.

That is the total amount of weight allowed including the driver, passengers, any cargo and tongue weight. Where people get into trouble is with trailers approaching the 6500 max tow weight. If you have a 6000 lb trailer with 13% tongue weight that is 780 lbs on the tongue. If you only have 1200 lbs payload that only leaves about 420 lbs for passengers and cargo. A skinny 150 lb driver and passenger is going to be 300 lbs. Two large adult men could easily be 400-500 lbs combined. You could easily overload the truck while still being well below max tow capacity.

But once again I don't think you'll have any issues.

 

2-inch drop works fine for my old WaveRunner.

 

Nope. Way too heavy for a Tacoma! Anything more than 1000 lbs you need a 3/4 ton diesel.

 

You don’t need to worry about what you asked, your truck will tow it fine and the hitch elevation will work fine. Just get the standard 2” drop.
Enjoy your new toy!

 

I tow a pair of them and have no problem. Each weighs approx 750 lbs and the trailer at most is 500 lbs.

 

Thanks again everyone. I ended up getting the 2 inch drop from Curt.

 

You should be fine.
For a light load I was going to suggest something like this for flexability...

 

Wait a moment...............

The dealer doesn't know the details of the product he is selling???? OMG.

This type of data should be readily available. Imagine how his knowledge will play if you need the Seadoo repaired..... Something to ponder.

I urge you to find another dealer.

 

No, they know a ton about the actual boats. It was the measurements of the trailer they didn't know off the top of their head. I then interpreted their answer as we are too busy to go outside and measure the trailer height. Given the time of year, I get that as these places are super busy.

 

I'd still find another dealer.

This one has poor customer service and weak motivation to satisfy the customer's needs.

 

2 inch drop is what I use for my double trailers. Seems to be slight nose down. But I am using a taller tire then most.

 

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