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Which size ball mount drop?

Discussion in 'Towing' started by tacos, Mar 3, 2012.

  1. Mar 3, 2012 at 9:30 AM
    #1
    tacos

    tacos [OP] Well-Known Member

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    So I've never towed anything before but my wife and I just bought our first boat. Seeing as I need to get it home I suppose I need a ball mount for my hitch. My question to you guys is which size drop do I need, im lifted with 5100s and a 1.5 aal out back. Will the standard 2 inch drop work or will I need more? Thanks
     
  2. Mar 3, 2012 at 10:09 AM
    #2
    Tacoma Mike

    Tacoma Mike 48 Year Chrysler/Toyota/ASE/ Master Tech.RETIRED

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    http://www.etrailer.com/faq-ballmount.aspx

    Start with this........

    Have someone else with good towing experience tow the new toy home.

    Take it to a big open lot and PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE.

    Had a guy pick up a new travel trailer and proceeded to rip the back half open on his first turn. Don't want to see that happen to you.

    If the boat is wider than the truck then a good set of mirrors will be necessary.
    Be safe and have lots of fun...

    Oh yea

    PICS or you never bought it.... LOL :rofl:
     
  3. Mar 3, 2012 at 10:32 AM
    #3
    tacos

    tacos [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I have some experience towing, I used to work at the airport and had to drive a tug around with the carts attached. :D. It still feels like we haven't bought anything because we don't actually have the boat yet, bank account is smaller though.
     
  4. Mar 3, 2012 at 10:38 AM
    #4
    KenLyns

    KenLyns 8.75" Third Member

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    Ask the trailer dealer how high the hitch is on the trailer, then measure your truck? :notsure:
     
  5. Mar 3, 2012 at 11:10 AM
    #5
    Tacoma Mike

    Tacoma Mike 48 Year Chrysler/Toyota/ASE/ Master Tech.RETIRED

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    From your prev post you said you NEVER towed anything. Just don't want you to have issues.
    I know how you feel about the bank account and nothing to show for it. :eek:

    KenLyns idea in theory is good however it depends on how careful they actually do the measurement for you.......

    I'm real anal about this and i also allow for the rear drop for the tongue weight, etc.

    I have 3 trailers with three different ball mounts....
     
  6. Mar 3, 2012 at 11:43 AM
    #6
    tacos

    tacos [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for the advice guys, I guess I'll just make a trip up to the dealer and measure the trailer myself now that I know what to look for. Want to go up there and window shop anyway. BtW when I said I have no towing experience I meant on roads with traffic. I will definitely have to go practice and make the wife practice too. One of us will by controlling the truck and one launching the boat, we both need to be comfortable with each.
     
  7. Mar 3, 2012 at 12:15 PM
    #7
    Tacoma Mike

    Tacoma Mike 48 Year Chrysler/Toyota/ASE/ Master Tech.RETIRED

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    The wife and I have been tag teaming the boat launches forever. We have it down to a good routine. We each have our job to do and it's the best way.
    Bring a tape measure with you...........

    What kind of boat is it ????????
     
  8. Mar 3, 2012 at 2:27 PM
    #8
    tacos

    tacos [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Crownline 195ss with the carbd 6cyl.
     
  9. Mar 3, 2012 at 4:23 PM
    #9
    Tacoma Mike

    Tacoma Mike 48 Year Chrysler/Toyota/ASE/ Master Tech.RETIRED

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    Great.
    Your AAL will help in the rear but your going to need to be careful and test the waters
    in the handling dept. At around 3600# that trailer has to have brakes on it so I assume you have a controller going in the truck with a factory installed tow package.
     
  10. Mar 3, 2012 at 5:07 PM
    #10
    tacos

    tacos [OP] Well-Known Member

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    05 A/C Off Road 4x4
    BHLM,5100's set 2.5,Toytec 2" aal,FJ TRD wheels,AFE pro-dry, Duratracs
    The trailer has hydraulic disc brakes, I think it should be ok, I may lower the front end down a notch on the 5100s to add some rake so it will sit more level when the trailer is attached. And I will post pics once I get it home.
     
  11. Mar 3, 2012 at 5:14 PM
    #11
    Tacoma Mike

    Tacoma Mike 48 Year Chrysler/Toyota/ASE/ Master Tech.RETIRED

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    Well good luck and enjoy the water. I can't wait for the new season. My casting arm needs a workout.. :thumbsup:
     

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