Weight distributing Hitch?

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GreatExcape

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I have a 2021 Max with the max tow package.
I also have a boat and trailer combination between 8 and 8.5k lbs.

I know a lot of guys run WDH's on campers to help with wind sway and what not, but do I really need one to tow the boat 45 minutes to the river and back on weekends? I understand that most vehicle manuals call for the WDH even when they are well overrated for the item being towed...
Running the WDH would require some modifications to the jack on my trailer and is also obviously far more expensive than a standard hitch. If I have to shell out the coin I will but if guys are towing boats like this regularly without one then I will invest in sumo springs, a rear sway bar, and a normal hitch...

Looking for opinions and real world experience.
 

Bonk

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The moment you bottom out the suspension setting the tounge down you’ll know. If not then, when you try to turn you’ll push.
 

JasonH

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My understanding is that boats tend to run light on the hitch. Your best bet is to visit a scale and find out how heavy the tongue load actually is. If you don't put enough weight on the tongue and use a WDH when it's called for, you may experience excessive sway while towing.
 

chuck s

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One round trip will supply all the data you need. Motorboat trailers have different weight distribution and you may not need or want a WDH. Seems I answered this earlier today in another thread? But two guys with new boats is wonderful!

-- Chuck
 

Knut

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Max Tow & Tongue weight is based on using a WDH.
 

C Trost

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Need to also make sure the boat trailer allows for WDH bars. Some do not since they are single pull and not an a-frame like a RV trailer. I know Venture and Vantage trailers do not recommend using WDH bars. My boat & trailer is 8810 and it tows fine, no WDH. ‘20 XLT, HDTow, sumo, B5100s, hellwig RSB.
 

chuck s

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Motorboat trailers in the sizes towable by an Expedition seldom need a WDH as they only need 5% of the trailer's weight on the ball. (Engines are near or behind the transom.) Example: 5% of 8810 pounds is only 440 pounds and well below the 600 pound weight carrying capacity of my XLT even if it did not have the HD Tow package. An 8800 pound travel trailer (or keel sailboat) would require at least 10% of that weight on the ball and a WDH to handle the more than 600 pounds permissible.

-- Chuck
 
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