Great Lakes Bass Fishing Forum

Bass Fishing => Bass Fishing Tips, Techniques & General Discussion => Topic started by: dashaver63 on February 16, 2008, 06:12:42 PM

Title: 16.5' bass boat
Post by: dashaver63 on February 16, 2008, 06:12:42 PM
I have a question I hope someone can answer. I just bought a new (to me) Mountaineer with tow package. The hitch that it has on it is the 1 1/4" reciever and the Reese that I bought to put on it says it is rated for 3500 lbs. with a 300 lb. toungue weight limit and I was wondering if it would pull my 16 1/2' bass boat ok. I doubt my boat even with a full tank of gas weighs that much but I would rather be safe if I need to put a bigger hitch on it. The vehicle itself is rated to pull 5500lbs.

Thanks for the help.
Title: Re: 16.5' bass boat
Post by: 1javelin on February 16, 2008, 06:48:52 PM
I don't know what size my Reese hitch is, but it is on a S-10 crew cab, and I pull my 20' bass boat with it.  I feel it on the hills, but it pulls fine otherwise.  You should be alright as long as you have your balance set right so your tongue weight is not too high.  Should be a sticker with the appropriate ride height on the inside of your trailer frame.  Hope this helps.

1Jav
Title: Re: 16.5' bass boat
Post by: motocross269 on February 16, 2008, 07:24:25 PM
I don't think you will have any problems.......
Title: Re: 16.5' bass boat
Post by: skeeterman190 on February 16, 2008, 08:34:52 PM
 You'll be fine. A 16.5" bass boat weighs maybe 1200-1300 pounds(give or take) i pull my skeeter(19 ft) with the same set up. Dry weight on the trailer is only 1600 or some thing like that. toungue weight?? but i can still pick it up if I eat my wheaties. i think you'll be fine.-skeeterman-
Title: Re: 16.5' bass boat
Post by: thedude on February 16, 2008, 09:00:38 PM
here's how to check you tongue weight: http://www.rverscorner.com/tongueweight.html
i think you'd be fine...
Title: Re: 16.5' bass boat
Post by: dashaver63 on February 16, 2008, 09:10:45 PM
Thanks guy's, I just wanted make sure the smaller diameter ball mount was capable of pulling my boat. Thanks for the help.
Title: Re: 16.5' bass boat
Post by: Waterfoul on February 16, 2008, 10:15:23 PM
You'll be just fine.  I'm pulling my 17' Tracker which rigged as it is weighs about 1800# or so rolling down the road including the trailer.  I have an Escape with a 3500 lb tow rating and the same 1 1'4" hitch you do.  No problems at all.  It will run down the freeway as fast as you want to go, pulls it out of any ramp, and doesn't sway going down the road.
Title: Re: 16.5' bass boat
Post by: dashaver63 on February 17, 2008, 07:39:11 AM
Thanks for the help. I knew I could find my answers here.