Rig a boat trailer?

MD

MD

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I'm contemplating getting a boat and trailer after a buddy has found me a heckuva deal, but I have no to ball on my back bumper yet.

What size tow ball fits on most boat trailers?

And can I just buy a wiring kit at an auto parts store and wire it into my taillights?

I've never towed anything with my own truck before, just driven a buddy's Pathfinder towing a tent trailer.
 
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the ball size should be labeled on the hitch. as for the wiring you can buy a kit with a harness for a easy install. check the load rating for the bumper, i know its probly a small boat but then again these bumpers arnt like they were in the 80's had to put a hidden hitch for snowmobiles on a 2001 truck
 
the standard for most small trailers..the ball will likely be 1 7/8...the odd one might be 2 inch..if your not sure of size..princess auto sells a reciever with 4 balls on it to use in most needs..
any store with a few auto supplies..should have a wiring kit for you
 
MD said:
I'm contemplating getting a boat and trailer after a buddy has found me a heckuva deal, but I have no to ball on my back bumper yet.
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As said make sure you're bumper is up for the job. Assuming you're talking a full sized pickup here it'll take around 500 pounds or more of down pressure at the ball and will tow up to say 5000 lbs. Check your manual and see.

MD said:
What size tow ball fits on most boat trailers?
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Like said it varies. 1 7/8 is common so is 2 inch. 2 1/16 is around.. check.

MD said:
And can I just buy a wiring kit at an auto parts store and wire it into my taillights?
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yup

MD said:
I've never towed anything with my own truck before, just driven a buddy's Pathfinder towing a tent trailer.
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Just go really fast all the time, you'll be fine. :D BTW if your bumper isn't up for the job there's frame kits sold that are a better way to go anyway - especially with heavy towing. You can even use one of fogduckers suggested disco ball hitchs then :wave:
 
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I wouldn't do anything to drastic with a bumper ball unless the bumper was super heavy duty!:eek:
The truck I use now just has a factory bumper, and I'm nervous just hauling the boat a few miles to the launch, let alone down 40 miles or more of gravel!:confused:
There is a heckuvalot of banging around on the back end, and a good hitch , frame welded is the best!:rockOn:
Cat
 
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