i know that this question has probably been asked 1.4 million times by now(especially since my truck is a '97)- but, after reading alot of archives and not finding exactly what i need, i figure i'll just ask. i am wondering how safe it would be to pull a 28' fishing boat that weighs approximately 8500# with trailer a distance of about 200 miles to bring it home(potential new purchase) and frequently haul it to use it. i only have the factory reciever in the rear and i do not have any optional weight distribution equipment. i do have the 10k ball mount though. if i need the weight distribution equipment, will it work on any trailer tongue? the tongue that it has uses a surge brake -so iam unsure if it will interfere. also, i have taken a glance underneath at my hitch and i havent noticed any cracking in it that i have read about. would i be able to see cracked areas easily? or, does it start to crack where you cannot see it? i would really hate to pick up the boat and lose it on the highway- or have it take me out of control- so all responses will be carefully considered and greatly appreciated!

 

With some caveats, I'll go out on a limb and say that I wouldn't worry about it.

I've been pulling my Formula for almost a couple of years now with my 3rd gen with stock receiver. The whole thing is around 9000 lbs, with about 5-600 lbs tongue weight (depending on fuel load). I pull it in the weight carrying mode (no bars) and have surge brakes. 3 axles help keep it nice and stable behind me.

Weight distribution bars will interfere with surge brakes. I've read somewhere that someone makes a system that is compatible but I've never seen one.

Since its a new boat/trailer to you and before the shakedown cruise home, I'd make sure that the tires/bearings/brakes/brake lights are in good working order, and that surge coupler is lubed (to ensure smooth operation) and doesn't have any leaks in the brake lines. I also like to tie the boat down onto the trailer - I've seen horror stories where nice boats have fallen off the trailer going over curbs or railroad tracks.

Not sure about looking for cracks, but if I was to go looking, I'd first look without any load on it, then put a decent load on it and get under there and look again to see if anything moved or shifted. If you're really paranoid about it, you may want to invest in a new receiver.

HTH. Drive safe.