help a noobie

[boslaw]

Forgive me if this is a stupid question but I've never towed before.

I have a 2002 sequoia with towing package, and I'm about to buy a 1997 20' grady with 1997 venture double axle trailer.

What do I need to tow this? Is it just a matter of getting a ball & ball receiver or do I need more?

I'm having a surveyor take a look at the boat next Wed, but he doesn't survey over land vehicles like my trailer. Boat is at a boat yard.

Thanks

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: help a noobie

what is the weight of the boat and trailer, what is the tow capacity of the vehicle. you need draw bar, correct size ball, wiring harness, safety chains. tie down strap for strern of boat.

 

[boslaw]

Re: help a noobie

Thanks. I believe the trailer comes with stern tie down straps + chains. The sequoia comes with a wiring harness as part of the tow package that I have. I also verified that the sequoia has sufficient tow capacity for this boat + trailer. Only thing that seems to be missing is the ball but I wanted to make sure.

 

[BamaAlum97]

Re: help a noobie

Thanks. I believe the trailer comes with stern tie down straps + chains. The sequoia comes with a wiring harness as part of the tow package that I have. I also verified that the sequoia has sufficient tow capacity for this boat + trailer. Only thing that seems to be missing is the ball but I wanted to make sure.

Match up the wiring on your tow vehicle to the wiring on the trailer....you may need an adapter. My tow vehicle has a 7-way round connector on it. I have one trailer with a 4-flat and second trailer with a 5-flat. I found a single adapter that will convert the 7-way round to either 4 or 5 flat. They have them at iboats, or try your local marine store.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: help a noobie

toyota dealer has them for $11.00. Cheapest place for drawbar and ball i found was walmart. but you need to get the correct drawbar, either straight, drop or rise, so that the trailer is level when connected.

 

[boslaw]

Re: help a noobie

thanks - this is perfect. I was freaking out that I was going to have to buy a bunch of stuff, but I was hoping it wasn't more than the ball, adapter, and maybe electrical adapter.

 

[DRIFTER_016]

Re: help a noobie

You might need a brake controller if the trailer has electric brakes.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: help a noobie

remember when backing, put you hand at the bottom of the wheel, then move your hand the way you want the trailer to go.

 

[INJUN]

Re: help a noobie

After you get it hooked up correctly, find an empty parking lot and practice manuvering, especially in reverse. Put some markers (or something you can visualize) out to indicate where you want to back up to.

You don't want to practice at the ramp.