Towing wtih a weight distribution hitch

Coolb · May 8

I have an S238, which runs 4,800 dry + ~1,000 lb trailer = 5,800 lbs total. If I add gas and equipment I will exceed the max towing capacity of 6,000 lbs for my 2016 for Ford Expedition. If i use a wegiht distribution hitch (WDH), I can tow up to 9,000 lbs. If I use a WDH, I will need to modify the trailer and add a cross bar to the tongue to connect the chains from the hitch to the triler. Does Supreme have a trailer guide that recommends how to modify the trailer? I can't find anything. My neighbor owns a Mastercraft and he has a manual that details the modifications in a manual (see picture attached). Suggestions?

When I observe boats being towed on the highway, I don't see folks using a WDH. The guy I asked at the dealer shrugged when I asked him about a WDH. He had no idea what a WDH is - first time he heard of it.

Troy. R · May 9

8 hours ago, Coolb said:

I have an S238, which runs 4,800 dry + ~1,000 lb trailer = 5,800 lbs total. If I add gas and equipment I will exceed the max towing capacity of 6,000 lbs for my 2016 for Ford Expedition. If i use a wegiht distribution hitch (WDH), I can tow up to 9,000 lbs. If I use a WDH, I will need to modify the trailer and add a cross bar to the tongue to connect the chains from the hitch to the triler. Does Supreme have a trailer guide that recommends how to modify the trailer? I can't find anything. My neighbor owns a Mastercraft and he has a manual that details the modifications in a manual (see picture attached). Suggestions?

When I observe boats being towed on the highway, I don't see folks using a WDH. The guy I asked at the dealer shrugged when I asked him about a WDH. He had no idea what a WDH is - first time he heard of it.

I had never heard of a WDH either. Supreme actually doesn’t make the trailer it should be either Boatmate or Extreme Custom. You should have a manufacturer sticker near the front of the trailer. I’d contact the manufacturer concerning any potential mods.

You might consider adding some air bags to the rear of the Expedition too. I added these to my Ram 1500 and they help quite a bit.

Air Lift 60818HD Air Lift 1000 HD for 2009-2018 RAM 1500 https://a.co/d/iEyfd1R

newtonabbie · May 10

I am going to start by giving you a baseline of where I am coming from. I help design vehicles and vehicle applications for my customers professionally (for over 20 years). I would also encourage you to talk to other experts, excluding folks that sell WDH’s or have an interest in them being effective. That out is the way, first, WDH hitches do not actually change the towing capacity rating from the OEM of the vehicle. They are intended to make towing something heavy that may be within the tow capacity of the vehicle, but the tongue weight or hitch weight may or may nearly exceed the hitch rating or payload capacity of the vehicle. The WDH helps redistribute that weight so the vehicle can get back within it rating. The downside is WDH’s put excess stress on the hitch of the vehicle and the trailer frame. They can also be more vulnerable to some types movements on the road (think bouncing/vertical hitch articulation).
Think if it in a more practice sense, no commercial operations use them because the are a much higher risk factor for injury (hook up process), damage vehicle/trailer, or even drivability challenges. There is also the possible liability issues. If you exceed any of the OEMs original ratings you are exposed from a libel perspective. That includes towing capacity, payload capacity, GVWR, GCWR, and GAWR. All of which are likely being challenged with your current vehicle boat combination.
Think of it another way. If you vehicle is rated to tow 6k (which does not increase with a WDH), that means that is how much the vehicle is designed to stop, turn, how much the engine/transmission are design to handle, what the suspension is designed handle. The list goes on. If you exceed those ratings even if you help the hitch weight you are still outside the capabilities of those other systems of functions.
I know the message is not ideal for your situation, but I would not recommend a WDH as your solution. Unless of course as you say you empty the boat and tow it around dry at all times.