Hello, I have been a boat us memeber since 1994, and have seen this question answered may times. Unfortunately, I have also been alive over 50 years, and don't remember stuff that I'm not concerened with at the time I read it!. Soo, now that I've bought a new 19'6" Glastron gxl205 with dual axle trailer and surge brakes (both different from my single axle traiers that came with both prior boats) I immediately noticed a jerk when accelerating from a stop. I had similar experiences with my outher boats but not to this degree. (Or I'm older and it's more annoying....) Anyway, I know that if this jerk is in the reciever/hitch, there is a product (I think teflon inserts) to take up the slop in the hitch and/or hitch pin. Do you know where I can get it? The other concern is that the slop is in the surge brake (I picture stopping at a light, the surge brake mechanisn is pushed back, the light turns green, I go and the jerk I feel is the surge brake unit being pulled forward) If this is the case, is there a fix? This one really drives my wife to anxiety attacks as she pictures the back end of the truck or the front of the boat being torn free in some cartoon type scenario. (She's wrong, isn't she??) Thanks for your help, and I enjoy your magazines as well as the BOATUS committment to the boating community! Sincerely. Bob Brabham (and one freaked out spouse!)

I'm looking to purchase a 2007 Tahoe to pull my boat that has a weight of about 6000 pounds with surge brakes. On the technical information on the Tahoe, it says that if your pulling over 5000 pounds, you should have a weight distribution hitch. Most of the weight distribution hitches I've seen are for a "A" frame trailers which I don't have. Can you give some information on weight distribution hitches and where I can find one?

My father in law gave us his 18 foot 1977 Chrysler boat with a new engine. Very generous. He always towed it with a Chevy pickup. All I have is a 2000 Toyota Siena. He says the front wheel drive makes it a bad towing vehicle, especially on a wet ramp. Do I need to buy a new vehicle?

Are weight distributing hitches necessary/helpfull if the tongue weight is well below the trucks' limit?

Are the stories of "burning out" my engine and transmission while trailering true? I have a Toyota Landcruiser that can haul my 26' Sea Ray from what I read in its' load capabilities. I have always heard caution from mechanics when buying a used truck that has a tow hitch on it. They tell me it almost doubles the wear and tear on the truck.

I just purchased a 2005 Rinker Fiesta Vee 250 with an aluminum trailer. The combined weight is approx. 7800 LBS. I have a 2004 Ford Explorer 4.0L / V6 with the tow package. I know the boat and trailer are too heavy for my vehicle. I have made other arrangements getting it to the slip. But, could I use my vehicle to tow it a short distance in case I needed to pull it out of the water to do repairs etc? I live about 15 minutes from the Marina where it will be. I have seen others towing Boats this size with similar vehicles. I would like a professional opinion.

Is there a recommended distance that my hitch ball should be from the receiver hitch on the truck? It would seem the farther away, the more pressure the ball is going to be under.

My tow vehicle doesn't have a "tow package" but I'm towing 85% of it's tow capacity. Am I OK? W. Trufero, Astoria, OR

My truck has a tow capacity of 3500 pounds. My 17' boat and trailer, fully loaded with a full tank of gas and all the coolers and so on, comes in at 2750 pounds. It tows beautifully. But do I have to factor in pulling the boat up the launch ramp? It just seems it is going to weigh more (than 2750 pounds) because of gravity.

Is there any difference in performance between having a trailer ball or a receiver hitch? Does one do better than another? F. Grimes, Sarasota, FL

Dear Mike and George: My question is regarding the use of a Reese Hitch Extender (adds 14" or 18" to a 2" x 2" receiver). Can I use it while towing my Fishin Barge 21 pontoon boat with my Honda Ridgeline truck about 5 miles to the launch ramp? Once again, thank you for your help. Hector Brito