Getting pushed around by a boat.

Typically a boat trailer is set up correctly by design. Axles are further back thus creating more tongue weight to counter engine weight. I have a 23 foot Chaparral with a Chevy small block IO AND 50 gallons of fuel.

Ran it thru the Cat Scale on way to the lake earlier this month and still calculated just over 14% tongue weight. I tend to help it with board toys in the bow. Tows much better than my travel trailer.

And bunk position would have minimal impact fore and aft since the hand crank position is fixed. Maybe a hitch problem? Trailer tires? Truck tire pressure. I’m running 55/62 psi when towing the boat.
 
Here's some methods of determining tongue weight. I personally have the Sherline unit but kind of a waste of money. Weigh once and don't need it again unless you buy a new trailer et cetera. Of course with boats it's always 2'-itus. You're always wanting to go bigger so maybe not a waste of money. Here in Washington the State weight stations aren't open all the time checking the truckers. They leave the scales on so you can drive in, look though the window at the weight and drive out. Little bit more at your leisure versus being nervous and hurried at a public CAT scale.
 
Get the cat scale app.
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Costs $12.50 per weigh. Takes 60 seconds. YouTube shows the process. I’ve used it 1/2 dozen times. Works great
 
The boat looks good on the trailer the wheels are set back. I would rule out the trailer and boat as the problem. Is there any water in the bilge? or do you have items that are in the rear of the boat? I know stupid questions but the rig looks acceptable. Are the surge trailer brakes working?

It is a large craft but you should be able to tow it with ease.
 
Twn said:
I'm looking to buy a 25' yamaha this winter. It weighs about the same as your cobalt. Hopefully my truck will be able to handle it. I live here in the Mississippi delta so I don't have to worry about hills too much
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I have a 252 SD that we took on a 1500 mile family vacation this summer. Truck and trailer handled great, no issues on any grades up or down. Truck is a 7.3, enjoy that boat when you get it, family loves ours.
 
Sorry if I repeat any info already said, I breezed through and didn’t see it.
On a dual axle trailer you need to make sure the trailer is perfectly level. Meaning both axles have equal weight on them. I do this by measuring the distance between the axles from the frame to the ground. Then I match the distance on my adjustable hitch to the ground. It makes a big difference on my boat. Also check your trailer brakes, make sure they are working.. You should feel the trailer brakes slightly when braking. With a boat that size and weight you should barely even know it is there.
 
Paragon said:
Here's some methods of determining tongue weight. I personally have the Sherline unit but kind of a waste of money. Weigh once and don't need it again unless you buy a new trailer et cetera. Of course with boats it's always 2'-itus. You're always wanting to go bigger so maybe not a waste of money. Here in Washington the State weight stations aren't open all the time checking the truckers. They leave the scales on so you can drive in, look though the window at the weight and drive out. Little bit more at your leisure versus being nervous and hurried at a public CAT scale.
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Very helpful, thanks.
 
Frankly I’ll be surprised if weight distribution is the problem here.

This is not a lot of weight and nothing from the photo would suggest the weight distribution could be dramatically out of whack.

I tow this weight in a dump trailer regularly and put almost no thought into weight distribution as its imperceptible (when not on the highway).

I bet the 80 psi in the rear is the majority of the problem here, at least what’s beyond the suspension just not being setup for a slalom.
 
soop said:
There is the question of whether the trailer brakes are even working too..
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I was asking about the surge brakes too. but its more than that. I never experienced it with a truck larger than 3/4 ton. Had it happen with a 1/2 ton suburban in 94. was on the freeway and was very dangerous Pulling an open car hauler with a tool box on the front so the car was not as far forward on the trailer. Very bad situation. The boat rig looks good to me but its a large boat and I am unfamiliar with that brand.
 
Cowtown44 said:
First, apologies for repetition. I had my first towing experience with my 2021 F250 Tremor recently and it wasn't a good one. Truck details: 6.7 diesel, no truck mods, about 3K miles on factory tires, factory tire pressures front and rear. Boat details: 23' foot Cobalt (4,600 pounds) with 250HP outboard on a factory Cobalt dual axle trailer (unknown weight). Towing uphill everything seemed fine. Towing downhill was a very unpleasant experience. The boat seemed to be controlling the truck - pushing it everywhere. I felt like a had a loss of steering control. Downhill speeds no greater than 60 MPH were safe in my opinion. At times, had to go much slower to gain control. This was definitely a bad experience. Any tips, thoughts, modifications greatly appreciated.
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I would put more air in the trailer tires lower your hitch put more tongue weight test run it should be fine The boat is definitely not too heavy or big for your truck I’m running 75 rear psi and 60 front and it tows fine
 
maxspongebob said:
Were the gas and fresh water tanks full? Also, does it have a ballast tank and was it empty?

Cobalt has the water and gas tanks rather far forward. If they were empty, then you could fill them to add tongue weight.
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Gas tank nearly full, water empty. Not sure it has a ballast tank - I don't think so.
 
Cowtown44 said:
What's the best way to check the trailer brakes? I'll post type later today. I greatly appreciate everyones input.
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My bet is the trailer brakes are not working. May be low on fluid, also may have air in the line and need to be bled. If this is a brand new trailer, factories use machines to bleed on the line and often are left with air. When you apply truck brakes can you feel the trailer clunk against the hitch, if so the trailer is low on fluid or needs to be bled
 
Cowtown44 said:
What's the best way to check the trailer brakes? I'll post type later today. I greatly appreciate everyones input.
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Google “how to test surge brakes”. There are a number of different techniques that depend on your specific setup and your definition of “easy”.

My favorite technique is not having surge brakes. 😉
 
soop said:
Google “how to test surge brakes”. There are a number of different techniques that depend on your specific setup and your definition of “easy”.

My favorite technique is not having surge brakes. 😉
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Almost all marine applications are surge!
 
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