Getting pushed around by a boat.

[Frazior]

Almost all marine applications are surge!

There are a couple of outfits that do disk brakes for marine applications. I changed out the drum brakes on my RV for disk and love it, the trailer stops about 1/3 shorter even with my F150.

 

[Tx-Tremor6.7]

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.

https://www.etrailer.com/faq-how-to-determine-trailer-tongue-weight.aspx#:~:text=1%20Bathroom%20Scale%20.%20You%20can%20use%20a,within%20the%20rated%20capacity%20of%20your%20tow%20vehicle.

I bought the Sherline scale for my 9500 lb TT and it is great for telling you the TW. Since a TT can be loaded differently every trip based on what and how you pack, I use mine each time I tow.

Get the cat scale app.
View attachment 32048
Costs $12.50 per weigh. Takes 60 seconds. YouTube shows the process. I’ve used it 1/2 dozen times. Works great

This App is fantastic, as you do not have to get out of your truck to push buttons or go inside to pay.

The cost is $12.50, but if you want to get your TW, you need to weigh more than once to make the calculation based on your current load in the truck and trailer. Additional passes of the scales is only $2.50 within a 24-hour period. When using a TT and WDH, you need to make three passes for an accurate calculation of the TW.

How to Weigh a TT

TT with WDH Calculator:
TT Cat Scales

 

[FT_Guest3342]

What's the best way to check the trailer brakes? I'll post type later today. I greatly appreciate everyones input.

Ford says this is how to set the controller gain.

 

[Cowtown44]

First of all, thank God for everyone on this forum. The plot thickens. The trailer is in my shop at present. I noted two problems: 1) right front brake appears to be leaking brake fluid and 2) dealer appears to have overlooked unlocking the suspension which was locked down for transport. Both very serious issues. Question now is do I contact the trailer manufacturer to tell them the dealer didn't inspect/unlock the trailer suspension or contact the boat dealer? Unbelievably, there was a red tag attached to the inside of the left axle that warns to unlock the suspension prior to towing and that, failure to do so could void the trailer warranty. When I picked the boat up, the boat was on the trailer so I couldn't easily inspect the trailer and the dealer said both were ready to go.

 

[oops]

I’d start with the dealership. Maybe they’ll make it right…

 

[stevejax]

Glad you had a truck that was over-rated for the job. Could have been a lot worse in a truck without as much of a margin. Let us know what the dealer says.

 

[Flat-12]

Your truck should not even notice that boat behind you. Like others have said, you need to get the TW in check by putting it on scales. My Tremor pulls my boat with zero issues.

 

[Lunch Box]

Glad you had a truck that was over-rated for the job. Could have been a lot worse in a truck without as much of a margin. Let us know what the dealer says.

I formerly was a factory rep for a major boat company. I regret to say some boat dealers employ incompetent make ready people. But this falls on the dealer. Make them aware of what happened, be diplomatic but make them understand how dangerous this was and it could have resulted tragically. Cobalt who is the trailer manufacturer also needs to be made aware that the warning attached to the trailer was less than obvious with the boat in place. Cobalt is a top shelf manufacturer, I believe they will be very happy to hear about your less than enjoyable experience.

 

[FT_Guest3342]

First of all, thank God for everyone on this forum. The plot thickens. The trailer is in my shop at present. I noted two problems: 1) right front brake appears to be leaking brake fluid and 2) dealer appears to have overlooked unlocking the suspension which was locked down for transport. Both very serious issues. Question now is do I contact the trailer manufacturer to tell them the dealer didn't inspect/unlock the trailer suspension or contact the boat dealer? Unbelievably, there was a red tag attached to the inside of the left axle that warns to unlock the suspension prior to towing and that, failure to do so could void the trailer warranty. When I picked the boat up, the boat was on the trailer so I couldn't easily inspect the trailer and the dealer said both were ready to go.

I am pretty sure that Cobalt doesn't have anything to do with the trailer, but they are very particular about how their dealers operate. I suspect that Cobalt would like to know when one of their dealers is screwing up in such an unbelievable fassion. It reflect badly upon them. So, you should let Cobalt know about your situation. Even if for no other reason than to find another Cobalt dealer that is reputable.

Second, I would insist on being given a new trailer as this one has had it's warranty affected. Threaten to contact the trailer manufacturer if they give you any lip.

Then once you have a new trailer and the name of another Cobalt dealer, call the trailer manufacturer and let them know that their dealer is a total bonehead that can't read the red tag on the trailer.

Just my $.02

 

[BryGen]

Was it windy that trip? I pull a 20' Tahoe with a F-150 and did fine but if there were good gust popping then it would sway. Im going to the F250 for some of my towing needs but going over a hill and on the downside is usually where winds can get excessive and the gust pops are worse. Have you towed it any more since? Just curious.

 

[PapaRaptor]

First of all, thank God for everyone on this forum. The plot thickens. The trailer is in my shop at present. I noted two problems: 1) right front brake appears to be leaking brake fluid and 2) dealer appears to have overlooked unlocking the suspension which was locked down for transport. Both very serious issues. Question now is do I contact the trailer manufacturer to tell them the dealer didn't inspect/unlock the trailer suspension or contact the boat dealer? Unbelievably, there was a red tag attached to the inside of the left axle that warns to unlock the suspension prior to towing and that, failure to do so could void the trailer warranty. When I picked the boat up, the boat was on the trailer so I couldn't easily inspect the trailer and the dealer said both were ready to go.

Marina issue that sold the rig should repair or replace under warranty.

The Ford brake controller will not do anything with surge brakes. They do not have electronics that control the amount of braking.
The tongue just behind where you set it on the trailer ball, slides back into the trailer tubs. As you slow down the "surge" of the brakes applies braking to the back axle or sometimes both axles. Some have a "reverse" lock out so when you place the rig in reverse and there is pressure against the trailer tongue it will not apply pressure to the brakes. So you can back up. Others just give you a metal clip ( or "key") to place in the tongue to keep it from sliding back.

I believe the reason they do not use electric brakes on a boat trailer is for launch the boat at a boat launch. Most of the time the entire trailer is under water and the system would be ruined. Doesn't mean there a not out there but you don't see those systems on Marine trailers like you would on any other trailer.

If you had no brakes and there is a suspension issue with the trailer, the system is not working correctly and that should be your problem.

I have not heard of a set up leaving a dealership that was unchecked. That marina/boat dealership should be deeply concerned.

Once your system is working correctly you should not notice it as you brake unless you have an emergency stop situation. There should not be any banging or swaying. It will just aid in slowing you down.

good luck with it and stay safe out there on the roads and waterways.

 

[mgarver29]

It sounds like you have found the issues with your setup already. I tow a Cobalt A29 with my F350 Tremor on a triple axle trailer with EOH brakes and the Tremor tows it with no issues. We took it to Lake Chelan two weeks ago and went over two mountain passes with no problems. I haven't put the boat and trailer on the scales yet but I would guess it is between 12,000 and 13,000lbs. It's right about 1,200 to 1,300lbs on my weigh safe scale.

 

[MTTremor]

It sounds like you have found the issues with your setup already. I tow a Cobalt A29 with my F350 Tremor on a triple axle trailer with EOH brakes and the Tremor tows it with no issues. We took it to Lake Chelan two weeks ago and went over two mountain passes with no problems. I haven't put the boat and trailer on the scales yet but I would guess it is between 12,000 and 13,000lbs. It's right about 1,200 to 1,300lbs on my weigh safe scale.View attachment 32509

Nice outfit

 

[ShiverMeTimbers]

4600# boat plus trailer should not be throwing you around. Are the brakes working?

I don't tow my boat above 60mph but its 15k with boat/trailer combined.

 

[PapaRaptor]

4600# boat plus trailer should not be throwing you around. Are the brakes working?

I don't tow my boat above 60mph but its 15k with boat/trailer combined.

Same here!

My marina told me speed eats up the trailer tires very quickly. If moving my boats I keep the speed down.