Using a Long Ball Mount to Launch a Pontoon Boat with a 2007 Ford Escape

Question:

I have a 2007 Ford Escape. It will tow 3500lbs. I need to get my boat trailer farther into the water to get my boat off the trailer.Is it ok to use hitch extenders or extra long ball mounts to get the trailer farther down into the water.

asked by: Terry C

Expert Reply:

For this type of situation I recommend using the longest ball mount that you can. The reason is that because a ball mount is one piece it will not reduce the tongue weight capacity of the trailer hitch. If using an extender it will reduce the tongue weight capacity by 50 percent.

For a super long ball mount I have provided a link to the available options. A ball mount like # BM20 measures 13-1/4 inches from the center of the hitch pin hole to the center of the ball hole.

expert reply by: Michael H