Trailer Hitching the P-15
Bruce Hood (bhood@sunset.net)
Thu, 16 Sep 1999 22:21:47 -0700
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West Wight Potter Website at URL
http://www.lesbois.com/wwpotter/
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I agree with Harry that a 1 7/8 inch ball mounted in the hole in the
factory bumper works just fine for the P-15.. we have towed our
P-15 all up and down California and as far north as Seattle and Puget
Sound over the past 14 years.. first with an 88 Toyota pickup, and
with an 87 Toyota Previa Van, for a while with a 351 inch V-8
Ford (1975 pickup ) and now with a 1990 Ford Ranger Pickup
Automatic.(little V-6). in each case we tow with a 1 7/8 inch ball,
because that
is the size of the receiver on the Dilly trailer.. a 2 inch won't fit
the small Potter trailer receiver socket.. I know the Aerostar will
pull the P-15 and gear just fine... cost of the 1 7/8 hitch ball about
ten
dollars, and plug in wiring harness anothe fifteen or so. Harry is
right, newer fords have sockets in the wiring for a trailer harness.
The rated capacity for the bumper /hitch is 2000lbs.. (often stamped
on the bumper so people don't put a load above that on them).
I certainly agree with the folks advocating 2 inch hitch balls,
carriers,
frame-mounted, and so on for the Potter 19... always better to be a
little
over specification than under, for safety... but a P-15 on its trailer,
even
with a bunch of gear in it will only total about 900lbs. While on this
subject.. the quality "high speed" trailer tires are worth the cost if
you
are using the stock 8 inch size.. they are designed to withstand the
heat
they generate. It is also important to keep them aired up to the high
pressures recommended, which also helps them run cool. I am on my
fourth or fifth set now... best wishes with the new boat..
Bruce
Bruce Hood P-15 Aillte, sail no. 1246