6 Best Trailer Hitches For Towing A Small Boat With An Rv Nomads Swear By
Towing a boat with an RV requires the right gear. We review 6 top hitches trusted by nomads for their durability, safety, and ease of use on the road.
You’ve found the perfect campsite right on the lake, and the only thing missing is your 16-foot fishing boat. The dream of RV life for many isn’t just about the open road; it’s about bringing your hobbies with you. But connecting that boat trailer to the back of your motorhome or travel trailer is a decision that demands more than just a quick trip to the auto parts store.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!
Key Considerations for RV-to-Boat Towing Hitches
Before you even look at a brand name, you have to know your numbers. The two most critical are Gross Trailer Weight (GTW) and Tongue Weight (TW). GTW is the total weight of your boat, trailer, motor, fuel, and all your gear. Tongue weight is the downward force that the trailer tongue exerts on the hitch ball—typically 10-15% of the GTW. A 3,500-pound boat and trailer combo should have a tongue weight between 350 and 525 pounds. Getting this wrong is the fastest way to an unstable, dangerous towing experience.
Next, look at your RV. Every motorhome and tow vehicle has a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR), which is the maximum allowable weight of the fully-loaded RV and the attached trailer. You can’t exceed this. Period. Your RV’s existing receiver hitch also has its own weight limits stamped right on it. Don’t assume the hitch that came from the factory is up to the task, especially on lighter Class C or Class B models.
Finally, understand hitch classes. They range from Class I (for small cars) to Class V (for serious commercial-level hauling). For most small boats—think bass boats, jon boats, or smaller bowriders—a Class III or Class IV hitch is the sweet spot. A Class III can typically handle up to 8,000 pounds GTW, while a Class IV goes up to 10,000 pounds or more. This provides a safe margin of error and ensures your equipment isn’t constantly operating at its absolute limit.
The length and weight of your RV relative to the boat also dictates whether you need more than just a simple ball mount. Longer motorhomes, especially those with a significant rear overhang, are susceptible to trailer sway. A gust of wind or a passing semi can initiate a tail-wagging-the-dog situation. This is where weight distribution and sway control systems become less of a luxury and more of a necessity for safe, stress-free travel.
CURT Class III Receiver: The All-Around Performer
When you need a solid, no-nonsense foundation, the CURT Class III receiver is the industry standard for a reason. It’s a workhorse. These hitches are typically rated for up to 8,000 pounds of gross trailer weight, which is more than enough for the vast majority of boats RVers are towing. They are widely available, vehicle-specific for a clean installation, and built from tough, welded steel.
The beauty of a standard Class III is its versatility. The 2-inch receiver opening accepts an enormous range of ball mounts, drop hitches, and accessories. This means you can easily get the perfect "drop" or "rise" to ensure your boat trailer is riding perfectly level, which is critical for proper handling and braking. It’s the reliable starting point for a safe towing setup.
The key thing to remember is that a receiver like this is just one piece of the puzzle. It provides the connection point, but it does not provide any inherent weight distribution or sway control. If you have a lighter RV, a longer boat, or travel in windy areas, you will need to add those components to this system. Think of the CURT receiver as the strong foundation upon which you build your complete towing solution.
B&W Tow & Stow Hitch: For Ultimate Adjustability
The B&W Tow & Stow isn’t a receiver; it’s a highly engineered ball mount that solves a ton of common frustrations. Its most obvious feature is the easily adjustable height. If you tow more than just your boat—maybe a small utility trailer or a car dolly—you can change the ball height in seconds without any tools. This ensures every trailer you pull is perfectly level every time.
The "Stow" feature is what really sets it apart for RV life. When you’re not towing, you can swing the entire ball assembly underneath the hitch, so it’s out of the way. No more bruised shins walking around the back of the rig at the campsite, and no need to remove and store a greasy ball mount inside your living space. It’s a clean, elegant solution to a daily annoyance.
Of course, this level of engineering and convenience comes at a premium price compared to a simple fixed ball mount. It’s an investment. Like a standard receiver, the Tow & Stow doesn’t have built-in sway control, but its robust design makes it a fantastic platform to use with other sway control systems. For the nomad who values flexibility and clever design, it’s often worth every penny.
Reese Titan Receiver: For Heavy-Duty Motorhomes
If you’re driving a large Class A motorhome or a heavy-duty truck camper, the factory-installed hitch might not be sufficient for your needs. This is where the Reese Titan series comes in. These are not your average bolt-on receivers; they are purpose-built systems designed for the unique frames and high weight capacities of heavy-duty vehicles.
The Titan is engineered to handle the immense forces generated by towing with a long, heavy vehicle. They often feature a weld-on or extensive frame-mounted installation that distributes the towing load across a larger section of the chassis. This prevents frame flex and ensures the connection point is rock-solid, which is non-negotiable when your combined rig weighs over 20,000 pounds.
This is a specialized piece of equipment. Putting a Titan on a 24-foot Class C to tow an aluminum fishing boat would be extreme overkill. But if you’re piloting a 40-foot diesel pusher and want to bring a 5,000-pound ski boat along for the adventure, this is the caliber of hardware you need. It’s about matching the tool to the job and ensuring your foundation is strong enough for the load it has to bear.
Andersen No-Sway Weight Distribution Hitch
Experience superior sway control and a smoother ride with the Andersen Weight Distribution Hitch. Its grease-free, self-adjusting system simplifies backing up and installation, offering a quiet and effective towing solution for up to 10,000 lbs GTWR.
The Andersen system is a game-changer in the world of weight distribution (WD) and sway control. Instead of heavy, noisy spring bars, it uses a set of chains and polyurethane bushings connected to a tapered ball housing. This unique design provides incredibly smooth, quiet, and self-adjusting sway control while effectively distributing tongue weight back to the RV’s front axle.
One of the biggest advantages for RVers is its simplicity and light weight. It’s a fraction of the weight of traditional WD hitches, making it much easier to handle and install. It’s also famous for being dead quiet—no more groaning and creaking from the hitch every time you make a turn. Plus, you can back up without having to disconnect anything, which is a huge convenience at tight campsites or boat ramps.
The Andersen hitch is exceptionally effective, but it’s crucial to get the model that matches your tongue weight. The system relies on the tension in the chains and the compression of the bushings to work correctly. It’s a fantastic, modern solution for most travel trailers and Class C motorhomes towing A-frame boat trailers, offering a blend of performance and user-friendliness that’s hard to beat.
Blue Ox SwayPro: Superior Sway Control System
The Blue Ox SwayPro hitch improves towing safety and control by distributing weight evenly. It features a 1000lb tongue weight capacity and a 7-hole shank for 2" receivers.
When you need uncompromising sway control, the Blue Ox SwayPro is a name that veteran RVers trust. This is a more traditional bar-style weight distribution system, but with refined engineering that makes it incredibly effective. The system uses heavy-duty spring steel bars that are placed under tension, creating a rigid connection that actively forces the trailer to stay in line behind the tow vehicle.
The magic of the SwayPro is in its caster effect. The hitch head is designed so the spring bars are always working to center the trailer. When a gust of wind pushes the boat trailer sideways, the bars immediately apply counter-force to bring it back into alignment. For drivers of long RVs who feel unnerved by trailer sway, the positive, confidence-inspiring control of the SwayPro is a massive relief.
Setting up the SwayPro involves more heavy lifting than a system like the Andersen, and it’s not as quiet. However, the rotating chain latches make it one of the easier bar-style hitches to hook and unhook. For those prioritizing maximum sway elimination, especially with a high-profile boat in crosswinds, the robust, active control of the Blue Ox is the top choice.
Gen-Y Torsion-Flex Hitch: For a Smoother Ride
The Gen-Y Torsion-Flex hitch tackles a different problem: road shock. While other hitches focus on weight distribution and sway, the Gen-Y is all about isolating the RV from the trailer’s vertical motion. It has torsion arms built right into the hitch shank, acting like a dedicated suspension system for your towing connection. This technology dramatically reduces the jerking and bouncing you feel from the trailer.
The result is a significantly smoother, less fatiguing ride for you and your passengers. But the benefits go deeper. By absorbing the harsh impacts from potholes and rough roads, the Gen-Y reduces stress on your RV’s chassis, your hitch components, and the boat trailer’s frame and suspension. It protects your investments from the cumulative damage of thousands of miles on the road.
This is a premium product for those who prioritize ride quality and equipment longevity. While it doesn’t provide the same level of active sway control as a Blue Ox or Andersen, the reduction in vertical "chucking" inherently contributes to a more stable towing experience. For full-timers or long-haul travelers, the added comfort and reduced wear-and-tear can be a worthwhile upgrade.
Final Safety Checks and Hitch Maintenance Tips
The best hitch in the world is only as good as its last safety check. Before every single trip, perform a walk-around. Physically check that the coupler is locked on the ball, the hitch pin and clip are secure, the safety chains are crossed and attached, and the breakaway cable is connected. This five-second check can prevent a catastrophe.
Hitches are not maintenance-free. At least twice a year, get a torque wrench and verify that all the bolts on your receiver and hitch head are tightened to the manufacturer’s specifications. They can and do loosen over time. Keep the hitch ball and the inside of the trailer coupler clean and lightly lubricated with a proper hitch grease to reduce friction and wear.
Finally, always be mindful of your weakest link. Your towing system’s capacity is determined by the lowest-rated component—be it the RV’s chassis, the receiver, the ball mount, or the ball itself. Know your numbers, check your gear, and never push the limits. A safe connection is the key that unlocks all the adventures you have planned with your RV and your boat.
Ultimately, choosing the right hitch is about creating a safe, stable system tailored to your specific RV, your boat, and the kind of traveling you do. It’s a foundational piece of gear that, when chosen wisely, fades into the background, letting you focus on the destination ahead. Safe travels, and tight lines.
