How Much Does a Jet Ski On a Single Trailer Weigh?
Ready to tow, a jet ski on a single trailer usually weighs 1,000 to 1,500 lbs, including the trailer.
Published 3-seat PWC dry weights (about 720 to 850 lbs for Yamaha VX models) plus about 110 lbs for a full 18.5-gal tank at roughly 6 lbs/gal, a 255-lb single trailer, and 50 to 150 lbs of gear; heavier luxury and performance models with sound systems push toward the top of the range.
Tongue weight: about 63 to 125 lbs. Hitch: standard bumper-pull (receiver hitch).
Real examples
| Example | Published weight | What that weight includes |
|---|---|---|
| Yamaha WaveRunner VX | 719 lbs | dry watercraft (326 kg), 70 L fuel tank empty |
| Yamaha WaveRunner VX Cruiser HO | 851 lbs | dry watercraft (386 kg, without audio) |
| Karavan Single Watercraft Low Profile Steel Trailer (WCE-1250-46-L-BT) | 255 lbs | empty trailer (1,250 lb capacity, 1,505 lb GVWR) |
Published weights are usually dry, before fuel, water, batteries, and gear. Weigh your rig at a truck stop scale to know for sure.
Can your vehicle tow a jet ski on a single trailer?
Which vehicles can tow a jet ski on a single trailer?
16 of 16 vehicles we cover can tow a typical jet ski on a single trailer at 1,250 lbs, using each one's best-case current rating.
| Vehicle | Max towing | Can it tow it? |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Ford F-150 | 13,500 lbs | Yes |
| 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 13,300 lbs | Yes |
| 2026 Toyota Tundra | 12,000 lbs | Yes |
| 2026 Ram 1500 | 11,610 lbs | Yes |
| 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe | 8,400 lbs | Yes |
| 2026 Ford Ranger | 7,500 lbs | Yes |
| 2026 Toyota Tacoma | 6,500 lbs | Yes |
| 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 6,200 lbs | Yes |
| 2026 Toyota 4Runner | 6,000 lbs | Yes |
| 2025 Kia Telluride | 5,500 lbs | Yes |
| 2026 Ford Explorer | 5,000 lbs | Yes |
| 2026 Honda Pilot | 5,000 lbs | Yes |
| 2026 Hyundai Palisade | 5,000 lbs | Yes |
| 2026 Toyota Highlander | 5,000 lbs | Yes |
| 2026 Ford Bronco | 4,500 lbs | Yes |
| 2026 Subaru Outback | 3,500 lbs | Yes |
Common questions
How much does a jet ski on a single trailer weigh?
Loaded and on its trailer, a jet ski on a single trailer typically weighs 1,000 to 1,500 lbs. Published 3-seat PWC dry weights (about 720 to 850 lbs for Yamaha VX models) plus about 110 lbs for a full 18.5-gal tank at roughly 6 lbs/gal, a 255-lb single trailer, and 50 to 150 lbs of gear; heavier luxury and performance models with sound systems push toward the top of the range.
What's the tongue weight of a jet ski on a single trailer?
Plan on 5% to 10% of the loaded weight, about 63 to 125 lbs at a typical 1,250 lbs.
What size vehicle do I need to tow a jet ski on a single trailer?
Look for a towing rating of at least 2,000 lbs so a heavier jet ski on a single trailer still sits under 80% of the rating.
Sources
- VX: Color & Specifications (Yamaha Motor)
- VX Cruiser HO: Color & Specifications (Yamaha Motor)
- Single Watercraft Low Profile Steel Trailer (Karavan Trailers)
- Trailer Weight Distribution (tongue weight 5% to 10%) (MasterCraft)