23' boat need the right truck

[ratracer]

Re: 23' boat need the right truck

Pointer94 pretty much sums up what you need to know before narrowing down your options in a tow vehicle.

The problem with used diesels - if you're a buyer - is that the ones in good shape tend to hold onto their resale value.

In these parts diesel is still more expensive than 87 octane gasoline.

 

[AK_Chappy]

Re: 23' boat need the right truck

A good friend of mine just bought a 21' North River SeaHawk. He has a 1/2 ton Dodge. We have taken it out once. While his truck pulled it, he said it was a real dog. (We met at the boat ramp).

I pulled a 5K lb trailer from AK to CA via Montana. 4,500 miles in all. I have a 4WD F350 with the 5.4, it did ok. But was not all that strong on the hills. The only part that surprised me. I got the same mpg towing that trailer as I get everyday (unless I baby the throttle, then I can get more).

Edit:
I forgot to mention, he is now looking at upgrading his truck to a diesel.
AK Chappy

 

[imported_RJ]

Re: 23' boat need the right truck

I have a 1998 Bayliner 2355 23' it weighs 4800# dry, you are probably some where near the 6000# range loaded. I have a Chevy 3/4ton HD with a 8.1L:devil: with an Allison trans in it. It is MORE than enough power. I would say that a truck with an engine in the mid to high 300 cubic inch range (5.4L-6.0L) would be good, I think a 305 (5.0L) would be to stressed. What is more important is probably the supension & brakes on 3/4 ton truck verses a 1/2 ton, that's alot of boat to stop & the 3/4 tons' capabilites are much greater. A 1/2 ton isn't much more than a car supension & brake wise. The tow/haul mode on my Chevy is great, if I begin to slow down early the truck almost stops the boat without using the brakes, the engine & trans do 90% of it, & it helps alot during acceleration also, so a truck that has this option would be a real good find.

 

[dalecover]

Re: 23' boat need the right truck

I tow my 22' Celebrity (heavy boat) just fine with a F-150 with the 5.4L. Braking shouldn't be much of an issue as long as the trailer has brakes. Don't expect decent mileage, however, as mine drops from 14 to 9 while towing.

 

[northvanwatertaxi]

Re: 23' boat need the right truck

I rented the new 1500 Chevy it was just fine, also rented a new ford with a Triton 4.5. It sounded like it was really working hard and i'm just glad it was a rental.
I looked at quite a few trucks, test drove them and kept looking until finally
I ended up going to the auction and getting a Ram 2500 V10! with hitch, wiring, and brake switch! even has a compass in case I go somewhere where I will need to navigate ,fully loaded gvw 8800lbs! I was the highest bidder @ $8900 cdn, had to get new tires and battery.
Thanks for all the advise everyone! Now I can take the boat anywhere and don't have to pay for moorage.
Thanks again for the help

 

[roscoe]

Re: 23' boat need the right truck

nice truck

 

[DJ]

Re: 23' boat need the right truck

Your towing should be effortless with that truck. A little expensive though (fuel).

Good find. It should provide you piece of mind. Hard to put a price on that.

 

[northvanwatertaxi]

Re: 23' boat need the right truck

The V10 is rated at 305 hp and I thought that it would be a pig on gas but after reading some specs, i'm not sure if it is that bad. Mine is a 2wd auto and read it gets 18 mpg hwy not the greatest but towing a boat is totaly effortless, its got 13.000 pound trailer rating.
I also read the dodge v8 4x4 gets about the same mpg

I just sold my 91 nissan sev6 and read it was rated at 19 mpg on the highway. so far what I like best about the truck is the how quiet it is inside.