Can I tow/launch a large boat with my SUV?

alan ber

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 29, 2008
Messages
143
My favorite topic 20 years towed my 21 ft Laguna all over State Fl , My 4/4 blazer did a fine job ,
Lost my head , sold Laguna , purchased a 30 Ft Regal 9.5 beam , Empty 8500 lbs , I always say I tow 9500 lbs

Regal was sitting on a outstanding , 3 axle , disk brakes , Performance trailer rated 15200
Knowing I had a 1996 Ford F 350 , A work truck , not pretty , towing capacity 11500 , NO 4/4 , has the large rear end set
for duel wheels but run single
Engine is the 5,8 Windsor , gas job ,

I am not new too towing , ramps , & traffic , As a young man drove large rigs ,
Pulled blanket wide permit , As long as I not over a certain length and width Its reasonable ,
Getting pulled over by DOT fine could be $ 1000 bucks
On straight away Ford tows OK . Its a 350 ,
At steep boat ramps , I don't have enough torque , Rear wheels spin , Not enough weight
Search for low incline ramps
When I plan too tow I have 2 rusted gas tanks that I fill with water , Giving me 800 lbs of weight over rear wheels
HELPS but still a white knuckle situation.
Ford truck forum got some ideas one guy said take air out of rear tires
Ride with air tanks, put snow chains ,
I can move tongue winch up a foot , this way boat will sit further up giving me more weight on tongue
Will try that but afraid will effect boats balance
At one location I got stuck mid way , I ride with tow chains, A guy helped , Hooked chains too my front axle, too his
truck and he got me out , easy , had traction ,
Will tow for service , but don't trailer all over fishing like I used too ,
Too much legalities if something happened , 2 people needed too retrieve
So I made a decision too leave at a marina
That 400 bucks a month would have bought me a few year old fishing machine , that I can keep home , maintain
and not deal with a large boat , Cant compare the larger boat offers me a cheap water condo but the adventure of towing
all over is also fun ,
IF I need service marina for 50 bucks put boat on my trailer using straps ,
When I return I take too public ramp , slowly into water and drive too marina

Got too have the right rig , proper brakes , tires, SET UP TOO TOW ON OPEN ROAD , LEGALLY
if something happens your life can change instantly

I MISS MY LAGUNA
 
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