Matching boat size and vehicle

[brodie123]

We currently have a 19' boat which we love and are towing with a V6 Equinox.

We would like to step up to a boat which can sleep 2 adults, 2 kids with washroom, kitchen etc. The trick is that we want to travel with the boat and launch from various locations.

The Doral 29' is wonderful as it has an aft sleeping cabin. The 25' is ok but has no aft cabin (I believe).

My question is what is the maximum size boat we could trailer and what vehicle would be required. I understand the maximum beam for the hi-way, this is more about weight and getting the boat out of a launch etc.

We were thinking about a Ford Explorer 4x4 V8. We need 2 seats in front and back, and the hatch for the dog.

Any views or recommendations on this?

 

[etracer68]

Re: Matching boat size and vehicle

Your going to need a 3/4 ton, or 1 ton truck( a real truck), you should be able to get them in a crew cab.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Matching boat size and vehicle

The Explorer has a 3500 lb standard towing capacity. 5000 lbs if upgraded.

The 25' Doral's Dry hull is 6400 lbs. Figure 8000+ on the trailer.
The Doral 29' is 7900 lbs dry, Maybe 9500 with the trailer, Fuel and Gear.

Not even close!
Look for something with 10,000 lb tow capacity.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Matching boat size and vehicle

The new Explorers do not tow so much . . . must not be based on the Ranger Truck any more ???

The older ones (like I have) go up to 7K lbs . . . so about a 26 footer boat

I think you are looking at a F-250 Super Duty

Check the manufacurer's tow ratings for the various vehicles. . . that's the Bible.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Matching boat size and vehicle

Your Chevy Equinox is rated for only 1500 lbs towing.

I suspect you are way over that with the 19 footer!

 

[brodie123]

Re: Matching boat size and vehicle

That's the new equinox - the slightly older one is 3500 lbs.

I think we need to get a 2nd vehicle for towing as gas will be brutal the rest of the year.

Is 4x4 very much recommended for a pickup or is RWD ok/good?

 

[rallyart]

Re: Matching boat size and vehicle

To pull a really heavy load on a wet ramp the 4X4 is an advantage, but not necessary.

 

[drrpm]

Re: Matching boat size and vehicle

The choices are somewhat limited due to the size of the boats. A 3/4 ton Crew Cab pick up, Suburban or a Ford Excursion would work. An Explorer would be way too puny. A 3/4 or 1 ton Van would work as well. Rear wheel drive is fine with an LSD.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Matching boat size and vehicle

That's the new equinox - the slightly older one is 3500 lbs. ...

I did a little more looking and I see that the New Equinox is also rated for 3500 if it is an AWD version. :redface:

 

[Mikeyboy]

Re: Matching boat size and vehicle

I have to agree you are probably looking at at least a 3/4 ton truck. While 4wd is not needed it is extremely helpful pulling out of the water. I have a 1 ton and the last time I pulled my 18' boat out I had to put it in 4wd because there was weeds on the ramp and I couldn't get traction. If you do get a 2wd I would recommend putting some wieght in the bed over the axle like a few sand bags to aid in traction on wet ramps. Also on my 1 ton crew cab the back seat has more room than the back seat on most 4 door cars or suv's so you should be good for the family as well.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Matching boat size and vehicle

you may not have to have a 4x4 but I would not exclude one, just the piece of mind in having it would be pretty big on a steep ramp plus you live in Ontario Canada so finding a 2 wheel drive isn't likely locally.

A Ford Explorer is not going to work get it out of your mind, for a 29' boat your looking at a truck like mine 1 ton dodge crew cab long bed with a big motor. You have to manage your load while trailering a small or mid sized vehicle is simply out matched by the boat your looking at and it will be a handfull until the police park you, and they will. Any 1 ton truck should work Ford, Chevy or Dodge they are all great trucks, 3/4 ton may do it also but you need to check specs I don't know them never had a 3/4 ton truck only 1 ton Diesels and never been limited by the load I could haul but I understand that if all you have the truck for is to tow the boat you may hesitate, I don't its part of my life so that's that.

 

[etracer68]

Re: Matching boat size and vehicle

We need 2 seats in front and back, and the hatch for the dog.

Any views or recommendations on this?

Are you planning on pulling the dog too? Ok I re-read, a hatch, as in a place for the dog, why not just put him or her on the roof, if its good enough for Mitt R, heck go for it.

 

[90stingray]

Re: Matching boat size and vehicle

A ford 1/2 ton v6 eco boost is rated at 11,300lbs towing...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDfaqpqe--c

 

[jkust]

Re: Matching boat size and vehicle

Agree with the above and you are really out of SUV territory (well most suv's) and into truck land with that size boat. As for 4x4, you need it 1% of the time but when you do you really do. Don't forget about the value of the locking rear differentials as well. I can only presume trucks in the caliber you will need will already have it built in. I've seen full sized trucks with only rwd without a locking rear differential unable to retrieve their 14 foot tin boats from slippery ramps which many times are the popular/nice lakes you want to boat.

 

[Mikeyboy]

Re: Matching boat size and vehicle

Yeah I have limited slip in my 1ton but the clutch packs are burned out and I have to lock in 4wd on steep or slippery ramps. Have to rebuild that axle one of these days.

 

[maproy99]

Re: Matching boat size and vehicle

A ford 1/2 ton v6 eco boost is rated at 11,300lbs towing...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDfaqpqe--c

Anyone want to give a plus to a Chevy 2500 or 3500 Silverado? They make the other heavy trucks look bad, ford claims they make the better truck, but not when it comes to independent testing between GMC, Ford, and RAM!
(And if you are paying more for a v6 that gets the fuel economy of a v8 and still doesn't tow as good........ You just fell for Ford's scam called eco boost.)

 

[muskiemike12]

Re: Matching boat size and vehicle

Lets not turn this into a Ford vs Chevy discussion! Any truck, SUV or van that is a 3/4 or 1 ton base will work. The real question should be gas vs diesel? BTW you can get a used van for 1/2 the price of a truck.

 

[ricohman]

Re: Matching boat size and vehicle

Anyone want to give a plus to a Chevy 2500 or 3500 Silverado? They make the other heavy trucks look bad, ford claims they make the better truck, but not when it comes to independent testing between GMC, Ford, and RAM!
(And if you are paying more for a v6 that gets the fuel economy of a v8 and still doesn't tow as good........ You just fell for Ford's scam called eco boost.)

Rubber boots and cv's belong on FWD cars, not 3/4 and 1 ton trucks.
Lots of us want a truck with a real front axle, not a flimsy toy. You can keep the GM and the IFS.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Matching boat size and vehicle

back to the OP's question. your outside of a ford exploder if you are looking at the Doral in either 25' or 29'. as many have stated, you will need a 3/4 ton truck or possibly an excursion. however watch the towing capacities.

 

[jkust]

Re: Matching boat size and vehicle

Yeah I have limited slip in my 1ton but the clutch packs are burned out and I have to lock in 4wd on steep or slippery ramps. Have to rebuild that axle one of these days.

Is it the Eaton G80 in a GM vehicle? The work great but have a reputation.