Matching boat size and vehicle

[LippCJ7]

Re: Matching boat size and vehicle

I think what is lost here is not only the load capacity advantage of a truck but the wheelbase, sure a 3/4 to 1 ton van could do it but the wheelbase of a truck will be a large advantage in this case as well especially over a 150 mile trip, longer wheelbase provides for straighter towing at speed and a more relaxed driver, a big advantage on those longer trips.

Chevy has had the best ride of any of the big three and that is directly due to the independent front suspension but I agree that for me I want a straight axle under my front end but I use my truck for work so its a little different. I have friends with 1 ton chevy's and they are a great truck.

 

[ricohman]

Re: Matching boat size and vehicle

I think what is lost here is not only the load capacity advantage of a truck but the wheelbase, sure a 3/4 to 1 ton van could do it but the wheelbase of a truck will be a large advantage in this case as well especially over a 150 mile trip, longer wheelbase provides for straighter towing at speed and a more relaxed driver, a big advantage on those longer trips.

Chevy has had the best ride of any of the big three and that is directly due to the independent front suspension but I agree that for me I want a straight axle under my front end but I use my truck for work so its a little different. I have friends with 1 ton chevy's and they are a great truck.

I work my 1 ton also so GM is the bottom of my list. Transfer weight to the front axle and the tires go negative camber. Then the idlers wear early and on it goes. I also have friends with gm 3/4's and I have helped replace busted cv's and idlers. No thanks.
Give me a solid axle and I'm a happy man. If I wanted a "car like ride" I would have driven my car.
There are many companies that specialize in cutting the IFS components off GM trucks and swapping in solid axles. There are also many kits available for those who want to do this themselves.
There are zero companies that offer IFS kits for Ford and Dodge.

 

[Dozerlady]

Re: Matching boat size and vehicle

What is missing in this discussion is the fact that manufacturers have been allowed to state their own ratings for towing capacity, but no more. Starting with next years models, 2013, all trucks have to meet a joint standard trailer tow rating called, Surface Vehicle Recommended Practice J2807 or SAE J2807.

Quote:

There are five engineering characteristics that strongly influence any tow vehicle's performance:
The engine's power and torque characteristics.
The powertrain's cooling capacity.
The durability of the powertrain and chassis.
Handling characteristics during cornering and braking
maneuvers.
The structural characteristics of the vehicle's hitch attachment area.

There are some pretty stiff tests required to meet this standard for towing capacity. Toyota decided to use this standard in their 2011 Tundra's and Tacoma's, 2 years ahead of schedule. It will be interesting to see what 2013 brings with all the other truck makers on the market, especially the Big 3. Here are some interesting reads on this for anyone that is really interested. From what I've seen on iboats, not everyone seems to care if they are legal or safe. Scarey

http://www.automobilemag.com/featur...ly_pass_sniff_test/viewall.html#ixzz1wNZD3YWi

http://www.tundraheadquarters.com/blog/2010/06/14/trailer-tow-rating-standards/

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Matching boat size and vehicle

There are some pretty stiff tests required to meet this standard for towing capacity. Toyota decided to use this standard in their 2011 Tundra's and Tacoma's, 2 years ahead of schedule. It will be interesting to see what 2013 brings with all the other truck makers on the market, especially the Big 3.

Going to be interesting to see what happens to the big 3 tow ratings after this. Lots of speculation, but its going to automatically chop off roughly 500 pounds no matter what. (Occupants) All kinds of speculation and depends on who you ask, but the identical 2013 year truck is likely to see anywhere from 1000 to 3000+ pounds lower tow rating in order to meet the j2807 spec.

 

[Sunsetrider]

Re: Matching boat size and vehicle

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

I'm not real familiar with the features of current-model pocket cruisers (out of my price range) but I am looking for the same upgrade - a towable, sleepable, cookable cruiser that I can pull with my Dakota. The Doral 24 from earlier years has a full galley and aft cabin, 2-level deck and weighs in empty at 4,000 lbs. The mid-90s Chaparral Signature 24 is similar.