New to boating with towing questions...

[Lindeman23]

Re: New to boating with towing questions...

my 95 f 150 with a 5.0l has a towing max gvwr at 6250 my boat/trailer weighs 6,300 with a full tank. it hulls it with no problem, you can get a later year model that still looks good for decent money and it will pul any pontoon or bass boat you want it to. i only have 2 wheel drive and its not a problem. i would "HIGHLY RECOMMEND" staying away from any small trucks dakota, s10, ranger, tacoma, ect.... i've used one for work a few years ago and it never really have the power to pull a trailer at higher speeds.

You have used towed with a Dakota, S10, Ranger, and Tacoma??? Or just one of these? I would agree that the olded Tacomas (pre-2005) had a smaller V6 that wasn't a capable for towing, but the current models have a 4.0 and it does well. I can only speak for the Tacoma's as I have one myself. Not sure how capable other mid-sizers are.

For those that think the mid-size trucks are a waste. Have you ever heard of a 4x4 double cab full sizer getting 20+ mpg on the HWY? Not everyone needs the room of a full size truck, and for light/moderat towing the mid-size trucks (Tacoma) does a pretty good job especially considering my max towing cap. if higher than your F150 w/ a V8.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: New to boating with towing questions...

For those that think the mid-size trucks are a waste. Have you ever heard of a 4x4 double cab full sizer getting 20+ mpg on the HWY? Not everyone needs the room of a full size truck, and for light/moderat towing the mid-size trucks (Tacoma) does a pretty good job especially considering my max towing cap. if higher than your F150 w/ a V8.

Actually in my '08 F150 SuperCrew (much bigger than the Double Cab) I can get 18.5mpg (hand calculated) if I keep it @65mph. 3.55 gear ratio/ 5.4L V8. The 09+ F150's do slightly better due to a 6-spd auto tranny. Not saying mid-size trucks don't have their benefits, just saying it's not that big of a hit in the mpg department to step up if it suits the need. I don't think you're anywhere close to my 10,000lbs towing capacity.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: New to boating with towing questions...

I drop hitch would be level that thing out a bit.....

 

[Lindeman23]

Re: New to boating with towing questions...

Ford calls it a Super Crew, Toyota calls mine a Double cab (4 standard doors). Either or but friends of mine that have full size trucks w/ V8's and 4x4 get around between 12-14mpg on the hwy. It doesn't look like yours is a 4x4 hence your 18.5 mpg. And yes I cannot come close to your 10k towing capacity but for a mid-size truck the Tacoma is more than capable as a light/moderat towing vehical. In 4x4 models you can still achieve the 20+ mpg rating, that the full size cannot compete with.

 

[Lindeman23]

Re: New to boating with towing questions...

When I add people/gear/gas, she usually sits level.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: New to boating with towing questions...

It is 4x4, I just removed the decals on the bed. The 4x2 vs 4x4 isn't going to impact gas mileage anyway aside from the extra weight of the transfer case, there are no moving parts on the 4x4 unless you have it engaged.

 

[boatingbetty75]

Re: New to boating with towing questions...

How about a 1993 Toyota 4Runner 4x4 SR5? It is a V6, and has the 4 wheel deal going on.
I actually found a silver F150 that I love but can't convince the husband to take the Kia Soul

 

[Mike Zee]

Re: New to boating with towing questions...

Tell him you will let him drive the F150 on the weekends, he will take the Kia.

 

[kahuna123]

Re: New to boating with towing questions...

Keep both the cars you have now. Gas isn't going to get any cheaper. There are PLENTY of monster towing vehicles people are trying to get rid of because they are using them for everyday use filling up a 35 gallon tank at $4.00 a gallon is killing them. I have a chevy that goes to Lowes, the boat ramp, and the dump. Other than that my XB does the job.

 

[zopperman]

Re: New to boating with towing questions...

4runners are the best available trucks on the market. Between me and my dad, we've had twelve. I LOVE my current '03 V8. (Wish I had teh V6 for the MPGs) but I had a '94 SR5 which is the same generation as the '93. It is a great, reliable truck. Towed very well (3000+ LBS).

 

[Sikiguya]

Re: New to boating with towing questions...

I'd agree...forget the Ford F-150. You need to head down to the Peterbilt or Mack dealership and check out rigs there to pull that 18' pontoon. You know...with a cooler of beers, bags of chips, and suntan lotion, you might add another couple of thousand of pounds! You need a rig that is heavier duty than that Kia. Also, you didn't say how far you have to tow and over what type of terrain.

I'd look at getting a bigger boat though. When I was shopping for a boat, I was considering 18' too thinking that I wanted to start smaller...but all my friends 'strongly' encouraged the 20'. Glad I did. Good luck and happy boating!!

 

[Jetwash]

Re: New to boating with towing questions...

When I add people/gear/gas, she usually sits level.

So the truck is sagging...

All the manufactures over rate the towing capacity of their trucks. Back in the 80's Ford ranger 4x4 with the 2.8 liter six was rated at 5000 pounds. I stuffed two guys and three dirt bikes on a single axle trailer and it would not keep up with traffic on the hills.

A Nissan Frontier with a 4 liter six is rated at 260 HP which nearly 30 HP more than the Toyota. Getting from point A to point B is not a problem, but the problems will come long before a larger vehicle. Smaller trucks have smaller transmissions, cooling systems, smaller batteries and alternators, smaller brakes, lighter springs and less room in the cab and bed. Turn on the AC and tell me a six cylinder has enough power going over a 3000 foot mountain with 4 people and another thousand pounds of camping gear towing a boat. There are not any 3000 foot test tracks in Detroit.



In almost every vehicle with a smaller engine that has been boosted by turbos, etc. the resale value takes a dump.

 

[Jetwash]

Re: New to boating with towing questions...

How about a 1993 Toyota 4Runner 4x4 SR5? It is a V6, and has the 4 wheel deal going on.
I actually found a silver F150 that I love but can't convince the husband to take the Kia Soul

Betty, if you can change the tire and remount the spare, you can drive the truck. If you guys are looking at older used trucks, perhaps you should consider finding a place that rents house boats and get a better long distance vehicle. Its no fun being broke down on a holiday weekend or on vacation cause the old truck is falling apart and they all do.

Don't fall in love with a vehicle you are shopping for.

 

[boatingbetty75]

Re: New to boating with towing questions...

Spent all day Saturday at the Boat Show. The 18 footer is out the window! We are currently looking at the G3 Sun Catcher 20' Pontoon Cruiser http://www.g3boats.com/Sun_Catcher_LV_208_C and the Sweetwater 20' http://www.godfreypontoons.com/sweetwater/boats.cfm?model=sw2086.

Still haven't decided on a tow vehicle...any suggestions? Package weight on the Sun Catcher is 2870lbs. I can't find info on the Sweetwater in regards to package weight.

Oh and once you mention to people you are looking at buying a boat, you end up with a bunch of new best friends :facepalm:

 

[Lindeman23]

Re: New to boating with towing questions...

So the truck is sagging...

All the manufactures over rate the towing capacity of their trucks. Back in the 80's Ford ranger 4x4 with the 2.8 liter six was rated at 5000 pounds. I stuffed two guys and three dirt bikes on a single axle trailer and it would not keep up with traffic on the hills.

A Nissan Frontier with a 4 liter six is rated at 260 HP which nearly 30 HP more than the Toyota. Getting from point A to point B is not a problem, but the problems will come long before a larger vehicle. Smaller trucks have smaller transmissions, cooling systems, smaller batteries and alternators, smaller brakes, lighter springs and less room in the cab and bed. Turn on the AC and tell me a six cylinder has enough power going over a 3000 foot mountain with 4 people and another thousand pounds of camping gear towing a boat. There are not any 3000 foot test tracks in Detroit.



In almost every vehicle with a smaller engine that has been boosted by turbos, etc. the resale value takes a dump.

Yes my 6 can handle it. 4 People, gear, coolers, gas, and luggage from Cincinnati to Lake Norman, NC thru the mountains. It has the towing package therefore a bigger alternator, trans oil cooler, engine oil cooler, power steering fluid cooler, and larger battery. I did upgrade the rear leaf pack to a 7 leaf pack to handle the weight better. I've towed the same load w/ a full size and it sagged just as much. And I had a 6ft bed which is larger than some full size truck bed. Just leave it in 4th and it will pull just fine. End rant.

 

[blifsey]

Re: New to boating with towing questions...

Oh and once you mention to people you are looking at buying a boat, you end up with a bunch of new best friends :facepalm:

HA! What until you buy one!

 

[Davem3]

Re: New to boating with towing questions...

Oh and once you mention to people you are looking at buying a boat, you end up with a bunch of new best friends :facepalm:

until it comes time to see if anyone with help with fuel, cleaning , etc. then they all run like H*** in the opposite direction.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: New to boating with towing questions...

Its no fun being broke down on a holiday weekend or on vacation cause the old truck is falling apart and they all do.

Don't fall in love with a vehicle you are shopping for.

I agree with all but the "falling apart" statement. Most pre-97 trucks are built pretty solid and have relatively few things to break on them. Their simplicity is their strong point and the motors were good 'ol push-rod SOHC engines with relatively little to break. I've actually been on the lookout for a 78-79 F-250 just because they make outstanding tow/utility vehicles with little maintenance. I love my 2008 F150, and I've never had an issue with it, but I just think all of the electronic sensors and fancy creature comforts come with a hefty pricetag when they give up the ghost.

 

[jwwilson]

Re: New to boating with towing questions...

Brand new to iboats.com. I've enjoyed reading this thread and another thread about what cars people use to tow their boats.

I have finally talked my husband into getting into boating, having been raised in a boating family. It only took 5 years! My question is, would the '08 or '09 Ford Explorer 4.0L V6 4x4 have enough towing capacity for a 21' bowrider? I've seen somewhere online that it has a towing capacity of 5300 lbs. Or, would I need the V8 (which I've seen online has a towing capacity of 7200 lbs)?

I'm hoping the V6 will do. The V8 seems like overkill and is out of my price range unless I go a couple years older. Either one is an upgrade from my '04 Trailblazer V6 4x2. If my Trailblazer were a 4x4 I would probably use it for the job.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: New to boating with towing questions...

The Explorer would be fine for just about any 20-22' runabout. They usually run around 3-4Klbs plus trailer. I think you'd be okay, although the V8 would certainly come in handy and the fuel mileage versus the V6 would probably be a wash.