To trailer or not

[nightstalker]

I have a 22' Sunbird on a galvanized dual axel trailer (no brakes) that I bring to the marina once a year to launch (1/2 mile away) and to a storage facility (1/2 mile away) also once a year. These are the only times a year the boat is moved on a trailer. I haven't been able to find the weight of mt boat but I'll guess that it's about 3000 lbs. The 225 Johnson on the back goes about 475 lbs. or so, and the weight of the trailer is a total guess. My Chrysler Town and Country van is equipped with a towing package (can tow 3600 lbs.) and weighs 5500 lbs. I have been using a U-hall truck to launch and retrieve the boat twice a year at a cost of about $50 a pop. Should I take a shot at towing the boat with my van twice a year(launch is one mile away), or just eat the $50 each time I need to tow the boat. I worry more about the boat pulling my van into the drink while launching and whether ior not the van has the guts (6 cylinder) to pull the boat out of the water.<br />Any suggestions?

 

[mattttt25]

Re: To trailer or not

nice boat- have a 20' sunbird cc. i'm a bit reckless, but here's my opinion- would probably tow the boat around in an emergency, but wouldn't try to launch/recover with your vehicle. i'd be afraid of breaking something. rent the vehicle or borrow a buddies.

 

[DJ]

Re: To trailer or not

nightstalker,<br /><br />I wouldn't do it.<br /><br />You have a couple things going against you.<br /><br />1. Your van is front wheel drive. Backing down a ramp "unloads" the front wheels. Guess what, no traction and no braking. End result, van in water!<br /><br />2. The body of your van cannot handle the weight.

 

[MrBill]

Re: To trailer or not

I agree with djohns...

 

[KM2]

Re: To trailer or not

A couple of ideas - find a friend/ neighbor with a truck that will work for beer or food. I find that people with big trucks are usually more than willing to help out those with little vehicles.<br /> <br />Idea - 2 Home Depot and Menards rent 3/4 ton pickups for around $20 plus miles. That would save you some money and you could see your boat behind you.

 

[nightstalker]

Re: To trailer or not

Thanks a heap for the replies. No towing with the van for me. I'll rent a vehicle or get a buddy to do it for me.<br />Stalker

 

[steven859]

Re: To trailer or not

Hi<br />we have a 2000 craysler voyager witch has a class 2 hitch.we have a 17foot 1960 thunder bird tri haul with a 75 hp johnson.the van has a 3.3 v6 with front wheel drive and it works great to move the boat around the yard.the boats weight is 2000 pounds with 200 pounds of toung weight.hitch is made buy mopar witch is the brand of parts that crysler uses witch is availible on ebay.if it is a short distance you should do fine up and down the ramp .the trailer is galvanized buy the way.