Truck Selection Advice

[brodie123]

hi all;

I'm looking for some advice on truck selection.

We're looking at buying a Thompson 270 power boat, weighs 6500 lbs dry (according to survey).

I like the F-150 4x4 with extended cab. We plan to launch this boat ourselves - the ramps are good where we go, concrete but typically wet - reasonable incline - lots of space.

Questions:
When selecting a trailer, is electric or surge breaks better?
Is this a good towing vehicle for this boat?
Do I need a class IV hitch or what hitch would be recommended?
Anything else I should consider?

Thank you in advance.

Chris

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Truck Selection Advice

yeah a f-150 will do it but I think you would be happier with a 250/2500


brakes-doesn't matter which ever are both great

f-150? yeah but I think your boat will drive the truck

class 4 hitch would be standard on a 3/4 ton truck or better so no issue

I think the greatest thing to consider is your towing habits, if your only talking ten miles and dump the boat in the drink then yeah a F-150 is fine, if were talking a decent highway haul to the lake, nope I will take a bigger truck that will drive the trailer rather then the other way around.

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: Truck Selection Advice

Allot depends on which truck yo buy too (how it's optioned).

You planning on buying something new?
Here's the chart they have on towing, based on engine size, wheel base, and axle ratios;
2013 Ford F-150 | View Towing Specifications | Ford.com

 

[The Rooster]

Re: Truck Selection Advice

yeah a f-150 will do it but I think you would be happier with a 250/2500


brakes-doesn't matter which ever are both great

f-150? yeah but I think your boat will drive the truck

class 4 hitch would be standard on a 3/4 ton truck or better so no issue

I think the greatest thing to consider is your towing habits, if your only talking ten miles and dump the boat in the drink then yeah a F-150 is fine, if were talking a decent highway haul to the lake, nope I will take a bigger truck that will drive the trailer rather then the other way around.

+1 ^^^. At 6500 # dry, add approx. 750-1000# wet w/ fuel, batteries, ect. then the weight of a dual or tri axle trailer. You might be pushing the limits of an F-150. Typical towing distance would play a big role for me. Good luck !!!

 

[brodie123]

Re: Truck Selection Advice

Sorry, I meant the F-250 (typo)

what size receiver would be best? 2" ball?

With surge brakes, any issues backing up? Our driveway is on a slight incline.

thx!

 

[Quit It]

Re: Truck Selection Advice

With surge brakes, any issues backing up? Our driveway is on a slight incline.

If your surge brakes have electric lockout (5th wire on mine, linked to the reverse lights) then you won't engage the brakes.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Truck Selection Advice

Sorry, I meant the F-250 (typo)

what size receiver would be best? 2" ball?

With surge brakes, any issues backing up? Our driveway is on a slight incline.

thx!

uh, the correct ball for the trailer?

If you mean receiver, then a 2" is correct anything smaller wouldn't be a good idea for anything more then a go cart trailer...

Surge brakes are easy, even surge brakes have a disconnect lever for all backing but I have only used mine on the sand beach at Lake McConaughy NE, electric are fine too I can't think of any pros or cons for either they both work well.

 

[brodie123]

Re: Truck Selection Advice

Hi All.

We are still trying to make a final selection.

Since we are only towing a few km and will be dry for the most part - 1km from the gas station, I'm judging my weight at up to 8000 lbs.

We are looking at a 2007 Durango with 5.7 Hemi. The advantage here is that 99% of the time, we need space not towing ability. It has a towing capacity of 8950 with a class 3 hitch - we were going to upgrade to a class IV. 18" wheels, 4 WD (low and high).

I realize it's maxing the vehicle out but given our limited use, will this vehicle suffice?

thank you!

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Truck Selection Advice

The Durango will do the job if you're just towing shorter distances. (I like the longer wheelbase pickup trucks for towing long distances.)

Don't worry about changing the hitch. If it's a 2" receiver hitch, it's okay for your weight. I use the three way hitch balls with 1 7/8", 2" and 2 5/16".

Just make sure you invest in a quality brake controller. They're available at any RV dealership, and easy to install if the truck has the correct pin plug already.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Truck Selection Advice

It has a towing capacity of 8950 with a class 3 hitch - we were going to upgrade to a class IV.

Class III hitches are limited to 5000 pounds AFAIK.

 

[Mason78]

Re: Truck Selection Advice

I have a 2012 F150 and have pulled close to 8K with it no problem. I was even getting decent gas mileage.

I prefer electric brakes because you can adjust them with a controller unit, but I have surge brakes on my boat trailer and they work just fine also.

 

[jasonbailey]

Re: Truck Selection Advice

That seems like a 'whole-lotta boat for a short wheel based Durango. But, if you are not going very far, and not traveling the interstates it may be doable.

A thought my Dad planted in my head long ago, "There's no doubt your truck can pull that load, the more important question is, can it stop it, and can it stop it quickly if needed?"

Another option you may look at, almost as important as 4 wheel drive, IMHO, is a locking rear differential. Not a limited slip, they can be useless on a slippery ramp sometimes. A locking rear diff, is worth it's weight in gold when traction is at a premium.

 

[emilsr]

Re: Truck Selection Advice

You're on the borderline between half ton and 3/4 ton towing capacity... I'd bet it'll wind up over 8,000 lbs once you get your gear on board, and that's a lot for a half ton truck no matter what the manufacturers say they'll tow.

That Durango isn't going to be happy towing that much boat, especially if you have any load in the truck. At a minimum you're going to need to install a Class IV hitch (2 5/16" ball) as the one on the truck isn't up to the task. Also, I'd lean towards electric/hydraulic brakes (vs surge) as they'll provide braking when backing down the ramp. Otherwise the boat may be dragging the truck (instead of the other way around). Been there, done that....can get a little hairy.

The safe decision for towing that much boat is to go with a 3/4 ton truck, but they don't make as good a daily driver so I can understand your dilemma.

Take a look at a 3/4 ton Suburban; not as much towing capacity as a 3/4 ton pickup, but would be enough for that boat. Will be a little harder to park than the Durango, but not as hard as a long wheel base truck.

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Truck Selection Advice

If the Durango is rated to tow 8950 lbs and you are going to tow 8000 lbs, you will be fine towing it on any normal road for any length of time. The math is not that complicated. Is it as good as a 3/4 ton truck, no.

I highly recommend electric trailer brakes regardless of what you tow it with.

 

[carey965]

Re: Truck Selection Advice

The 2500 avalanche was a nice truck also. But can be hard to find

I would say any 1500 truck would be good. If your worried make a few minor upgrades. Like an add a leaf or helper bags. Maybe up grade the tranny cooler and look into ebc break pads and rotors i know they make stuff specifically for towing

Even the durango with a couple good mods is a decent choice and they are a mid sized suv so they have a decent wheelbase. My old one with the 4.7 towed anything

 

[emilsr]

Re: Truck Selection Advice

If the Durango is rated to tow 8950 lbs and you are going to tow 8000 lbs, you will be fine towing it on any normal road for any length of time. The math is not that complicated. Is it as good as a 3/4 ton truck, no.

Yea, IF....but the new ones aren't rated nearly that high. The one we have at work (v-6 power) is rated for something like 6,000 lbs. I don't think a Hemi is going to give it another 3,000lbs of towing capacity.

 

[jayhanig]

Re: Truck Selection Advice

You know, I don't think I've ever bought too much tool in my entire life. I've bought several that weren't enough though. What's good enough for today may limit you severely tomorrow.

 

[brodie123]

Re: Truck Selection Advice

thanks everyone, very helpful! I'll post the final buy and let you know how it goes!

 

[Mischief Managed]

Re: Truck Selection Advice

Yea, IF....but the new ones aren't rated nearly that high. The one we have at work (v-6 power) is rated for something like 6,000 lbs. I don't think a Hemi is going to give it another 3,000lbs of towing capacity.

You mean that same Hemi they put in the RAM 3500, the one that's rated to tow a minimum of 11,750 lbs?

 

[emilsr]

Re: Truck Selection Advice

You mean that same Hemi they put in the RAM 3500, the one that's rated to tow a minimum of 11,750 lbs?

That same "that thing got a hemi in it?" Hemi.

I towed my boat the half mile to the car wash behind a '12 Explorer v-6. (I was there, and I had my lunch hour to kill. Don't be hatin'). Even in high range it moved the boat uphill just fine. Downhill was an adventure, especially in the gravel parking lot. 'Bout a 30mph limit on that rig.