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what size vehicle for towing?
Hi there,
My wife and I are looking to purchase a small cruiser in
the near future, and one of the things we're considering when it comes
down to the size of the boat is the ability of our vehicle to
succesfully tow it and put it in the water.I've read that with bigger boats you need a pickup, but would a large
conversion van do? We own a big Chevy conversion with the larger of the
two 8 cylinder engines in it, so for power and weight I don't think we
have a problem. The only difference perhaps might be in the automatic
gear box and drive train - would it be less sturdy than that of a
truck? If anyone could give us a bit of advice it would be much appreciated,
as it may help determine our limits as to what we can get size-wise.
Half-the reason we're thinking all this is that the van is nearly paid
off and we can put the same money towards a 23' - 25' day cruiser or
weekender, but it's going to be a little self-defeating if we have to
get another vehicle just to tow the boat the 30 miles or so to the
nearest luach facility at Sanford, here in Central Florida. Permanently
berthing the boat at a marina is of course a possibility, but I'd like
the flexibility of being able to tow it directly to either the east or
west coasts at need. Thanks.Tim |
timW
Oct 21
2006
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| your van should do the job nicely. After all, it is the same drive
train, brakes, and frame weight as a Chevy half ton pickup. The
transmission should be ok too, though I wouldn't recommend pulling in
overdrive. Too much strain ont he transmission, and will lug your
engine a lot. Another thing, you should have an additional
transmission cooler added. its like a mini-radiatior that fits in front
of the radiator, and helps to keep the trans. oil a bit cooler. timW wrote: |
tschnautz
Oct 21
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| I'll add this: My mechanic says that when he reminds customers about
changing the tranny fluid and filter according to the maintenance schedule,
half his customers give him a blank look. They've never heard of it. If the
OP hasn't done this stuff on schedule, things could get interesting. |
JoeSpareBedroom
Oct 21
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| In the early 80'sm I pulled my 27' ChrisCraft Cavalier about 130 mi,
using a '78, 1/2 ton Chevy Blazer. I only ran about 50 mph, but the
engine didn't strain, and handling was ok. Any faster than that and
things started to get a bit squirrely, but otherwise, no problems.
timW wrote: |
tschnautz
Oct 21
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| Agreed. many people believe in changing the engine oil, religiously,
but never once think about changing the trans. fluid and filter. Nor,
do they ever inspect the diferential (rear end)grease! |
tschnautz
Oct 21
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| Hell....they don't even know the tranny filter exists. My own son said 3
weeks ago "When I get my car, I'm gonna take such great care of it!" A week
later, he got the car (used, but nice). Do you think he's opened the manual
and asked any maintenance questions? |
JoeSpareBedroom
Oct 21
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| My opinion as follows: First ... do a little homework. If your conversion van the GM 1500 series,
it is the lightest of the light duty ratings, even with a "big" engine.
Does it have a factory tow package including an aux transmission cooler?
(noticed you are towing in hot Florida). What is the rear end ratio? What
is it's rated GVW, towing rating and CGVW (total of van, trailer and boat). What does the boat weigh? What does the trailer weigh? You can plan on the
boat being heavier than the factory specs once you have your personal gear
aboard. Most important ... think about brakes. Don't even think about towing a
23'-25' cruiser type boat unless the trailer has a good, working braking
system .... either surge or electric. Your van's brakes are rated to stop
your van, not an additional 5-7k lbs. I once towed a boat of approximately
that weight on a trailer that's surge brakes were not working. Towed it
with a Dodge Ram 2500 Heavy Duty truck. The damn boat just about pushed me
through an intersection at a red light while trying to stop. Eisboch |
Eisboch
Oct 21
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| Not to mention that it's 'the law' to have brakes on a trailer load over
3500 lbs. Maybe even lower in some areas. |
Don
Oct 21
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| @i3g2000cwc.googlegroups.com: |
Larry
Oct 21
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| One other point.... I know Florida has many well built and maintained
launch ramps and four wheel drive down there is a rarity. However, a steep,
wet ramp with a heavy boat may find the OP wishing he had a 4x4. Eisboch |
Eisboch
Oct 21
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| Here's a good source for tow ratings... http://trailerboats.com/towrating/ Dan |
Dan
Oct 21
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| One thing many have found, in fresh water anyways is that a steep ramp
and algae or other growth can make it impossible for a rear axle only
drive vehicle to pull the boat and trailer out of the water. The one
exception might be a duallie with limited slip.
I've had to pull several rigs up the ramp, a few years ago, that only
had a rear wheel drive. I've also seen some of them go into the water
with tires spinning for dear life trying to get off the ramp.
Get a crew cab duallie 4x4 optioned out. Everyone needs a Country Cadillac. |
john
Oct 21
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| Eisboch pretty much covered it.
Your conversion van is built on a truck chassis, so forget that pickup
comment. Chevies are 1500, 2500, 3500: the bigger the number the stronger
the vehicle. If it came with a tow package it should already have a
transmission cooler. Florida's pretty flat - use overdrive unless it's
constantly shifting.
Don't go without trailer brakes . |
Bill
Oct 21
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