Tow Vehicle Preferences for more than 5K lbs

McGillicuddy · #1 12-08-2010, 08:17 PM

I need a different truck to pull the 21. I currently run a 5 speed manual, 2WD Toyota T100. It slides a bit pulling the Seafari up wet local ramps and has suspect stopping power in rush hour traffic.

The 21 rig is probably a bit over 5K lbs. Should I even consider a half ton or jump straight into a 3/4 ton. Local ramps are good and only about 15 miles away. The tow is all down hill & the return all uphill to 700 ft above sea level. I really doubt I'll be towing to Mex or any farther than San Clemente (about 70 miles) to go to Catalina Is.

I was hoping to go to an automatic transmission. And I'd love to find decent economy.

Any favorites out there? Thanks.

Blue_Heron · #2 12-08-2010, 09:13 PM

Hey Gilly,
I think the size truck will depend on how far you think you'll haul the boat. For short runs to a ramp, an hour or less, you'll probably be ok with a half ton truck. if you're going to haul it 300+ miles, you'll want something with a beefier drive train and cooling system.

As for stopping power, I would suggest trailer brakes for anything over 3000 lbs. Oh, and make sure your tow vehicle has anti-lock brakes. I speak from unfortunate experience.
Dave

cdavisdb · #3 12-08-2010, 10:23 PM

I pulled a 24 Seabird with a half ton E150 truck equiped with the appropriate towing package for a decade or so. Mostly highway towing. Worked fine, no problems towing, at the ramp or anywhere else, but I never really trusted it.

I pull the Seafari 25 with a E250 van, 3/4 ton, 6800 lb tow package and hardly know its back there. Just had the tranny inspected (60,000 miles) and everything looks perfect.

Fair warning, good mileage is not in the cards. The 150 used to get about 11mpg highway and the 250 only gets about 9, if that.

McGillicuddy · #4 12-10-2010, 04:13 AM

Wow! - thanks for the tremendous responses, y'all...

I am definitely considering all of your redneck responses, but none more than my gator chewin', alligator gar shootin', 2nd cuzin lovin, Dixie brother Sam's idea of upgradin' the little weenie puller to a bigger weenie pullin' rig.

Here we have the mini weenie euro-trash alpine road rig vs the big American freeway weenie, ergo, left coast free-love muh-cheen... my gal says go big or go home, and chose the one on the left... something about a duramax powerstroke cummins being a better ride...

BigLew · #5 12-10-2010, 09:38 AM

Where do you guys come up with this stuff?

uncleboo · #6 12-10-2010, 10:17 AM

I ask the same question. You guys crack me up! How is it....ROFLMAO

(I'm still learning the codes.)

workinpr0gress · #7 12-10-2010, 12:43 PM

Good stuff!

How many jokes came from this event.

bridgeman · #8 12-08-2010, 09:53 PM

I'm partial to Fords and have an F350 with the 7.3 powerstroke, I get 15 mpg pulling my 23cc and 20 when I'm not towing. I got the 1 ton because the price was right but a 3/4 will serve you well. If your patient you can pick one up for a good price, try to find one made between 96 and 02. Stay away from the 6.0's unless they're made after 04

workinpr0gress · #9 12-08-2010, 10:59 PM

The first gen. Strokes were the best mid between power and economy, next to a ist and 2nd gen. cummins dodge with taller gears. The cummins has dead flat big torque numbers just above idle. I've personally seen 20 mpg towing 7000to 8000 lbs at 65 mph on the back of a cheap 2wd 1st gen cummins that's turned up mechanically to about 700lbs of torque. Love those early cummins and powerstrokes.

floorboy · #10 12-09-2010, 02:54 AM

I tow my sceptre 8-10,000 miles a year. I have 251,000 on an 01' f350 powerstroke and dont have any plans on changing trucks for a while. Plenty of power, I quit checking fuel milage 100.000 miles ago though.

I would get a 3/4 ton for the added stability and some more braking power. I dont think there is a while lot of difference between 3/4 ton and 1 tons other than some springs.