Tow Vehicle Preferences for more than 5K lbs

[McGillicuddy]

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]

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

[bridgeman]

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

[cdavisdb]

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.

[workinpr0gress]

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]

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.

[76Red18]

If you have some wheel spin at the ramp already you need more weight in the rear of the tow vehicle or one with 4 wheel drive. Not much weight difference between a 1/2 and 3/4 ton pickup. If you just want a tow vehicle look for an old 1/2 ton 4 x 4 with a good motor and tranny with a cooler. Should be quite a few available in areas where there was once lots of construction. We sure do have a few here in Florida. Trailer brakes will stop the trailer.

[ScottM]

I used to have a '00 F150 4x4 with the 5.4L that towed my 24 Seabird and my father's 23 Sceptre with no problems. My towing profile was very similar to McGillicuddy's, so I would think something like an F150 would work just fine. The tow/haul mode was nice to have, so make sure it has the factory tow pkg already. I believe that pkg also includes a tranny cooler and oil cooler. Braking never seemed to be a problem but admittedly I never had any emergency stops to really test them out.

[gofastsandman]

Not 100% sure about Dodge or Ford, but GM 1/2 ton 4x4s are all 3/4 ton axles and suspension. The 3/4 ton 4x4s are pure profit. Same truck w/ an extra spring leaf.

We had a guy at the shop who was spinning his Dually w/ a 27 Contender at the ramp. An old tire guru said he had little siping in his tires. He got some with lots and no worries. Couldn`t believe the difference.

Cheers,
GFS

[Capt Chuck]

It slides a bit pulling the Seafari up wet local ramps and has suspect stopping power in rush hour traffic.

Gilly

Scott is right.I pulled my 23' for 13 years with a fullsize Bronco (1/2 ton). If you don't upgrade then here's help....

Three things you need

1.) Brakes on the tralier (stopping power)
2.) Limited Slip Differential (no slide at the ramp)
3.) Transmission Oil Cooler