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Truck for towing

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Cbucki1
1st Mate

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USA
47 Posts

Initially Posted - 12/31/2007 : 18:16:06

Hi there,

I am moving up from a Catalina 22 to a Catalina 25.

There are not many Catalina 25's here in Colorado, so I will need to buy in TX, CA or the great lakes.

Long distance towing will be required, and am looking at a 2004 Chev Taho (V8). Is this vehicle large enough for towing? the specs say it has a towing capacity of 7800 lbs.

Any thoughts? is this truck big enough? any other good tow trucks/suv's worth considering?

Thanks and all the best in 2008!!

chuck buck
Summit Oasis
78 Catalina 25
Denver Colorado

Edited by - on

newell
Navigator

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USA
113 Posts

Response Posted - 12/31/2007 : 18:44:30

Chuck:

The truck should do the job without a problem. I pull my C25 with a Jeep Liberty diesel. It is rated at 7000 lbs and has no difficulty pulling the boat.

newell

Edited by - on

Chris Z
Captain

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452 Posts

Response Posted - 01/01/2008 : 00:53:25

Well, I would have to consider the total weight of the trailer, boat and contents. My other concern would go well beyond the towing capacity. My feelings are that the towing capacity only covers the frame, suspension, and hitch. There are two other areas of concern.

First is the drive train. The power, torque, transmission, cooling of transmission, etc. I would do some research on your vehicle's drive train to make sure it can handle it. Also, I would have to say after having a truck backed down a ramp with the rear tires in the water, 4x4 is a must. Once those rear tires are in the water and possible slime build up, the front tires are doing most of the work.

Second is the braking. I would consider this the most important. Keep in mind that you will want to insure that the trailer you get has good working brakes. Do a search on brakes, and you will find some good details from Randy on brakes. Considering you are in Colorado and you have many hills you might need to deal with in towing. Even with good brakes I would want to make sure I have a vehicle that can brake for the entire load.

My friend John, who tows boats for a living told me he was spoiled when he towed my boat, since I had all new brake assembly and disc brakes. I owe this to Randy, since he steered me in the right direction. Jon's comments are that he rarely comes across a boat which has a well maintained brakes and lighting.

Let me know if you come across a possible boat in the North Eastern Ohio area, I would be willing to go take a look and even send detailed pics if it would help.

As for a vehicle, I have done a lot of looking, and I would have to go with the Toyota Tundra. This truck has been built with towing in mind from the ground up.

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 01/01/2008 : 01:58:54

Take a look also at the Armada. It's built on a truck chassis and about the same size as the Tahoe. A friend of mine frequently tows a 26 ft. S-2 7.9 with it. I would also look at the Ford Expedition and the F250 series trucks. From what I've read in this forum, it's big truck, big brakes, and big engine. Also, a longer wheelbase vehicle makes for a more comfortable ride than one with a short wheelbase.
You also should consider how often you are going to tow the boat. If it's only going to be two or three times a year, consider renting a truck instead of tying up your capital buying one and having to pay insurance, higher fuel bills, etc. My ideal towing vehicle for the C-25 is a Ford F250, Checy 2500HD, or Dodge 2500, all with extended cab , HD towing package, and big diesel engine. But since I don't even have a trailer, I won't be buying the truck anytime soon either.

Edited by - dmpilc on 01/01/2008 01:59:14

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 01/01/2008 : 02:00:08

[quote]Originally posted by dmpilc
 Take a look also at the Armada. It's built on a truck chassis and about the same size as the Tahoe. A friend of mine frequently tows a 26 ft. S-2 7.9 with it. I would also look at the Ford Expedition and the F250 series trucks. From what I've read in this forum, it's big truck, big brakes, and big engine. Also, a longer wheelbase vehicle makes for a more comfortable ride than one with a short wheelbase.
You also should consider how often you are going to tow the boat. If it's only going to be two or three times a year, consider renting a truck instead of tying up your capital buying one and having to pay insurance, higher fuel bills, etc. My ideal towing vehicle for the C-25 is a Ford F250, Chevy 2500HD, or Dodge 2500, all with extended cab , HD towing package, and big diesel engine. But since I don't even have a trailer, I won't be buying the truck anytime soon either.

Edit: I don't know why this appeared twice.

Edited by - dmpilc on 01/02/2008 23:12:24

britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 01/01/2008 : 07:26:01

Our 2005 F150 pulls our loaded boat without issue (we have to keep looking back to make sure it's still there!) Agreed, 4x4 is a must and the F150 pulls the boat in 4x4 up the ramp at almost idle.

Despite the higher fuel cost right now, I would go for the diesel version if only to give the option to go biodiesel. Not sure of any weight difference between the C25 and the C250, but ours is definitely fully loaded! we even trail it with the water tanks full, adds extra bow weight and makes a smooooooth drive.

And welcome to the Forum, wish you luck finding the boat that's looking for you!

Paul

Edited by - britinusa on 01/01/2008 07:26:52

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 01/01/2008 : 10:33:06

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by britinusa
 Our 2005 F150 pulls our loaded boat without issue (we have to keep looking back to make sure it's still there!) Agreed, 4x4 is a must and the F150 pulls the boat in 4x4 up the ramp at almost idle.

Despite the higher fuel cost right now, I would go for the diesel version if only to give the option to go biodiesel. Not sure of any weight difference between the C25 and the C250, but ours is definitely fully loaded! we even trail it with the water tanks full, adds extra bow weight and makes a smooooooth drive.

And welcome to the Forum, wish you luck finding the boat that's looking for you!

Paul
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
There's "fully loaded" with an empty water ballast tank and then there's "fully loaded" with a 1500Lb keel. Paul has the former. I assume he's talking about the potable water tanks being full, not the ballast tanks. That's about 120Lbs.

I think that the properly equipped F150 might do the job but, it would be close to or at its maximum capacity. It's nice to have a little reserve power when you need it.

Edited by - on

dave holtgrave
Captain

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USA
427 Posts

Response Posted - 01/01/2008 : 13:31:58

hey guys

i've towed my 25 tall rig swing keel with a jeep larado and now with an envoy.

to me the envoy is a little longer and handles well.
i don't drive fast or far but, these both seem fine.

you just have to drive defensivly and not get your self into a condition that will require a quick stopping issue.
maybe i'm a little over cautous.

i like the four wheel drive to pull up the ramp.
our lake has standard corp of engineers ramps and when they are wet the only way out is four wheel drive.

just my thoughts.

dave holtgrave
5722 sk/tr
hard and dry near carlyle lake in southern illinois

Edited by - on

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 01/01/2008 : 14:49:13

I tow tr/sk with 4.7 liter Grand Cherokee, but if you are regularly towing in the mountains that would be marginal. I would move up to the 6 liter or turbo diesel. Lots of vehicles will tow fine - just look at the ratings and pick the brand style you like. Trucks are fine if you want a truck, suvs are fine if you don't. They both do the job when you are only towing 6 thousand pounds or so.

Edited by - on

At Ease
Admiral

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672 Posts

Response Posted - 01/01/2008 : 15:24:46

If you are in CO and going to be doing serious towing, a 3/4 ton (250/2500) diesel is the only way to go. A gas engine cannot handle the mountains with a heavy load. The diesel will be a very nice towing experience...a gasser will not be fun. I tow a 14k 5th wheel with a one ton diesel dually...piece of cake in any terrain.

Edited by - on

britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 01/01/2008 : 16:08:36

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by John Russell
 
There's "fully loaded" with an empty water ballast tank and then there's "fully loaded" with a 1500Lb keel. Paul has the former. I assume he's talking about the potable water tanks being full, not the ballast tanks. That's about 120Lbs.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

John is correct, we load about 45 gallons of fresh water and our keel is probably about 1250lbs lighter.

I believe our rig can handle somewhere around 9,000lbs on the hitch. But then again, we are in the middle of flatland! the only hills are the ramps on the highways and the landfills.

Paul

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 01/01/2008 : 19:05:50

When you're looking at towing capacity specs, realize that a C-25 with normal equipment and trailer will likely add up to 7500-8000 lbs., which is well above most SUVs--about double that of the Grand Cherokee or Liberty. Pulling power is not the only issue, or even the most important issue. Control at highway speed is. A short wheelbase towing at or above its capacity can have a tendency to go into oscillation as the result of a slight swerve or tap on the brakes. Once it starts, braking (even with trailer brakes) can make it worse. If you're lucky, you'll end up upright in a field by the road. Having seen it happen to a Cherokee (I think), if I wanted to tow a C-25 on the highway with an SUV, I'd get a 3/4 ton Suburban. Longer is better.

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 01/01/2008 19:07:23

Cbucki1
1st Mate

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USA
47 Posts

Response Posted - 01/01/2008 : 19:59:39

WOW
a huge thanks to everyone for all your tips on tow trucks.

THANKS AGAIN - and HAPPY NEW YEAR..

Edited by - on

Jefffriday
Navigator

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USA
198 Posts

Response Posted - 01/01/2008 : 20:08:27

I live on the western slope, Basalt, and tow my 89 SR/WK with a 2000 gmc 2500 4WD with the heavy duty tow package, 6.0L V8. It is underpowered up the long climbs, like the tunnel approaches and Vail Pass, but it does get it done. I would really like the Diesel, but the truck came before the boat. Good trailer brakes are a must. I felt I could stop reasonably well when my trailer brakes were inoperative (the condition I found them in upon purchase in Texas) But after installing 4 wheel disk brakes on the trailer this summer, the difference is really amazing. In an emergency, it could make all the difference. Any chance you will be on our side of the mountains? Ruedi? There are 4 of us with 25's...

Edited by - on

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 01/01/2008 : 20:31:58

Chuck,
We went through the exact same thing you are, trying to find a truck to tow the new boat. If you search the forum you'll find a number of threads on the same topic.

We decided on a Ford F-250 with the 7.3 liter turbo charged diesel. We live in the Cascade foothills, plus we had to bring the boat back over Mt. Hood in OR. We plan to do trips up into Canada, maybe down into Mexico, etc. and the diesel seemed like the best choice. Like Paul said it tows the boat like it's not even back there.

Pay attention to the advice about brakes, they make a huge difference.

Welcome to the forum, and good luck in your search.

Edited by - on

Cbucki1
1st Mate

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USA
47 Posts

Response Posted - 01/02/2008 : 18:40:35

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Jefffriday
 I live on the western slope, Basalt, and tow my 89 SR/WK with a 2000 gmc 2500 4WD with the heavy duty tow package, 6.0L V8. It is underpowered up the long climbs, like the tunnel approaches and Vail Pass, but it does get it done. I would really like the Diesel, but the truck came before the boat. Good trailer brakes are a must. I felt I could stop reasonably well when my trailer brakes were inoperative (the condition I found them in upon purchase in Texas) But after installing 4 wheel disk brakes on the trailer this summer, the difference is really amazing. In an emergency, it could make all the difference. Any chance you will be on our side of the mountains? Ruedi? There are 4 of us with 25's...
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

thanks! I think we'll be sailing "Summit Pearl 2" on Lake Dillon - will let you know if we can make it to your neck of the woods.
CHEERS - Chuck

Edited by - on

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4306 Posts

Response Posted - 01/02/2008 : 19:57:19

I bet you won't be sailing on Lake Dillon anytime soon! When in the spring does the ice melt in the lake?

GaryB
'89 SR/WK #5862
Kemah,TX

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 01/02/2008 : 21:06:49

>"power is not the only issue, or even the most important issue. Control at highway speed is."

Word.

Edited by - on

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 01/03/2008 : 23:57:17

All these vehicles tow. My package is a weighed 6000 lb., plus or , rarely, minus a couple hundred depending on what is on board. Longer wheelbase is always better on the highway, but less maneuverable. Diesels are great if you want to spend an extra 3 - 6 thousand, and if I spent a lot of time towing in mountains, I would. Grand Cherokees with tow package rate at 6500 to 7200lb, Trailblazers about the same, Explorers a little more. The only difference I find between towing with a friend's Silverado 4x4 and my G. Cherokee is that when I drop the trailer I get 22 -24 mpg. If you like to buy fuel or just love big trucks, equip yourself to tow 5 or 6 tons.

When a manufacturer rates a vehicle for towing capacity, they look at pulling power, drive train, stability, cooling capacity, and electrical load. They then balance the advertising value of big numbers against the cost of warranty repairs and liability. I just bought a new G. Cherokee equipped just like my old one, except for the 122000 miles.
Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep now has a lifetime powertrain warranty, and that combined with the 5 year 0% financing offer that just expired was to much for me to pass up.

What ever you get, don't have U-haul slap on a trailer hitch and call it a tow package. The jeep tow package is similar to the others; it includes heavy duty cooling, transmission cooler, bigger alternator, 4 and 7 pin connectors, wired for electric brakes, and trailer sway control (if the electronic stability control senses sway, it provides timed individual wheel brakes to reduce it - my old jeep didn't do that). Just use your head, look at the numbers, how and where you tow, and get what appeals to you. Tow vehicles are like outboards, everybody swears by their brand. That essentially says they're all pretty good. Forty years ago people towed things like this with sedans and station wagons.

Edited by - on

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 01/04/2008 : 07:33:31

I appreciate all the advice you folks are doling out here, Chucki1 has certainly got his moneys worth...

We have an old Astro-Van with the tranny cooler and heavy-duty rear end. It was equipped with a towing package, but since I am not the original owner, I'm not sure what was included with that. The van is rated to haul around 6000lbs.

The boat weighs 4500lbs empty. The Marina is about 15 minutes away, all on country roads with a couple small hills. We will have to make the trip twice a year (put-in, pull out). We crane launch.

Would you risk it?

Edited by - Prospector on 01/04/2008 07:38:49

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 01/04/2008 : 08:09:14

Yeah, Chris, I would.

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 01/04/2008 : 09:19:35

An Astro has a V-6 doesn't it? I would say torque and trany are your fears. On the trailer a C-25 is 6-7k. You are on the low side of capable but I would try it. I use a Mountaineer which is only 1 click more capable than you and it does fine on our short, flat, paved 30 mile bi-annual tow.

Edited by - on

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 01/04/2008 : 11:11:06

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Frank Hopper
 An Astro has a V-6 doesn't it? I would say torque and trany are your fears. On the trailer a C-25 is 6-7k. You are on the low side of capable but I would try it. I use a Mountaineer which is only 1 click more capable than you and it does fine on our short, flat, paved 30 mile bi-annual tow.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

We have the 6 cylinder model - not sure what year. Its our clunker. According to "Wheels.ca"...

Originally available with a 2.5 L four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission, the drivetrain choice was soon limited to the other engine, a 4.3 L V6 mated to a four-speed automatic.

The V6, essentially Chevy's 5.7 L V8 with two cylinders lopped off, developed 145 hp with a four-barrel carburetor. Over the years, the all-iron engine received muscle enhancements, including fuel injection and new cylinder heads.

And...

ON THE ROAD We didn't read many complaints about the Astro being underpowered. That's because the son-of-the-5.7 provided gobs of torque, ideally suited to the 6000-pound towing capacity.

I am not promoting these as a tow vehicle for anything but short, flat trips, and even at that I am nervous to give it a go this spring (We have emptied the boat, and will be carrying everything possible Inside the van to move some weight forward, possibly making a second trip for gear). We just happen to have this as our "lumberyard vehicle" and are hoping it works.

Our plan is to...

Rent a car-hauler trailer from U-Haul, load the cradle onto it using a complicated method which includes jacking the cradle, sliding the trailer under it, and repeating until the cradle rests forward onto the trailer when jacked. At this point we move the jack forward between the tire runs on the car trailer, and start jacking and moving again using the cross piece rather than the sides. I'm fearing the process, but I'll let you know how it goes once we're done.

Edited by - Prospector on 01/04/2008 11:13:54

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 01/04/2008 : 12:04:16

Try not to drop it.

(Shudder!!)

Edited by - on

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 01/04/2008 : 12:34:07

I already did somethign similar to level it after the shipper brought it so I'm pretty sure it will work... I'll take pictures.

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 01/04/2008 : 12:35:20

Without a real trailer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not over 5mph!

Edited by - on

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