SooLineRob
Seaman Apprentice
- Joined
- Feb 17, 2008
- Messages
- 44
Hello all,
First off, I'd like to say I've really enjoyed reading the great info here at iBoats. Thanks for all the great advice thus far. I'm VERY new to boating ... I'm such a newbie:
Audience: "HOW NEW ARE YOU?"
I'm so new I haven't even hitched up the boat yet!
I just purchased a 25 hours-in-the-water 2004 Four Winns 180 F/S from a co-worker in like-new condition that has been meticuluosly, professionally maintained. Included in the deal was the FW trailer (single axle) with surge brakes. My question centers on my tow vehicle(s).
I have two Chevy trucks; a 1987 full size Blazer and a 1990 1/2 ton (1500) Suburban. Both trucks are properly equipped to tow a boat/trailer of this size. I don't want to keep them both; I'll be selling one of them. Too many trucks, not enough garage! I'm leaning towards keeping the Suburban, but wanted to run this by experienced boaters.
I do alot of hunting out in the country, which requires moderate off roading/4 wheeling on trails. I live in a very level, flat part of the country; no significant hills to climb. Towing the boat will consist of highway driving up to 3 hours at a time.
The trucks are:
1987 Blazer 4X4 with a 350/5.7L TBI motor, automatic overdrive transmission (TH700R4), 3.42 axle gears, and 35 inch tires mounted on 16 inch rims. I've installed engine oil and transmission fluid auxilliary coolers (bypass type for cold weather). I love this rig; it's fully loaded with options and 90% restored. BUT, not real user-friendly for 4 people going boating/camping/hunting.
1990 Suburban 4X4 with a 350/5.7L TBI motor, 4 speed Muncie wide ratio manual/standard transmission (6.55 LOW gear, 3.58 1st, 1.57 2nd, 1.0 third/HIGH), and 3.42 axle gears. This truck is scheduled for shop time to receive a 6 inch suspension lift and 33 inch tires mounted on 15 inch rims and an aux engine oil cooler (also bypass type). This truck was bought for a song, is in very good condition, and obviously has alot more room for people/gear/etc..
My wife and I both enjoy driving manual trannies, so that's not an issue (she's a old-school farm girl that grew up driving "3 on the tree" pick ups). If it weren't for the boat, I'd sell the Suburban and keep the almost-finished Blazer. But I'm thinking the Suburban would be more practical in the long run. Either truck needs to be a dual-purpose tow rig/hunting/camping/off road outfit. I realize the Blazer would be towing in DRIVE/3rd gear, and the Suburban should be able to stay in 3rd/HIGH while on the highway. The Suburban obviously would be a more versatile truck with 4 doors, lots of cargo room, and a longer wheelbase. Since both trucks have the exact same engine and rear axle gears, am I missing any hidden pros/cons between the auto/manual transmissions or any problem towing with a 3.42 rear axle? Advice would be appreciated from experienced boaters.
Keep the Blazer OR Suburban?
First off, I'd like to say I've really enjoyed reading the great info here at iBoats. Thanks for all the great advice thus far. I'm VERY new to boating ... I'm such a newbie:
Audience: "HOW NEW ARE YOU?"
I'm so new I haven't even hitched up the boat yet!
I just purchased a 25 hours-in-the-water 2004 Four Winns 180 F/S from a co-worker in like-new condition that has been meticuluosly, professionally maintained. Included in the deal was the FW trailer (single axle) with surge brakes. My question centers on my tow vehicle(s).
I have two Chevy trucks; a 1987 full size Blazer and a 1990 1/2 ton (1500) Suburban. Both trucks are properly equipped to tow a boat/trailer of this size. I don't want to keep them both; I'll be selling one of them. Too many trucks, not enough garage! I'm leaning towards keeping the Suburban, but wanted to run this by experienced boaters.
I do alot of hunting out in the country, which requires moderate off roading/4 wheeling on trails. I live in a very level, flat part of the country; no significant hills to climb. Towing the boat will consist of highway driving up to 3 hours at a time.
The trucks are:
1987 Blazer 4X4 with a 350/5.7L TBI motor, automatic overdrive transmission (TH700R4), 3.42 axle gears, and 35 inch tires mounted on 16 inch rims. I've installed engine oil and transmission fluid auxilliary coolers (bypass type for cold weather). I love this rig; it's fully loaded with options and 90% restored. BUT, not real user-friendly for 4 people going boating/camping/hunting.
1990 Suburban 4X4 with a 350/5.7L TBI motor, 4 speed Muncie wide ratio manual/standard transmission (6.55 LOW gear, 3.58 1st, 1.57 2nd, 1.0 third/HIGH), and 3.42 axle gears. This truck is scheduled for shop time to receive a 6 inch suspension lift and 33 inch tires mounted on 15 inch rims and an aux engine oil cooler (also bypass type). This truck was bought for a song, is in very good condition, and obviously has alot more room for people/gear/etc..
My wife and I both enjoy driving manual trannies, so that's not an issue (she's a old-school farm girl that grew up driving "3 on the tree" pick ups). If it weren't for the boat, I'd sell the Suburban and keep the almost-finished Blazer. But I'm thinking the Suburban would be more practical in the long run. Either truck needs to be a dual-purpose tow rig/hunting/camping/off road outfit. I realize the Blazer would be towing in DRIVE/3rd gear, and the Suburban should be able to stay in 3rd/HIGH while on the highway. The Suburban obviously would be a more versatile truck with 4 doors, lots of cargo room, and a longer wheelbase. Since both trucks have the exact same engine and rear axle gears, am I missing any hidden pros/cons between the auto/manual transmissions or any problem towing with a 3.42 rear axle? Advice would be appreciated from experienced boaters.
Keep the Blazer OR Suburban?
