1/2 ton or 3/4 ton for 7000 pounds

[elwopo]

I need to buy a tow vehicle for a new (to me) boat.
It's a 97 231 Pro-Line walkaround. Pro-Line tells me it's 5500 pounds without the trailer, and the trailer it comes with is aluminum tandem axle.
So...can we figure 7,000 pounds to be safe?

My question is....will a 1/2 ton pickup tow this?
I went looking at vehicles today and everyone tells me it's either right on the edge....or can't be done. Then theres weight distributing hitch, tranny cooler, class IV hitch...$$$ and anything else they may have mentioned that I "need".

Since I've never towed anything this big before...I'm turning to the experts here.
I need to get this thing from SC to FL, then once it's here it's just 20 minute trips to the ramp. Of course...whatever I get will have to pull it out of the water as well without becoming a "stupid human trick".

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[elwopo]

Re: 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton for 7000 pounds

I forgot...my current vehicle is a 2001 Astro van RWD and the people I talk to say "don't even think about it!"
Thoughts?

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton for 7000 pounds

My thought is it is always better to have to much than find out you don't have enough.

 

[Boydski]

Re: 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton for 7000 pounds

I need to buy a tow vehicle for a new (to me) boat.
So...can we figure 7,000 pounds to be safe?

My question is....will a 1/2 ton pickup tow this?

I'm towing 7000 lbs behind a 1/2 ton Chevy Pickup and I would advise going with at least a 3/4 ton. The towing capacity of my truck was 7700 lbs, so I re-geared it to 4:10 ratios (both axles), which increased the capacity to 8700, but it still isn't "comfortable" when towing. The suspension is too soft, even with air bags assisting the rear springs.

When I tow my boat with a 3/4 ton or one ton truck, I barely know that it is back there. You'll be much happier with the bigger truck unless you only tow your boat for short distances ( since it is rather flat around Melbourne, ).

 

[External Combustion]

Re: 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton for 7000 pounds

Add the weight of fuel, safety equipment, coolers, fishing equipment/skiing stuff and a host of other small things that quickly add up. A thousand pounds would not be unreasonable for what you will put in the pickup and boat.

I think you would be much happier with a 3/4 ton with the heaviest sidewall tires you can get. It will reduce the side sway significantly, which is important when a semi passes you at speed. I would like the safety of duallies on a one ton, but it is overkill somewhat. (It feels nice though when you pop a driver in heavy interstate traffic, especially on an overpass. Yep, been there.)

Whatever you buy, make sure the combined load is within the rated limits of the truck. The "70%" rule often stated here is a very good one as it reduces the white knucled driving. A few more bucks now will not be a bother when you are on the road.

 

[JB]

Re: 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton for 7000 pounds

Astrovan? Don't even think about it (or have you heard that before?).

You need a vehicle that is rated to tow about 10,000#, elwopo. That is sure to be a 3/4 ton truck or BIG suv, like a Ford Excursion with tow package and brake controller (if your trailer has electrics, which I would recommend). If you have the option, get a diesel.

I have been towing boats, etc. for 50 years and I wouldn't try your boat with anything less. DO NOT settle for a vehicle rated to tow 7,000#. Using that safely requires a pro, which neither of us is.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton for 7000 pounds

7000 is probably cutting it way to close for a half ton. I would look at 3/4 ton trucks.Think about gear, people and all the other cargo while towing the boat too..

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton for 7000 pounds

I have a 2000 Chevy Astro and I will echo the thoughts of a couple of others - don't even think about it with your vehicle. Unless your Astro has the tow package, it is only rated to tow about 5,400 lbs. Even with the tow package (low gear ratio, "tow switch" for the tranny & wiring), the Atro is only rated at 6,300 lbs.

I have towed 5,000+ with my Astro, which has the tow package, but all of the trips involved were in the flatlands of the Gulf-South. All of the trailers had electric brakes and I have a brake controller installed. I would not want to use this vehicle to pull a boat at even 5,000 lbs, much less 7,000, just because of the launch ramp aspect. I just think it would be pushing the "envelope" too much.

I have also towed utility trailers and goosenecks up to about 20,000 lbs quite a bit (mostly with F Series Ford Diesels) and, based on that experience, would recommend the larger vehicle. I think you will be happier on a lot of levels. Having a vehicle with a motor, tranny and brake system that is up to the task will just make life easier on the upside and a lot less scary when things go bad.

 

[rndn]

Re: 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton for 7000 pounds

Towing that package with your Astro will be the tail wagging the dog. Go with something capable of towing 10k. If you plan to use the baot in the same genral areas, you may want to look at storing it at a marina. The expense of a vehicle capable of towing 10k is huge compared to the storage and launch fees.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton for 7000 pounds

Ayuh,....

A 3/4 ton with a Good Hitch will haul 3, 1/2 tons All Day Long as though there was Nothing there.....
And,....
While a 1/2 ton Might do the job,....

In less than Ideal conditions,.....

It'll be a White Knuckle Ride..............

 

[fishmen111]

Re: 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton for 7000 pounds

3/4 ton and diesel. Nothing against your Astro, but ya gotta be kiddin'.

 

[KM2]

Re: 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton for 7000 pounds

You didn't say what your budget is or if you have another vehicle or if you want need a pickup for other purposes or if you have a big family. BUT If you don't need a pick up look for a 3/4T suburban or Ford Excursion. V-10 excursions are cheap. It will drink gas but it also a great tow vehicle. Built on the same platform as a F-250 (3/4ton) and rated to tow well over what your talking about. I think it's 11k but not sure. Lots of room for family, friends and gear in a big SUV too.

 

[elwopo]

Re: 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton for 7000 pounds

Wow! Absolutely fantastic replies...can't thank you enough!
It's the experiences of others that carry a great deal of weight when making a decision.

It's just my son and I, so interior room isn't a big deal. I'm keeping the Astro as my daily vehicle. Just need something to tow the beast with.

I called around town and found a dealer with a 2003 Dodge 2500 reg cab 2wd.
Cummins diesel, 85k miles, brand new michelins...$14,900. I'll have to look up if that will do it...and if it's a good deal or not.

BTW...I thought about the marina thing but they want 250 a month storage and I'm thinking that while there are advantages (just call 'em and it's in the water and fueled) it's still 3 grand a year with nothing to show for it.

Anybody in the car business have an idea about the truck price? ;-)

 

[elwopo]

Re: 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton for 7000 pounds

One more thing just came up...

weight distribution hitch....needed or overkill?

 

[Hondo65]

Re: 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton for 7000 pounds

That Dodge Cummins won't even know that that 7,000 lbs is back there. Weight distribution hitch and anti sway is a definite especially if towing any distances. 14,900 is probably pretty good. 85K is nothing for that truck. I have 100k on my 2004. I ahve a 4x4 quad cab and the book is in the 20K range. You can probably do better than their asking price.

Hondo

(Biased Cummins Owner)

 

[ebry710]

Re: 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton for 7000 pounds

One more thing just came up...

weight distribution hitch....needed or overkill?

At 7000 pounds, you are now in the league with travel trailers.

First, all trucks will tow it, but 3/4 ton trucks and above have larger brakes to stop it. Trailer brakes fade or go out of adjustment from time to time and you will need the braking from your truck.

Second, your trailer and boat weight as much or more then your truck. I would never tow a trailer that size without easy-lift and an anti-sway bar. The easy-lift (weight distribution hitch) makes your ride smoother, with less bouncing. The anti-sway bar limits jack-knifing.

Third, as you get into 3/4 ton trucks your tow receiver may be too high, get an adjustable hitch that makes your trailer level on level ground.

 

[captbjack]

Re: 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton for 7000 pounds

a friend of mine has a 251 proline and i pull things for a living and i would say deffinetly 3/4 ton and as far as price and truck keep an eye open on ebay i pickup up 2001 chevy 2500 hd crew 4x4 $8500 out the door great truck good luck and nice boat.

 

[JB]

Re: 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton for 7000 pounds

Though I am a Ford man that Dodge/Cummins sounds like a good match to your needs and the price seems fair. Just remember that they ALWAYS ask more than they are willing to settle for.

 

[fishmen111]

Re: 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton for 7000 pounds

Now you're talking el. That Cummins is a work of art. Dist hitch will pay for itself in peace of mind and comfort.

 

[ebry710]

Re: 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton for 7000 pounds

Though I am a Ford man that Dodge/Cummins sounds like a good match to your needs and the price seems fair. Just remember that they ALWAYS ask more than they are willing to settle for.

Dodge, what a rig. Great drive train, strong brakes and good suspension. But now a days any of the big three put out a great diesel. Until recently I liked the Ford though. Now, I would take an GMC 2500 HD in a minute.

For a 7000# rig any 250/2500 will do. 5.0L and above (gas) or diesel. Uphills the diesel will win and along with a gas guzzling 6.0L+. Diesel come with more useful standard features. More money, but it depends on your personal preference.