can this truck pull it?

[Silvertip]

Re: can this truck pull it?

Using a weight distributing hitch on a boat ramp is not an issue. Simply release the bars. You now have a deadweight hitch. Pull out or launch and snap up the brackets again. Geez -- what would you do with the 20 seconds you saved.

 

[FreeBayliner4Us]

Re: can this truck pull it?

OK here are 2 more pennies,

I agree that in a perfect world we would all have diesel duellys to tow our jon boats with... (note sarcasm). But, in reality we don't all have the funds to do so. In THIS application what is LEGALLY required is:

1. The tow vehicle be rated to tow the loaded weight of the boat, gas, gear, and trailer.
2. The trailer brakes are in good working order.
3. The vehicle is driven in a responsible manner down the road.

I consulted my local dealer about this situation and his general rule of thumb is he encourages his customers to tow no more than 90% of their vehicle rated capacity. So in this case the truck is rated for 7300-8700lbs (ratings from www.trailerlife.com) depending on what rear end gear and if it has the factory tow package.

Lets use the 7300lbs rating for arguments sake. After verifying that this rig weighs in under 6570lbs it is within the legal limit to tow and the dealers recomendations. It would only be advisable with a weight distributing hitch and alot of common sense. No 70mph runs down the highway!

I have towed our 5900-6200lbs camper for years with a 1/2 ton truck & weight distributing hitch with no problems. That whole "slow down when towing thing" seemed to go out the window when the big three started pumping out all these Turbo deisel, leather seated "high class" tow rigs. Now every Tom, ****, and Harry with $50k burning a whole in his wallet can go flying down the highway with toys in tow.

OK, sorry for the rant. I got a little carried away.

If it was me I would weight the rig and proceed with life. If you were towing 100mi every day or even every weekend I might agree to cut your losses and go shopping, but in this case is it worth all that hassle just for 10-15 weekend a year? Just be careful and all will be well.

P.S.- I too am a Class A CDL Driver so I understand the responsability that comes with it.

 

[fishntoss]

Re: can this truck pull it?

Maybe I missed it but isn't the 318 a Dodge motor..Didn't think Ford made a 318. Don't know that much about motor sizes, but, I've had a Dodge or two..

 

[Pony]

Re: can this truck pull it?

Maybe I missed it but isn't the 318 a Dodge motor..Didn't think Ford made a 318. Don't know that much about motor sizes, but, I've had a Dodge or two..

When someone refers to the Dodge 318 (5.2L V8), they are talking about the cc size of the engine, not the horsepower. Same when people talk about the Chevy 305,327 (5.3L) ,350 (5.7L). The original poster is speaking in terms of horspower not in terms of engine size.


Back to the original topic, I still think a new or different truck isnt necessary and the current tow vehicle is well within its tow limits with this load. The cost of the add ons discussed by Silvertip are probably 3 or $400......that is significantly less than a new tow vehicle that will probably get worse fuel economy during normal use.

 

[captharv]

Re: can this truck pull it?

Fisrt of all, these is not enough info to give an answer to the original question. Short answer, NO.
Long answer: 3 years ago I traded up on the tow vehicle, and bought a Ford Expedition, since the vehicle is my everyday driving car in addition. So, my research (I am an Engineer) is related to the Fords, however, it should apply to any make vehicle.
ford has 3 ways the vehicle is made, regular, tow package and heavy duty tow package.
What you get is: tow package, better suspension, tranny cooler, 4 pin trailer wiring, limited slip axle, but no factory installed hitch, heavy duty battery and bigger alternator.. Tow rating about 6000# with equalizer, 4000 without
H/D package, above plus: larger tranny cooler, power steering cooler, higher numeric axle ratio, must have 5.4 engine, heavier duty tranny, the brake pads are slightly bigger, 4 pin and 7 pin connectors in a bracket welded on the factory 10, 000# hitch tow rating 8900# with equalizer, 5000 without.
Contact any Ford dealer and give them the VIN number. They can access the factorys computer and print out a pick list, showing what standard and optional stuff is on it.
No tranny cooler, or small one? No limited slip? Low numeric axle ratio (less than 3.5/1)?
My Expedition has the factory H/D tow package, and it tows my 7500-8000# boat very well. That's because it was made that way.
Now, add these to an existing vehicle? Limited slip with a different ratio? Probably well over a grand. Tranny cooler? About $250 installed. class IV hitch? about 200 installed.
Find out more about your trucks factory stuff and get back to us.
Just trying to help.
Captharv

 

[Godfirst]

Re: can this truck pull it?

Will do research on ford's factory upgrades and non oem.

Thanks again Duane

 

[TwoWatt]

Re: can this truck pull it?

Wondering if I can use this thread to post a similar question. (I didn't read all 3 pages)

Truck: S-10 pickup. 2 WD. Manual. Just using the bumper / ball hitch.

Boat: 17' Center Console. Seller stated weight as 1800.

I pulled this boat back from TN to IN so it WILL pull it, but my truck is really struggling with it. I did some tire spinning at the boat launch the one time I had it out.


Here is the question: Will a dedicated hitch help as much as my friend says it will? He says with it all my problems will be solved. I'm not thinking it will not.

Thanks.

 

[captharv]

Re: can this truck pull it?

A dedicated hitch has nothing to do with the towing capacity and the ability to tow.
Wheelspin is a product of a rear-light vehicle and/or no limited slip.
For those who are vehicle-speak challanged, a regular rear axle puts power to whatever side takes it. Most likely if the one wheel spins, it will stay that way.
A limited slip, which goes by many manufacturers names, like sure-grip ( older dodge) posi-traction (GM), etc, puts the power to whatever wheel HAS traction. Will divide it between the wheels, normally, and correct itself if a wheel starts to sping.
I won't own a rear wheel drive car without one.