Dodge Magnum R/T - Boat Launching

[rcox]

Hi All,

First time posting, great forum. I have been looking into getting a boat for the first time. I have my eye on a Yamaha LS2000, 20ft JetBoat. I am not really concerned about my Dodge Magnum R/T pulling the boat however a buddy brought to my attention I may have a very hard time launnching and retreving the boat due to the low clearence of the magnum. Do you believe this will be the case? If so, would I have the same problem with Jet ski's? Thanks in advance.

 

[maharg]

Re: Dodge Magnum R/T - Boat Launching

I would say your pushing the limits of towing with that setup, your car can only tow 3800lbs max, with the boat, trailer, fuel and other items you will be over that.

 

[dsiekman]

Re: Dodge Magnum R/T - Boat Launching

I would say that is going to depend heavily on the ramp you intend to use. I've seen some that are too steep and nearly useless. Others, typically at state parks and other public facilities, are so long and flat I don't think you would have an issue. Also, is the Magnum set up to tow?

 

[nash1970]

Re: Dodge Magnum R/T - Boat Launching

2wd might be some trouble on the steep ramps and did the Magnums have a towing package ?

 

[rcox]

Re: Dodge Magnum R/T - Boat Launching

Thanks for the reply. It is set up to tow. I went out to a local lake with a friend and I it seemed that some trucks were backed in pretty far down the ramp to launch the boat. I am afraid my exhaust will be underwater if I had to get in that far. Would Jet Ski's pose the same problem?

 

[nash1970]

Re: Dodge Magnum R/T - Boat Launching

You should only need to back in as far as the top of you trailer fenders.

 

[xeddog]

Re: Dodge Magnum R/T - Boat Launching

I have been to a couple of ramps where I wound up with my F-250 Super Duty up to the axles in water before the boat was in far enough to come off. I would imagine that would be up to your doors in the R/T. Gotta watch out for those loooong shallow ramps. I think I would want a vehicle that was a little higher.

Wayne

 

[dsiekman]

Re: Dodge Magnum R/T - Boat Launching

If you are concerned about backing in too far, you could also look into modifying the trailer to put a longer tongue on it. That will screw with your weight dist. a little, so I would find a "trailer guy" to do it, but it should work.

 

[Hllywd]

Re: Dodge Magnum R/T - Boat Launching

Thanks for the reply. It is set up to tow. I went out to a local lake with a friend and I it seemed that some trucks were backed in pretty far down the ramp to launch the boat. I am afraid my exhaust will be underwater if I had to get in that far. Would Jet Ski's pose the same problem?

Set up to tow and factory towing package are two different things. I had a trailer hitch on my Magnum R/T and without the factory lift package for the springs would not be able to tow with a reasonable tongue weight. When I tried to hook up my trailer the car dropped to the point it would be Unsafe to drive. let alone the steering would then be very light as you are shifting the weight distribution on the front corners and very possibly making it unsafe to steer.

If the trailer is setup right it could be done with a single jet ski. Would be even better if it was an AWD R/T. Plus Traction control. I would do it with a jet ski but ramps traction may be an issue. Check your ride height change and adjust you tongue weight to be safe. Without the factory package air lift bags are available and maybe needed to get proper ride.

Kevin

 

[JimS123]

Re: Dodge Magnum R/T - Boat Launching

Your major problem is the that the tow rating is too low, so you may need to consider a smaller boat. Otherwise, I don't think launching will be an issue. Just buy an all-roller trailer and you should be good to go almost anywhere.

Jetski launching will be more difficult because you will have to back in further since they are a much shorter craft.

 

[convergent]

Re: Dodge Magnum R/T - Boat Launching

Many years ago a had a 17' I/O bowrider boat and towed it with my '83 Trans Am with a 5 speed tranny. It was far from ideal, and I remember one time that I had smoke coming from my clutch trying to get up the ramp. And the type of tires that are usually on sports cars don't do well on a ramp when they get wet. You could be sitting there spinning like crazy trying to get up the ramp. Then what are you going to do?

I was young and dumb back then... wouldn't try it now. I did eventually trade in the Trans Am for an SUV. Bottom line is that its not going to be good for the car at all. Why not spend a little bit less on the boat and pick up a used SUV for a couple grand on craigslist to use as a dedicated tow vehicle. Then you still have your sweet ride and also get to enjoy a boat.