Need advice on a Tow vehicle

[Robin30588]

I currently have 1996 hydra sport CC with a 225 hp engine (4000 lb i think) and the trailer (800 lb i think) and i need a truck to pull this with. I honestly have no idea which truck can do the job and not be too pricey. I now pull it with a ford ecoline van and it def struggles but it doesn't slip on the ramps. Any suggestions with be greatly appreciated, thanks.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Need advice on a Tow vehicle

Google your way to some online resources of towing capacity . . . but generally, at 5K lbs, you are not to deep into the various product lines, Ford, Chevy, Dodge, etc.

I tow 6500 lbs with a 2004 Ford Explorer V8, rated for 7K lbs. The new Explorers don't tow anywhere near as much though; they are for towing groceries.

If I get a big boy boat, then my tow vehicle might have to be a super duty truck or something like that. Most manufacturer's will have the stats online to guide you.

 

[impatico]

Re: Need advice on a Tow vehicle

most 1/2 ton pickups with a v8 should do the job. there are SUV's that will do the job but a pickup is a boaters best friend, can throw all your wet toys/extras in the box.

In BC my dad went to rent a Uhaul and in the agreement it said it is there policy to not rent any trailers over 2500lbs (i think) to anyone planning on towing with an explorer! lol (they have a very weak trans)

 

[BRICH1260]

Re: Need advice on a Tow vehicle

Any half ton truck should serve you well.

 

[impatico]

Re: Need advice on a Tow vehicle

what kinda budget roughly? are we looking in the 90's or 2000's? or new? and where do you live? any snow? could 4wd make your life easier? do you want a pickup? or rather have a SUV?

 

[Robin30588]

Re: Need advice on a Tow vehicle

I previously looked online and saw that the f150 and it said it has a tow capacity of 7900 lb. but i was just worried about the slipping on the ramp... Do u know anything about that?

 

[Robin30588]

Re: Need advice on a Tow vehicle

I live in Miami, Florida. Im looking for a pick up not an suv. And I would love a new truck but if an old one will do the job and last me long enough i wouldn't mind that

 

[impatico]

Re: Need advice on a Tow vehicle

I wouldn't worry about slipping with that kinda weight on there, I don't over inflate my tires like most 3/4 or 1 ton owners, and I always have newer tires that aren't from walmart or canadian tire.

Some people can't drive std very well and can spin easier, but with an auto you'll be fine if you want a 2wd, just keep good tires on it, and don't max out your tires on the back

 

[Robin30588]

Re: Need advice on a Tow vehicle

thank you very much for the help, its greatly appreciated

 

[Robin30588]

Re: Need advice on a Tow vehicle

When you say 1/2 a ton, you are referring to the tow capacity? Sorry I'm new to this.

 

[impatico]

Re: Need advice on a Tow vehicle

it's a way of classing a pickup, there are 1/2, 3/4, 1 ton's and up and up
F150, F250, F350, Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, chev 1500, 2500, 3500.

it is roughly based off of payload.

 

[tomdinwv]

Re: Need advice on a Tow vehicle

1/2 ton truck refers to the capacity of the truck, not the towing ability. The tongue weight of the trailer ( approx 10% of total trailer weight) would be subtracted from the weight capacity of the truck. Example- 1/2 ton truck (approx capacity of 1000lbs cargo) towing a 5000lb trailer (approx 500lb tongue weight) would have a remaining capacity of 500 lbs for cargo. Just an example.

Tow ratings on vehicles depend on several factors including engine size and rear end gearing. You can look up towing capacities online for any vehicle you are considering. I pull a 7000 lb camper with my 1/2 ton Dodge without any problems. Most half tons will easily pull a 5000 lb trailer without problems. Just do some research online for any vehicle you are considering. Hope this helps. Good luck!

 

[Robin30588]

Re: Need advice on a Tow vehicle

great that helsp a lot.
thank you tomdinwv, impatico

 

[dave11]

Re: Need advice on a Tow vehicle

What a wonderful position to be in. There are LOTS of vehicles that will tow 6000+ pounds. I use that figure because you will have gas, misc equipment, groceries, beverages, etc. and people. You also want a little reserve towing capacity. You will want a higher horse power engine as you have noted. A heavier vehicle will keep the tail(boat) from wagging the dog(truck). 2 rear wheel drive is just fine unless you use unpaved or slippery ramps.

Hit the dealers and buy whatever trips your trigger. Make sure you get the factory trailer towing package.

 

[erwinner]

Re: Need advice on a Tow vehicle

If you just need a truck to pull the boat every so often and otherwise it will just sit, I'd look at a used diesel.
They're hard to kill and have the grunt to pull their rating.
I miss my E350 diesel and would get another one if I had a big boat, but I would also use it to haul gear that needs to be protected from the elements. If it's just a tow rig, a pickup would be OK. But I just always prefer vans to pickups.

 

[impatico]

Re: Need advice on a Tow vehicle

a pickup would be OK. But I just always prefer vans to pickups.

No offense, but I don't think he is ready to give up on women yet lol

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Need advice on a Tow vehicle

Your problem with the Econoline is that the basic truck weighs 6600 lbs. before any seats, interior or additions. Your truck has a full load without any load. They're required to be extra heavy in the frame to keep the body from flexing and rattling.

A modern 1/2 ton pickup is not the 1/2 ton truck of yesterday. They're much heavier suspension wise.

Any modern 1/2 ton truck will tow what you need to tow. Simply put.

If you go over 10,000 lbs., you've got to go to a 3/4 ton (F250, C2500, G2500)--and preferably diesel. I have a F250 crewcab diesel 2wd. with an 80 hp ECU increase--700 ft. lbs. of torque. I'm good for about 12,000 lbs. trailer weight. Any heavier, and you'd have to go F350 dual real wheels or F450--like a 5th wheel trailer.

 

[southkogs]

Re: Need advice on a Tow vehicle

Hey Robin:

I've had two vans in the last several years - a Dodge B2500 3/4 ton conversion van (318 8 cyl), and a Ford E150 1/2 ton passenger van (5.4l V8). I also drove (didn't own it) an older E350 with the 300 straight six in it. ANY of 'em, would tow 6,000# - and I tow through hills. I'm a fan of vans, but there's not a ton of difference (IMHO) between their performance and the pickups. My current boat weighs in about 2,000#, and my E150 doesn't really even notice it when towing.

I agree with Bamaman - nearly any 1/2 ton pickup/van will do the trick for you. Ford F150's are pretty easy to find, and they last a long time.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Need advice on a Tow vehicle

No offense, but I don't think he is ready to give up on women yet lol

I'm not sure what you're implying, but comments like that have no place here.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Need advice on a Tow vehicle

Whatever two wheel drive vehicle you end up with, make sure it has positraction or a limited slip differential. It helps on wet, snotty, and unimproved ramps.