Total weight of Boat & Trailer ?

[SNye45]

I'm new to this forum and have enjoyed reading the issues and replies.

Question/Concern. I've just recently purchased a 20ft Thunderjet O/B 115 Suzuki with a Tandom axle trailer with surge brakes. I intend to tow it with my current truck, a 2003 Toyota 3.4 v6 xcab 4x4. I weighed the axles on a truck scale recently which showed 3500 llbs

I'm slightly concerned that I am too close to the towing max for this truck as I don't have the towing package (oil cooler/extra fans) also am I going to
have problems on a slippery ramp? Or am I being too overly concerned?

I love the boat and don't really want to have to change my truck, any input / experiences would be welcomed

 

[Bondo]

Re: Total weight of Boat & Trailer ?

Ayuh,.....

I don't know what your truck is rated for,.... But the slippery ramps shouldn't be a problem with a 4X4........

If your axles of the trailer weighed 3500lbs when hooked to the truck,....
I'd Guess your at about 3750 to 4000lbs Gross.....

If you're That concerned,.... Most of the Trailer Package parts can be added, using aftermarket parts.....

 

[JB]

Re: Total weight of Boat & Trailer ?

What Bond-o said.

First thing, no question, is find out what your truck is rated to tow as currently equipped. If that is less than 6000# find out what it would be with the towing package and what is included in the towing package.

Why 6000#? Keeping loads at 70% or less of rating is the safe rule of thumb for competent but not professional drivers.

Then you may be left with an option to upgrade your truck to safe towing specs or to replace it with one that is.

Make sure that the trailer brakes are in good shape.

Towing over the rated load is a fool's errand. It not only endangers you and your equipment but the lives and property of others. Don't do that.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Total weight of Boat & Trailer ?

3500 - 4000 pounds on a 3.4 V6 is asking a lot of that little motor. Short trips it will tolerate. Long trips you need more muscle.

 

[donnymac]

Re: Total weight of Boat & Trailer ?

3500 - 4000 pounds on a 3.4 V6 is asking a lot of that little motor. Short trips it will tolerate. Long trips you need more muscle.

It's true, it's all true!

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Total weight of Boat & Trailer ?

On a properly balanced tandem, only 5% of the total weight should be on the tongue, thus ~175 lbs...making the total weight around 3675 lbs.

 

[orion25]

Re: Total weight of Boat & Trailer ?

Add the Transmission fluid cooler. It is easy and will cost you about $50 for the cooler and about $20 for the haynes manual to show you how to get the grill off and where the tranny lines are.

The oil cooler should not be too hard but I have not added one yet so I cannot help there.

 

[SgtMaj]

Re: Total weight of Boat & Trailer ?

Can you not weight the truck and trailer together on a truck scale, then weigh just the truck? Just go to the closest weigh station and they should be able to do it. That will give you some exact figures (although to be honest, if you need exact figures, that should be a clue that you're pushing it).

 

[dave11]

Re: Total weight of Boat & Trailer ?

JB has some really good points. Pay Attention!

 

[jlinder]

Re: Total weight of Boat & Trailer ?

As we talk about tongue weight we also need to consider other things.

Did you have all the junk in the boat that is common for a trip? Was the gas tank full? Cooler, water in the bilge or fresh water, etc.

Consider that 30 gallons of gas is about what, 180 pounds?

There is a tendency to get a weight, think we are clear, then pile stuff on to the boat and into the car and believe all is good.

 

[SNye45]

Re: Total weight of Boat & Trailer ?

Thank you for all the feedback that my question/concerns created. I have a lot to think about