Towing 18' baja islander 180 with ZR2 s-10

[09zkrankin]

Hey, I am looking at buying a 1993 baja islander 180, according to what I can find on the net the boat weighs about 2400 pounds dry. I drive a 2000 s-10 ZR2 (4x4) 5 speed with the 4.3 vortec. I have a reese hitch on it and according to the numbers im finding for the trucks towing cap. It should be able to handle about 5500 pounds with the hitch. I am just curious as to whether others think I will have any problems towing with this set up. I'm assuming the trailer weighs about 1000 pounds, and a couple hundred pounds of gear, so that should put me just under 4000 pounds, what are your opinions?

 

[chris.j.marshall]

Re: Towing 18' baja islander 180 with ZR2 s-10

I've always considered those 4.3 S-10s real workhorses for their size. I've towed a boat about 500lbs lighter than your set up with a 94 S-10 Blazer and she handled it like a champ. I also towed my brother in law's small camper once with the water thank full and loaded down with gear and firewood......somewhere in the 4500-5000 range and I (and the truck) certainly wouldn't that much behind me again. We were also camping in the Appalachian Mountain area, so somewhere flatter might not be so bad. I also saw post on here the other day that their ZR2 Blazer is only rated to tow 3500lbs but the ones with the factory tow pkg were rated at 5000lbs. I'd say if you have the tow package and trailer brakes, you have little to worry about.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Towing 18' baja islander 180 with ZR2 s-10



I tow this 21 foot cuddy with My 1999 S10, one wheel drive 4.3. It is rated for 4500 and I am towing about 3900. While it is not struggling, it does feel that size boat behind it and mileage drops to 12 MPG.

First and third photos are a 15 footer at about 1500-1700 pounds and the truck doesn't even know it is there

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Towing 18' baja islander 180 with ZR2 s-10

I am draging a 20 foot toon that weighs 2675 incliding gear with a 97 S 10 with the 4 cylinder 5 speed in the mountians of WV.

 

[09zkrankin]

Re: Towing 18' baja islander 180 with ZR2 s-10

thanks for the replies guys, i just sold 1987 18' bayliner project that i had and i pulled it twice with the truck and it seemed to do fine pulling it both times, but i never had it in the water to see how the truck would do at the ramp. i dont have the towing package, nor trailer brakes, and i live in eastern KY where its fairly hilly everywhere. the only part that i am worried about is launching and retrieving the boat, id hate to see my truck underwater lol. any tips on the launch/retrieval process that might make it easier with a small truck?

i also have a 1984 fullsize chevrolet 2wd, auto, with a 350 in it i could pull the boat with but would prefer to use my s-10

 

[gtochris]

Re: Towing 18' baja islander 180 with ZR2 s-10

I think the most difficult part will be starting out on a ramp with a stick, I would use 4LO which will make recovery MUCH easier and less strain.

 

[09zkrankin]

Re: Towing 18' baja islander 180 with ZR2 s-10

thanks chris, i have been driving a standard most all my life but i can see where it would be hard to get used to at the ramp. im planning on using 4lo, seems like onc you lock it in the little truck is a tank