what type of vehicle to use to trailer my boat?

[mountainmariner]

Hey All,
I have a 86 Sylvann 18' that I have been towing with my 01 2wd extra cab ranger(4.0 v6) and it did great last year, but I just bought another one, an older 20' cuddy, i/o with a chevy 350, and I know my ranger won't tow it. The boat would laugh at it..
I need to but a vehicle just for this purpose, to towe 20 miles, one way, over flat ground. Any ideas? I'm looking at old, used 4x4's mostly? Anyone with a similar set up, and ideas?
Thanks!
I'm doing some clean up, and restore, so don't judge too much!
any thoughts on that would be nice too!

http://s649.photobucket.com/albums/uu216/mace1530/boat/?action=view&current=edab2d66.pbw

 

[windsors03cobra]

Re: what type of vehicle to use to trailer my boat?

I love my V8 AWD 99 Exploder, the loaded ones can be had for probably $3k now. 177k problem free miles on the ole 302 now.
The V8 models got a good transmission and transfer box as well.

Should be quite a few decent priced 8 cylinder 4x4's out there now.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: what type of vehicle to use to trailer my boat?

chevy surburban, i have a 92 and a 99. great tow vehicles.

 

[mountainmariner]

Re: what type of vehicle to use to trailer my boat?

Tashasdaddy,
2 wheel, or wheel drive suburban? I know someone with a 2 whlr for sale. . ..
and Thanks all!

 

[thepotroast]

Re: what type of vehicle to use to trailer my boat?

2wd would be fine. That Suburban has plenty of weight in the rear to pull up a ramp when retreiving. Personally I use a 4x4 Explorer (2003) which is a great tow vehicle (has tow pkg installed)...so any 4x4 Explorer with a tow pkg would do you well...you don't need the V8 to pull that, the V6 4.0L is plenty strong to pull a 20' boat on flat ground.

 

[windsors03cobra]

Re: what type of vehicle to use to trailer my boat?

I think 2wd's and slimy, slippery and steep boat launches are a bad mix so if any of those apply maybe think long and hard about what you need.
I also rather be over prepared than under prepared.

Whatever you do, dont end up like this guy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FshOpPqj88&feature=related

I have a 99 Grand Cherokee with a 4.0 straight six and it tows ok, 20 miles is a pleasure, anymore and the desire for a V8 goes up.

 

[mountainmariner]

Re: what type of vehicle to use to trailer my boat?

Thanks All,
I'm looking on craigslist now. . .

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: what type of vehicle to use to trailer my boat?

2 wheel drive we pull 5000#, they handle steep ramps like a dream. they are actually much better than a pick up. do to the body weight, and they keep your gear dry.

 

[freddyray21]

Re: what type of vehicle to use to trailer my boat?

if the Ranger is an auto I would just use the Ranger. If it's a stick shift forget it.

 

[mountainmariner]

Re: what type of vehicle to use to trailer my boat?

Thanks all,
It is a 2 wheel drive auto, extra cab 4.0 ranger. Thanks for the advice..

 

[freddyray21]

Re: what type of vehicle to use to trailer my boat?

just fyi I tow this boat with my Ranger 4.0 auto no problems. Just remember it will not want to panic stop

 

[bassboy1]

Re: what type of vehicle to use to trailer my boat?

Suburban or Tahoe with a 350. More than enough towing power. Good stopping power. Plenty of ability to get up tricky ramps. Room for the whole family, and stuff etc etc. They handle ramps a heck of a lot better than pickups.

 

[Starcraftguy1]

Re: what type of vehicle to use to trailer my boat?

I use a 1999 Dodge Durango,you can get one for cheap,mine has a 5.2 liter,duel air and 4x4 it will handle anything.I pull a 17' aluminum Bass Tracker,which is nothing and a 21' Startcraft Cuddy Cabin Cruiser,duel axel tandem trailer with surge brakes,got it for 2K with 80,000 miles.I drive it everyday,no payments and a dream to drive.

 

[mountainmariner]

Re: what type of vehicle to use to trailer my boat?

Thanks for all the help. I just bought a truck(may not work for towing, but couldn't pass it up,1979 chevy stepside,70k miles, auto, loaded, $300, and it runs!)
I'll be checking into Durangos, and Surburbans, Thanks Again!
Jim

 

[mountainmariner]

Re: what type of vehicle to use to trailer my boat?

by the way, will a 78 chevy stepside, auto, 2 wheel drive pull this boat out of the water??

 

[windsors03cobra]

Re: what type of vehicle to use to trailer my boat?

Oh man that's gotta be a beaut for $300 in the rust belt.
Got a 350 ?

 

[alumi numb]

Re: what type of vehicle to use to trailer my boat?

just as well as a brand new $30k truck.
locking dif. and proper tires that's it.
stepside for $300, you got a deal.
paint, wheels/tires, dropped a little a bed cover and you have a keeper.
set side by side people will see your's and won't even notice that $30k truck.
just how people are.
just wanted to add, new sheet metal would cost a lot less than $30k.lol

 

[mountainmariner]

Re: what type of vehicle to use to trailer my boat?

Yup, it's a 350 2 barrel(not sure about the main, 2 or 4 yet)
as far as the rust belt goes, it's really not bad. Typical drivers rear quarter rust, and a few surface spots, but clean interior. But, it's yellow.
I guess we can't have it all. . ..lol.
I'll post pics of my "outfit: soon,
Thanks!
Send me a link to Your pics, everyone, and may this winter be over soon!
Jim