Tow Vehicle for a Seacraft 23CC

2 Boat Bill · #1 10-16-2003, 05:06 PM

I am considering purchasing a new pickup truck. I would like to know about the performance and/or your experiences with typical 2-wheel drive trucks(Ford F-150, Chevy/GMC 1500, Dodge Ram 1500, Toyota Tundra). I will be towing a 23CC (Estimated weight 5500# ??). My primary concern is that of pulling the boat up a ramp. I feel safe assuming that all of these trucks would be satisfactory towing, but will I be forced to consider 4WD just to get it up the ramp? Our tides average 5-6 feet, so assume the average ramp drop would be 3 feet over varaible ramp lengths. Thank you for your remarks.

Miles Offshore · #2 10-16-2003, 06:25 PM

2 boat theory Bill. I have a Tundra 2001 4 wheel drive and it pulls easy up the ramp. The truck is rated to pull 7200 lbs but the truck is also very light. If you just do short trips to the ramp and back its a great truck and I really love mine, but if you are doing many highway miles get a full sized pick-up with some weight to it. It makes me nervous on the highway stopping at a stoplight doing 50 looking in my rearview mirror. JMO- craig

Go SOX !!!!!

Capt Chuck · #3 10-16-2003, 07:24 PM

[img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img] 2 Boat
I think you need the 4 wheel drive especially if you are using a "float-on" type trailer. Some steep ramps at low tide have a lot of green slippery rash and no grip grooves will give you touble [img]images/icons/mad.gif[/img] A pick up has little weight in the rear.
I have a full size Bronco (OJ Special) with a 351 automatic 4x4 and it does trick on the long hauls in the Florida heat. I tow with the a/c on and 55mph to the keys and the west coast of Fla (300 miles) with now problems. I need the 4 wheel in most of the ramps. [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img]

GC · #4 10-16-2003, 08:39 PM

Bill, I also have a Tundra with 4 wheel drive and while I wouldn't hesistate to tow my 20' anywhere, I have to agree with Miles comments about the 23'. Go fullsize. Got to disagree with his choice of baseball teams however. Go Yanks!

Mark · #5 10-16-2003, 08:54 PM

you'll only miss the 4WD when you really need it...

kricharda · #6 10-16-2003, 10:55 PM

I have a 23 and use a Chevy 1500 with 4 wheel drive. You're right in that its not needed at all to tow, esp with the tow/haul shift pattern. I would recommend it for the ramp though. At low tide you may have to be pretty far down the ramp to make the water with a float on trailer and it helps a lot. Consider too that you will probably have extra weight in the truck and bed. The heavier suspension helps too. You will not need the Z71 version though.