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.

TUGBOAT · #7 10-16-2003, 11:12 PM

2 Boat Bill,1500 5.3 V8 G-80 (Locking Diff.) 3.42 gear if Ya want fuel Mileage vs pulling power then 3:73 less top end more pulling.Just depends on how often/far You tow. 4x4 will tow 500#s less than a 2wd.Weighs more therefore gvwr/trailering changes. It will be helpfull on steep/alage/muddy etc. Ramps.I didn't get where You were from. Expect about &2500 more & Upkeep.
Get the Factory tow package,Has coolers & wiring.
Scream'n Reels'
Got Snow ? [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

Scott · #8 10-17-2003, 01:38 AM

2 boat .... like Mark and others say you'll only miss 4 wheel when you need it ..... I have come up a ramp at low tide in Florida without 4x4 and it was NOT FUN .... Had to wait for the tide ....

I tow (only a few times with this boat 23 cc) with a 1500 4x4 5.7/350 and with the trailer balanced properly you cant tell the boat is behind you .... no problem stopping either

strick · #9 10-17-2003, 09:40 AM

I had to pull a guy up the ramp the other day as it was a minus tide and the ramp was full of green slime. He had a 1/2 ton full sized pick up and was trying to pull up a boat out that weighs less then our 23 foot seacrafts. I have a F350 4x4 diesel. My truck stays in 2 wheel drive 99% of the time. For your application a minimum of a 1/2 ton pickup is the right choice and consider a 4x4 as they have bailed me out of trouble many times throughout the years. [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

Strick

Billybob · #10 10-17-2003, 10:10 AM

Bill, it's a tough call.In SC you don't need the 4WD for the snow.I have a Dodge Ram and an alum bunk trailer, at the 2 ramps I normally use, I've never needed 4wd.But I have put in some nasty ramps in R.I. where I used it.It is nice to be able to travel around and not worry but only you can say if it's worth the extra bucks.
One thing to keep in mind is that you really only need the traction to get STARTED up the ramp,and that's when there is very little tongue weight esp with a bunk trailer.