"Don White" wrote in message
...
Eisboch wrote:
"timW" wrote in message
ups.com...


Half-the reason we're thinking all this is that the van is nearly paid
off and we can put the same money towards a 23' - 25' day cruiser or
weekender, but it's going to be a little self-defeating if we have to
get another vehicle just to tow the boat the 30 miles or so to the
nearest luach facility at Sanford, here in Central Florida. Permanently
berthing the boat at a marina is of course a possibility, but I'd like
the flexibility of being able to tow it directly to either the east or
west coasts at need.

Thanks........Tim



My opinion as follows:

First ... do a little homework. If your conversion van the GM 1500
series, it is the lightest of the light duty ratings, even with a "big"
engine. Does it have a factory tow package including an aux transmission
cooler? (noticed you are towing in hot Florida). What is the rear end
ratio? What is it's rated GVW, towing rating and CGVW (total of van,
trailer and boat).

What does the boat weigh? What does the trailer weigh? You can plan on
the boat being heavier than the factory specs once you have your personal
gear aboard.

Most important ... think about brakes. Don't even think about towing a
23'-25' cruiser type boat unless the trailer has a good, working braking
system .... either surge or electric. Your van's brakes are rated to
stop your van, not an additional 5-7k lbs. I once towed a boat of
approximately that weight on a trailer that's surge brakes were not
working. Towed it with a Dodge Ram 2500 Heavy Duty truck. The damn boat
just about pushed me through an intersection at a red light while trying
to stop.

Eisboch

Not to mention that it's 'the law' to have brakes on a trailer load over
3500 lbs. Maybe even lower in some areas.

One other point.... I know Florida has many well built and maintained
launch ramps and four wheel drive down there is a rarity. However, a steep,
wet ramp with a heavy boat may find the OP wishing he had a 4x4.

Eisboch