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two wheel drive boat towing & launching
Just curious as to what everyone's experiences have been with towing... I
know that a good full size 4x4 pickup truck is ideal, however, for those of us with toy trucks (smaller 2x4's) there could be some issues... |
i have a 4x4 but never use it in 4wd to tow or launch.
What I find necessary is a low gear transfer case, hwich makes launchig the boat so much easier. That esp. with astandard M |
What size of boat are we talking about? I went out over the weekend to
watch people loading/unloading boats and there were midsized cars trailering the smaller boats. I plan on using the mini-van or my daugters bonneville to launch our 16' boat (heck, I think a decent lawn tractor could probably tow/launch my boat) |
"Chris" wrote in message .. . Just curious as to what everyone's experiences have been with towing... I know that a good full size 4x4 pickup truck is ideal, however, for those of us with toy trucks (smaller 2x4's) there could be some issues... 4WD is only of value in the rare instances when you really need extra traction, like at a slippery boat ramp, or perhaps during those occasional summer downpours when your wipers become useless, you're driving through 4" of water, and everyone on the highway slows to a crawl. And, most car makers recommend not using 4WD over certain speeds, for perfectly logical reasons, so it's of little value at highway speeds. The real issue is the design and condition of the suspension. If you're shopping for a vehicle and need info on the suspension, you may have to strongarm the salesperson to get him to introduce you to someone in the service department who's actually well versed in how the various models are set up. Some trucks are nice & stiff with regard to vertical forces (heavy loads), but not well stabilized against horizontal forces, especially if they're applied by an 18' lever, which is sort of how a boat & trailer act in a strong crosswind. So...it all depends. You can often modify the vehicle you already own, if you can find a suspension shop that knows what they're doing. |
I have a Venture 21 sailboat that weigh about 2000 lbs loaded. I have
pulled since I got it in 1970 with rear wheel drive. It has been from coast to coast. The cars I have use are a 1968 Buick Skylark Convertable 1973 Two door Buick Century 1985 small wheel base Dodge passenger Van 1994 GMC Sarfari Chris wrote: Just curious as to what everyone's experiences have been with towing... I know that a good full size 4x4 pickup truck is ideal, however, for those of us with toy trucks (smaller 2x4's) there could be some issues... |
We can talk about any sizes, specifically the 16' and under I'm interested
in.... My truck is 2 wheel drive standard with a light back end... my boat launch areas include: 1. beach with grassy incline to follow 2. an older gravel boat launch that could have a tiny bit of muck just near the water. My biggest thoughts are around the rear wheels spinning coming out of the water with the boat on... then getting stuck... For those using cars, I suspect a good front wheel drive would clearly help out as you're in the dry with lots of weight on the front... As well those launching on concrete boat launches should have an easier time too... "Arcadefreaque" wrote in message oups.com... What size of boat are we talking about? I went out over the weekend to watch people loading/unloading boats and there were midsized cars trailering the smaller boats. I plan on using the mini-van or my daugters bonneville to launch our 16' boat (heck, I think a decent lawn tractor could probably tow/launch my boat) |
keith_nuttle wrote:
I have a Venture 21 sailboat that weigh about 2000 lbs loaded. I have pulled since I got it in 1970 with rear wheel drive. It has been from coast to coast. The cars I have use are a 1968 Buick Skylark Convertable 1973 Two door Buick Century 1985 small wheel base Dodge passenger Van 1994 GMC Sarfari Chris wrote: Just curious as to what everyone's experiences have been with towing... I know that a good full size 4x4 pickup truck is ideal, however, for those of us with toy trucks (smaller 2x4's) there could be some issues... I have a 1995 Plymouth Voyager mini-van with the 3.0 liter engine (142 hp) and a 3 speed auto transmission. My Sandpiper 565 sailboat weighs about 1400 sails & all and the trailer must weigh 300 to 400 lbs. My owner book says my van can tow 2000 lbs but I must have brakes on the trailer if the towed load exceeds 1000 lbs. I had a transmission cooler installed and will tow very carefully at about 90 kph until I get a better vehicle. |
You may want to ponder ways of solving these problems in other way, if
possible, before getting into a 4wd vehicle. Even for the 99% of the time you're not using 4wd, you're still turning lots of extra metal parts. Gas mileage can be rather appalling. "Chris" wrote in message .. . We can talk about any sizes, specifically the 16' and under I'm interested in.... My truck is 2 wheel drive standard with a light back end... my boat launch areas include: 1. beach with grassy incline to follow 2. an older gravel boat launch that could have a tiny bit of muck just near the water. My biggest thoughts are around the rear wheels spinning coming out of the water with the boat on... then getting stuck... For those using cars, I suspect a good front wheel drive would clearly help out as you're in the dry with lots of weight on the front... As well those launching on concrete boat launches should have an easier time too... "Arcadefreaque" wrote in message oups.com... What size of boat are we talking about? I went out over the weekend to watch people loading/unloading boats and there were midsized cars trailering the smaller boats. I plan on using the mini-van or my daugters bonneville to launch our 16' boat (heck, I think a decent lawn tractor could probably tow/launch my boat) |
"Arcadefreaque" wrote in message
oups.com... What size of boat are we talking about? I went out over the weekend to watch people loading/unloading boats and there were midsized cars trailering the smaller boats. I plan on using the mini-van or my daugters bonneville to launch our 16' boat (heck, I think a decent lawn tractor could probably tow/launch my boat) Chris wrote: We can talk about any sizes, specifically the 16' and under I'm interested in.... My truck is 2 wheel drive standard with a light back end... my boat launch areas include: 1. beach with grassy incline to follow 2. an older gravel boat launch that could have a tiny bit of muck just near the water. My biggest thoughts are around the rear wheels spinning coming out of the water with the boat on... then getting stuck... For those using cars, I suspect a good front wheel drive would clearly help out as you're in the dry with lots of weight on the front... As well those launching on concrete boat launches should have an easier time too... You need weight over your drive (rear) axle to get traction. Put something heavy in the bed of your pickup truck. A slide-in truck camper works well! -- frosty |
On Thu, 7 Jul 2005 11:24:04 -0400, "Chris"
wrote: Just curious as to what everyone's experiences have been with towing... I know that a good full size 4x4 pickup truck is ideal, however, for those of us with toy trucks (smaller 2x4's) there could be some issues... I have a GMC 1500 Sierra I use for towing a 21' Proline. No problems, but I never get over about 55mph, and I always leave more room than necessary between myself and the vehicle in front of me. -- John H. On the 'PocoLoco' out of Deale, MD |
On Thu, 7 Jul 2005 11:24:04 -0400, "Chris"
wrote: Just curious as to what everyone's experiences have been with towing... I know that a good full size 4x4 pickup truck is ideal, however, for those of us with toy trucks (smaller 2x4's) there could be some issues... Forgot to mention...I have had problems with traction at ramps, but having a couple guys jump in the bed of the truck has always worked. I pulled a 15' Boston Whaler all over the place with a Jetta. No problems at all! -- John H. On the 'PocoLoco' out of Deale, MD |
Chris wrote:
We can talk about any sizes, specifically the 16' and under I'm interested in.... My truck is 2 wheel drive standard with a light back end... my boat launch areas include: 1. beach with grassy incline to follow 2. an older gravel boat launch that could have a tiny bit of muck just near the water. My biggest thoughts are around the rear wheels spinning coming out of the water with the boat on... then getting stuck... For those using cars, I suspect a good front wheel drive would clearly help out as you're in the dry with lots of weight on the front... As well those launching on concrete boat launches should have an easier time too... "Arcadefreaque" wrote in message oups.com... What size of boat are we talking about? I went out over the weekend to watch people loading/unloading boats and there were midsized cars trailering the smaller boats. I plan on using the mini-van or my daugters bonneville to launch our 16' boat (heck, I think a decent lawn tractor could probably tow/launch my boat) I have a wheeled tongue jack on my boat trailer. If the ramp looked too slippery or soft on retrieval, I would keep the tow vehicle up where traction is good and attach a tow rope from the hitch to the trailer. I would very gently pull it forward until the boat cleared the bad spot. Then I'd chock the trailer wheels, stow the tow rope and hook the rig up for road travel. |
Chris wrote:
: Just curious as to what everyone's experiences have been with towing... I : know that a good full size 4x4 pickup truck is ideal, however, for those of : us with toy trucks (smaller 2x4's) there could be some issues... I've hardly ever used a 4WD vehicle for towing. I'm not hauling a real heavy load (about 2,500 Lbs with a 17 Ft. Galaxie I/O). Tried a small Toyota pickup at first but the back end was too lignt (scary braking it). Then went to a '66 Dodge with a 318 CI. Towed great! Now, I'm using a Toyota T100 w/manual transmission (automatic is better due to torque amplification). No problelms. b. |
For what it;s worth ... I use 4WD, Low pulling my boat (about 3000 lbs inc
trailer) up all ramps including muddy bottom and gravel. Just put it in gear and it will idle it's way up, no tire spinning if necessary ... then it's back to 2WD. This is with a 3100 lb or so '96 Jeep Cherokee which is probably lighter than your truck. My opinion, you'll eventually have traction problems ... but maybe as mentioned, a wheel on the trailer tongue, and some good rope/tow strap, and/or a come along or winch ... "Chris" wrote in message .. . We can talk about any sizes, specifically the 16' and under I'm interested in.... My truck is 2 wheel drive standard with a light back end... my boat launch areas include: 1. beach with grassy incline to follow 2. an older gravel boat launch that could have a tiny bit of muck just near the water. My biggest thoughts are around the rear wheels spinning coming out of the water with the boat on... then getting stuck... |
Two wheel drive is almost always enough.
Most don't know how to create a locker rear in a 2WD setup. Too bad, because it's a very, very useful trick. All thats necessary is to apply the parking brake until it provides resistance to the drive wheels. When both drive wheels encounter resistance the differential will provide power to both. By applying the parking brake only enough to provide power to both drive wheels damage to the parking brake is avoided. Give it a try and practice a little. You may like it. Butch wrote in message roups.com... Chris wrote: : Just curious as to what everyone's experiences have been with towing... I : know that a good full size 4x4 pickup truck is ideal, however, for those of : us with toy trucks (smaller 2x4's) there could be some issues... I've hardly ever used a 4WD vehicle for towing. I'm not hauling a real heavy load (about 2,500 Lbs with a 17 Ft. Galaxie I/O). Tried a small Toyota pickup at first but the back end was too lignt (scary braking it). Then went to a '66 Dodge with a 318 CI. Towed great! Now, I'm using a Toyota T100 w/manual transmission (automatic is better due to torque amplification). No problelms. b. |
Works great with an automatic, but with a standard I would think the clutch
wouldn't enjoy it much... Fortunately I have a locker rear in mine already.. so they'll both spin... "Butch Davis" wrote in message link.net... Two wheel drive is almost always enough. Most don't know how to create a locker rear in a 2WD setup. Too bad, because it's a very, very useful trick. All thats necessary is to apply the parking brake until it provides resistance to the drive wheels. When both drive wheels encounter resistance the differential will provide power to both. By applying the parking brake only enough to provide power to both drive wheels damage to the parking brake is avoided. Give it a try and practice a little. You may like it. Butch wrote in message roups.com... Chris wrote: : Just curious as to what everyone's experiences have been with towing... I : know that a good full size 4x4 pickup truck is ideal, however, for those of : us with toy trucks (smaller 2x4's) there could be some issues... I've hardly ever used a 4WD vehicle for towing. I'm not hauling a real heavy load (about 2,500 Lbs with a 17 Ft. Galaxie I/O). Tried a small Toyota pickup at first but the back end was too lignt (scary braking it). Then went to a '66 Dodge with a 318 CI. Towed great! Now, I'm using a Toyota T100 w/manual transmission (automatic is better due to torque amplification). No problelms. b. |
"Chris" wrote
for those of us with toy trucks (smaller 2x4's) there could be some issues... Meh. http://blizzard.zmm.com/boattruck.jpg |
We use a Toyota Sienna minivan with 3.3 l, 230 hp engine, 5 speed auto
and front wheel drive to tow a Bayliner 175. The minivan is rated to tow 3500 lb (standard, no optional equipment required), while the boat weights approx. 2500 lb (with trailer and full tank of gas). We never had any issues towing, launching or retriving the boat and we never felt the need for 4 wheel drive or more power, even on steep and wet ramps. Worst case, if the ramp was very uneven and the wheel of the trailer got stuck against a bump or fallen into a hole, the front wheel of the van have spun if I stepped to hard on the gas pedal, but I never had a problem getting out of the situation just by using the gas pedal gently and gradually increasing the traction without letting the wheel to spin agan. |
Chris,
I agree it's less easy to use with a stick. But I learned this trick in the snow of Germany with my old VW bug in 67. Worked very well with the bug but it probably helped that the parking brake was a handy lever between the seats. On my Titan it's a not so handy foot actuated device under the dash. I'm glad it's an automatic. :) Got to the point where it was second nature to use it with the bug. Same with a Porsche I had in North Dakota. With eight inch treads in the rear and a mountain of torque that hummer could be a handful. A locker rear is the best answer, IMO. Butch "Chris" wrote in message .. . Works great with an automatic, but with a standard I would think the clutch wouldn't enjoy it much... Fortunately I have a locker rear in mine already.. so they'll both spin... "Butch Davis" wrote in message link.net... Two wheel drive is almost always enough. Most don't know how to create a locker rear in a 2WD setup. Too bad, because it's a very, very useful trick. All thats necessary is to apply the parking brake until it provides resistance to the drive wheels. When both drive wheels encounter resistance the differential will provide power to both. By applying the parking brake only enough to provide power to both drive wheels damage to the parking brake is avoided. Give it a try and practice a little. You may like it. Butch wrote in message roups.com... Chris wrote: : Just curious as to what everyone's experiences have been with towing... I : know that a good full size 4x4 pickup truck is ideal, however, for those of : us with toy trucks (smaller 2x4's) there could be some issues... I've hardly ever used a 4WD vehicle for towing. I'm not hauling a real heavy load (about 2,500 Lbs with a 17 Ft. Galaxie I/O). Tried a small Toyota pickup at first but the back end was too lignt (scary braking it). Then went to a '66 Dodge with a 318 CI. Towed great! Now, I'm using a Toyota T100 w/manual transmission (automatic is better due to torque amplification). No problelms. b. |
and would you ever launch this on a gravel launch?
"Joe Blizzard" wrote in message ... "Chris" wrote for those of us with toy trucks (smaller 2x4's) there could be some issues... Meh. http://blizzard.zmm.com/boattruck.jpg |
"Chris" wrote in message
.. . Just curious as to what everyone's experiences have been with towing... I know that a good full size 4x4 pickup truck is ideal, however, for those of us with toy trucks (smaller 2x4's) there could be some issues... Don't exceed the truck's rated towing capacity. Best not to exceed 2/3 of it. Be sure trailer tongue weight is right - too much or too little will cause problems and danger. On steep ramps you might have some traction problems, take it slow and easy. -- Peter Aitken |
katekebo wrote:
We use a Toyota Sienna minivan with 3.3 l, 230 hp engine, 5 speed auto and front wheel drive to tow a Bayliner 175. The minivan is rated to tow 3500 lb (standard, no optional equipment required), while the boat weights approx. 2500 lb (with trailer and full tank of gas). We never had any issues towing, launching or retriving the boat and we never felt the need for 4 wheel drive or more power, even on steep and wet ramps. Worst case, if the ramp was very uneven and the wheel of the trailer got stuck against a bump or fallen into a hole, the front wheel of the van have spun if I stepped to hard on the gas pedal, but I never had a problem getting out of the situation just by using the gas pedal gently and gradually increasing the traction without letting the wheel to spin agan. That's what I've got my eye on. My kids are grown now...but the base Sienna seems to be good value for the price. Why a small Subaru Forrester with a 4 cylinder engine costs as much. |
That's what I've got my eye on. My kids are grown now...but the base Sienna seems to be good value for the price. Why a small Subaru Forrester with a 4 cylinder engine costs as much. A nice detail about the Sienna is that it is reated to tow 3500 lb without any optional equipment. You just have to pay the price of the hitch (I think it was around $300) and that's all. Other minivans are either rated 2000 lb only, or need special tow package to get 3500 lb towing rating (for example the tow package for Honda Oddyssey costs something like $850, plus hitch). |
Don White wrote:
keith_nuttle wrote: I have a Venture 21 sailboat that weigh about 2000 lbs loaded. I have pulled since I got it in 1970 with rear wheel drive. It has been from coast to coast. The cars I have use are a 1968 Buick Skylark Convertable 1973 Two door Buick Century 1985 small wheel base Dodge passenger Van 1994 GMC Sarfari Chris wrote: Just curious as to what everyone's experiences have been with towing... I know that a good full size 4x4 pickup truck is ideal, however, for those of us with toy trucks (smaller 2x4's) there could be some issues... I have a 1995 Plymouth Voyager mini-van with the 3.0 liter engine (142 hp) and a 3 speed auto transmission. My Sandpiper 565 sailboat weighs about 1400 sails & all and the trailer must weigh 300 to 400 lbs. My owner book says my van can tow 2000 lbs but I must have brakes on the trailer if the towed load exceeds 1000 lbs. I had a transmission cooler installed and will tow very carefully at about 90 kph until I get a better vehicle. 2001 Chevy Express van LT Edition, 350 engine, 373 posi rear end. The rig is rated at 6500lbs towing. The boat is 3900lbs on a steel dual axle trailer/w surge brakes. Guessing to be about 1500lbs. This has been the nicest towing configuration for what I tow. I like it much better then the Suburbans I use to use. It does not sway as much and I like having the front end being short for close/restricted space manovers. Capt Jack R.. |
katekebo wrote:
That's what I've got my eye on. My kids are grown now...but the base Sienna seems to be good value for the price. Why a small Subaru Forrester with a 4 cylinder engine costs as much. A nice detail about the Sienna is that it is reated to tow 3500 lb without any optional equipment. You just have to pay the price of the hitch (I think it was around $300) and that's all. Other minivans are either rated 2000 lb only, or need special tow package to get 3500 lb towing rating (for example the tow package for Honda Oddyssey costs something like $850, plus hitch). I probably already stated that Chrysler expects me to have trailer brakes if my Voyager towes over 1000 lbs. That Sienna seems a bit big for an 'empty nester' but what the heck...with the back row seats folded and the middle removed, I could haul plywood, etc. That's gotta be worth something. Up here they want $30500.00 CDN for the base model. |
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