what size vehicle for towing?
 

Hi there,
My wife and I are looking to purchase a small cruiser in
the near future, and one of the things we're considering when it comes
down to the size of the boat is the ability of our vehicle to
succesfully tow it and put it in the water.

I've read that with bigger boats you need a pickup, but would a large
conversion van do? We own a big Chevy conversion with the larger of the
two 8 cylinder engines in it, so for power and weight I don't think we
have a problem. The only difference perhaps might be in the automatic
gear box and drive train - would it be less sturdy than that of a
truck?

If anyone could give us a bit of advice it would be much appreciated,
as it may help determine our limits as to what we can get size-wise.
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

what size vehicle for towing?
 

your van should do the job nicely. After all, it is the same drive
train, brakes, and frame weight as a Chevy half ton pickup. The
transmission should be ok too, though I wouldn't recommend pulling in
overdrive. Too much strain ont he transmission, and will lug your
engine a lot. Another thing, you should have an additional
transmission cooler added. its like a mini-radiatior that fits in front
of the radiator, and helps to keep the trans. oil a bit cooler.


timW wrote:
Hi there,
My wife and I are looking to purchase a small cruiser in
the near future, and one of the things we're considering when it comes
down to the size of the boat is the ability of our vehicle to
succesfully tow it and put it in the water.

I've read that with bigger boats you need a pickup, but would a large
conversion van do? We own a big Chevy conversion with the larger of the
two 8 cylinder engines in it, so for power and weight I don't think we
have a problem. The only difference perhaps might be in the automatic
gear box and drive train - would it be less sturdy than that of a
truck?

If anyone could give us a bit of advice it would be much appreciated,
as it may help determine our limits as to what we can get size-wise.
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

what size vehicle for towing?
 

wrote in message
ups.com...

timW wrote:
Hi there,
My wife and I are looking to purchase a small cruiser in
the near future, and one of the things we're considering when it comes
down to the size of the boat is the ability of our vehicle to
succesfully tow it and put it in the water.

I've read that with bigger boats you need a pickup, but would a large
conversion van do? We own a big Chevy conversion with the larger of the
two 8 cylinder engines in it, so for power and weight I don't think we
have a problem. The only difference perhaps might be in the automatic
gear box and drive train - would it be less sturdy than that of a
truck?

If anyone could give us a bit of advice it would be much appreciated,
as it may help determine our limits as to what we can get size-wise.
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


your van should do the job nicely. After all, it is the same drive
train, brakes, and frame weight as a Chevy half ton pickup. The
transmission should be ok too, though I wouldn't recommend pulling in
overdrive. Too much strain ont he transmission, and will lug your
engine a lot. Another thing, you should have an additional
transmission cooler added. its like a mini-radiatior that fits in front
of the radiator, and helps to keep the trans. oil a bit cooler.


I'll add this: My mechanic says that when he reminds customers about
changing the tranny fluid and filter according to the maintenance schedule,
half his customers give him a blank look. They've never heard of it. If the
OP hasn't done this stuff on schedule, things could get interesting.

what size vehicle for towing?
 

In the early 80'sm I pulled my 27' ChrisCraft Cavalier about 130 mi,
using a '78, 1/2 ton Chevy Blazer. I only ran about 50 mph, but the
engine didn't strain, and handling was ok. Any faster than that and
things started to get a bit squirrely, but otherwise, no problems.



timW wrote:
Hi there,
My wife and I are looking to purchase a small cruiser in
the near future, and one of the things we're considering when it comes
down to the size of the boat is the ability of our vehicle to
succesfully tow it and put it in the water.

I've read that with bigger boats you need a pickup, but would a large
conversion van do? We own a big Chevy conversion with the larger of the
two 8 cylinder engines in it, so for power and weight I don't think we
have a problem. The only difference perhaps might be in the automatic
gear box and drive train - would it be less sturdy than that of a
truck?

If anyone could give us a bit of advice it would be much appreciated,
as it may help determine our limits as to what we can get size-wise.
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

what size vehicle for towing?
 

Agreed. many people believe in changing the engine oil, religiously,
but never once think about changing the trans. fluid and filter. Nor,
do they ever inspect the diferential (rear end)grease!


JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
wrote in message
ups.com...

timW wrote:
Hi there,
My wife and I are looking to purchase a small cruiser in
the near future, and one of the things we're considering when it comes
down to the size of the boat is the ability of our vehicle to
succesfully tow it and put it in the water.

I've read that with bigger boats you need a pickup, but would a large
conversion van do? We own a big Chevy conversion with the larger of the
two 8 cylinder engines in it, so for power and weight I don't think we
have a problem. The only difference perhaps might be in the automatic
gear box and drive train - would it be less sturdy than that of a
truck?

If anyone could give us a bit of advice it would be much appreciated,
as it may help determine our limits as to what we can get size-wise.
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


your van should do the job nicely. After all, it is the same drive
train, brakes, and frame weight as a Chevy half ton pickup. The
transmission should be ok too, though I wouldn't recommend pulling in
overdrive. Too much strain ont he transmission, and will lug your
engine a lot. Another thing, you should have an additional
transmission cooler added. its like a mini-radiatior that fits in front
of the radiator, and helps to keep the trans. oil a bit cooler.


I'll add this: My mechanic says that when he reminds customers about
changing the tranny fluid and filter according to the maintenance schedule,
half his customers give him a blank look. They've never heard of it. If the
OP hasn't done this stuff on schedule, things could get interesting.

what size vehicle for towing?
 

wrote in message
ups.com...

your van should do the job nicely. After all, it is the same drive
train, brakes, and frame weight as a Chevy half ton pickup. The
transmission should be ok too, though I wouldn't recommend pulling in
overdrive. Too much strain ont he transmission, and will lug your
engine a lot. Another thing, you should have an additional
transmission cooler added. its like a mini-radiatior that fits in front
of the radiator, and helps to keep the trans. oil a bit cooler.


I'll add this: My mechanic says that when he reminds customers about
changing the tranny fluid and filter according to the maintenance
schedule,
half his customers give him a blank look. They've never heard of it. If
the
OP hasn't done this stuff on schedule, things could get interesting.


Agreed. many people believe in changing the engine oil, religiously,
but never once think about changing the trans. fluid and filter. Nor,
do they ever inspect the diferential (rear end)grease!



Hell....they don't even know the tranny filter exists. My own son said 3
weeks ago "When I get my car, I'm gonna take such great care of it!" A week
later, he got the car (used, but nice). Do you think he's opened the manual
and asked any maintenance questions?

what size vehicle for towing?
 

"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

what size vehicle for towing?
 

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.

what size vehicle for towing?
 

"timW" wrote in news:1161454565.902491.260930
@i3g2000cwc.googlegroups.com:

We own a big Chevy conversion with the larger of the
two 8 cylinder engines in it, so for power and weight I don't think we
have a problem.

Power's not your problem with the conversion van....WEIGHT is!...

Light duty chassis with lots of tonnage and very little overhead for more.
(Notice how it's NOT on a 1-ton truck chassis.)

Of concern in a GM van, what transmission is in it? What rear end ratio?
Today we're all trying to make those MILEAGE numbers with the government
bureaucrats with low-ratio rear ends turnin' 'em slow.....not much towing
power in that.

I'd be more afraid of its BRAKES than its power. A half-ton van loaded
with all that party van stuff is pretty close to its rated load on the
brakes, too. Add a few thousand pounds of boat shoving it along at 70 may
make STOPPING it another problem.

--
There's amazing intelligence in the Universe.
You can tell because none of them ever called Earth.

what size vehicle for towing?
 

"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

what size vehicle for towing?
 

timW wrote:
Hi there,
My wife and I are looking to purchase a small cruiser in
the near future, and one of the things we're considering when it comes
down to the size of the boat is the ability of our vehicle to
succesfully tow it and put it in the water.

I've read that with bigger boats you need a pickup, but would a large
conversion van do? We own a big Chevy conversion with the larger of the
two 8 cylinder engines in it, so for power and weight I don't think we
have a problem. The only difference perhaps might be in the automatic
gear box and drive train - would it be less sturdy than that of a
truck?

If anyone could give us a bit of advice it would be much appreciated,
as it may help determine our limits as to what we can get size-wise.
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


Here's a good source for tow ratings...

http://trailerboats.com/towrating/

Dan

what size vehicle for towing?
 

timW wrote:
Hi there,
My wife and I are looking to purchase a small cruiser in
the near future, and one of the things we're considering when it comes
down to the size of the boat is the ability of our vehicle to
succesfully tow it and put it in the water.

I've read that with bigger boats you need a pickup, but would a large
conversion van do? We own a big Chevy conversion with the larger of the
two 8 cylinder engines in it, so for power and weight I don't think we
have a problem. The only difference perhaps might be in the automatic
gear box and drive train - would it be less sturdy than that of a
truck?

If anyone could give us a bit of advice it would be much appreciated,
as it may help determine our limits as to what we can get size-wise.
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

One thing many have found, in fresh water anyways is that a steep ramp
and algae or other growth can make it impossible for a rear axle only
drive vehicle to pull the boat and trailer out of the water. The one
exception might be a duallie with limited slip.
I've had to pull several rigs up the ramp, a few years ago, that only
had a rear wheel drive. I've also seen some of them go into the water
with tires spinning for dear life trying to get off the ramp.
Get a crew cab duallie 4x4 optioned out. Everyone needs a Country Cadillac.

what size vehicle for towing?
 

Eisboch pretty much covered it.
Your conversion van is built on a truck chassis, so forget that pickup
comment. Chevies are 1500, 2500, 3500: the bigger the number the stronger
the vehicle. If it came with a tow package it should already have a
transmission cooler. Florida's pretty flat - use overdrive unless it's
constantly shifting.
Don't go without trailer brakes .

"john" wrote in message ...
timW wrote:
Hi there,
My wife and I are looking to purchase a small cruiser in
the near future, and one of the things we're considering when it comes
down to the size of the boat is the ability of our vehicle to
succesfully tow it and put it in the water.

I've read that with bigger boats you need a pickup, but would a large
conversion van do? We own a big Chevy conversion with the larger of the
two 8 cylinder engines in it, so for power and weight I don't think we
have a problem. The only difference perhaps might be in the automatic
gear box and drive train - would it be less sturdy than that of a
truck?

If anyone could give us a bit of advice it would be much appreciated,
as it may help determine our limits as to what we can get size-wise.
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

One thing many have found, in fresh water anyways is that a steep ramp and
algae or other growth can make it impossible for a rear axle only drive
vehicle to pull the boat and trailer out of the water. The one exception
might be a duallie with limited slip.
I've had to pull several rigs up the ramp, a few years ago, that only had
a rear wheel drive. I've also seen some of them go into the water with
tires spinning for dear life trying to get off the ramp.
Get a crew cab duallie 4x4 optioned out. Everyone needs a Country
Cadillac.

what size vehicle for towing?
 

timW wrote:
Hi there,
My wife and I are looking to purchase a small cruiser in
the near future, and one of the things we're considering when it comes
down to the size of the boat is the ability of our vehicle to
succesfully tow it and put it in the water.

I've read that with bigger boats you need a pickup, but would a large
conversion van do? We own a big Chevy conversion with the larger of the
two 8 cylinder engines in it, so for power and weight I don't think we
have a problem. The only difference perhaps might be in the automatic
gear box and drive train - would it be less sturdy than that of a
truck?

If anyone could give us a bit of advice it would be much appreciated,
as it may help determine our limits as to what we can get size-wise.
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


First I would take it to dealer and see what the tow rating is for the
van. The conversion may make it a little less precise since the weight
of the van will make a difference.

But this will mostly depend on the engine and rearend on the van. We had
a Chevy van with a 5.7 /373 posi rearend and it was great towing a
3900lbs boat with a 1500lbd steel trailer under it. I think it was
rated at 6500 total.

So you may be able to increase the towing capacity by changing out the
differential. The Chevy guys can tell ya for sure what the
possiabilities are.

One other thing I would toss out to ya is a little boat that i would
liek to get someday for just spending a relaxing day on the water that
is very trailierable. check out http://www.c-ranger.com/
When I retire I would love to get one of these and tow it around the
country. Run the Erie canal and go other places.

Good luch:

Capt Jack R.