Silvertip
Supreme Mariner
- Joined
- Sep 22, 2003
- Messages
- 28,771
No -- I will not "forget gear ratio, engine size, etc." J2807 covers "minimum" requirements. It also calls for a 150# driver and a 150# passenger during testing so right off the bat that is a rediculous requirement for obvious reasons. Next, minimum performance requirements are just that. As long as the engine and tranny temps don't peg on a test climb with A/C going full blast they say ok -- you pass. However, proper gear ratio and engine size means you may be able tow much more comfortably because the tranny is not hunting, it will maintain a higher gear and your foot is not welded to the floor and you can have better fuel economy in the process. The decisions when buying a tow vehicle start with 1) how much towing will I do. 10% will allow you to go with "minimum". 2) How important is "overall fuel economy"? You have a boat and a tow vehicle. If fuel economy is a deal breaker you need alternate recreation. 3) What are my tow conditions? Flat land midwest, mountains, or 10 miles to the ramp? For frequent mountain tows or high percentage heavy tows I want deeper gears and engine size and power become less of a factor. So yes -- engine and gear selection are very important considerations. And most sales persons have never trailered anything so believe nothing they tell you. Ask people who actually haul heavy stuff. Isn't it funny that you can order a vehicle with optional axle ratios and engine combinations? A manifold vacuum gauge will tell you in very short order whether or not you have a properly equipped tow vehicle for the trailer you tow most. Once vacuum drops below about 9 inches for prolonged periods the engine is destined for an early grave. In fact the "Fuel Economy" gauges of yesteryear were nothing more than vacuum gauges calibrated for good, fair, poor economy based on normal, fair and poor engine vacuum.
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