Another Tow Vechicle ?

[karrick]

Sorry for the repetitive post, but I have been curious if my 2wd Dakota with a V6 will be sufficient to pull my 16'Alum Starcraft w/60hp. I just put a new 3/4" plywood floor in and was nervous about being able to pull it out of the water. I noticed from the other posts everyone likes 4wd. I would prefer it, but my truck is lacking in the 4wd department. <br />thx

 

[rivercat49]

Re: Another Tow Vechicle ?

I pulled a 17 ft. shoal cat with a 50 hp. honda with a 2wd dakota for about 3 years with <br /> no problems. It had plenty of power to pull the boat out of the water on some pretty steep <br /> ramps. Good Luck

 

[keelhauled]

Re: Another Tow Vechicle ?

I pull my 18' fiberglass i/o with my 4x4 V8 Dakota, but I've never used or needed the 4-wheel drive to pull it out. You'll probably be OK if you keep the rear wheels above the waterline.<br /><br />Many Dakotas came equipped with limited slip rear ends. If you have one of these, you shouldn't have anything to worry about.

 

[Terry H]

Re: Another Tow Vechicle ?

4x4 vehicles are highly overrated...certainly not necessary for towing and launching a boat under normal circumstances...just a Thought

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Another Tow Vechicle ?

That Dakota will pull that 16' aluminum boat around just fine and out of the water with NO problem, even with the 6 cylinder...

 

[Invader92]

Re: Another Tow Vechicle ?

I pull my 165 Invader I/O with a 2 w/d Trailblazer. So far its never been an issue.

 

[POINTER94]

Re: Another Tow Vechicle ?

4wd, is really just an insurance policy if the ramp is wet and slimey making traction problematic. Otherwise a 2wd frequently is better set up for towning. Lower center of gravity (sometimes), slightly greater hp to the drive wheels since there is only one set of gears, and a lower vehicle weight.<br /><br />You should have no problem with what you are discribing.

 

[JasonB]

Re: Another Tow Vechicle ?

That rig should be no problem for that Dakota. I tow a 1800lb fiberglass up most any reasonable ramp with a '92 2wd Ranger/v6/5spd. I just make sure the tires are decent.

 

[karrick]

Re: Another Tow Vechicle ?

Thanks for the advice guys. It's good to hear that others haven't had any trouble with a similar setup. I'm glad I have an autotranny ... I will probably need some new tires soon. Is there a favorite brand/style of tire for light truck use specifcally friendly to a boater?

 

[KM2]

Re: Another Tow Vechicle ?

Karrick,<br /><br />I have had a few sets of cooper tires and think they are a great value and look good. I have Cooper Discoverer h/t's on now. Made in the USA too.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Another Tow Vechicle ?

You should be fine. I have 4 wheel drive, and despite some of the times the ramp has been horribly wet and slimy I have never needed to lock in the front wheels. Only reason I even have a 4 wheel drive is for winter.

 

[POINTER94]

Re: Another Tow Vechicle ?

Tires are an interesting bird. You should probably take a look at the tirerack.com and fill out the questionaire. Tires are designed to meet a variety of different applications and what you want/need may steer you to a tire that you never thought of. You will not require any type of special duty specification with your trailer. How you drive day to day will dictate the type you should get..<br /><br />I run Michelins on my 4x4 bronco cuz it very rarely leaves the pavement and I want as quiet a tire as I can get with good road manners. The truck makes plenty of noise on its own..

 

[ChrisMcLaughlin]

Re: Another Tow Vechicle ?

I regularly tow a 51' Hatteras with a Yugo. So far no problems. You should be OK with the Dakota.