Decision time

[bigdee]

Re: Decision time

Are you planning to use the same ramp every time? If so go take a look and see what others are using and if 4x4 is necessary. I have been towing for years and years and have only needed 4x4 once. The good thing about ramps is there are plenty of good people willing to help you out if help is needed. Buy a nylon tow strap (cheap at Harbor Freight) and keep it with you...it is alot cheaper than a 4x4.

 

[SHickey]

Re: Decision time

More good advice!! Most of the ramps I have used have been cement with traction slots cut into them. Believe it or not the Astro has 4 snow tires and I'm thinking of leaving the snows on the back and getting some all season tires for the front. Do you think the radial snow tires would help with traction on the ramp or should I get all season all around??

SH

 

[mnypitboat]

Re: Decision time

Did you find anything yet? I tow with a V8 Trailblazer. I get about 19mpg around town and about 21-22mpg on the highway. THe 6 cylinder Trailblazer body style would be plenty, probably more than enough to tow your boat. My boat weighs in at over 5k and it works great. No transmission problems to speak of.

Nevermind I just saw your post about the Astro. Keep an eye on the rear end. The outer bearings are famous for going bad, and if you dont catch them in time they can cause all sorts of issues.

 

[SHickey]

Re: Decision time

Thanks again for more good advise. I am in the process of changing out the upper and lower ball joints along with the inner and outer front wheel bearings. I did not think the rear bearings would need attention since they do not handle the same stresses the front bearings take. I will definitely change those out considering the outer bearings are closest to the hub nut.

Any input in regards to leaving the snow tires on for traction or getting all season tires and saving the 4 snow tires for winter time use.

SH

 

[SWD]

Re: Decision time

Not sold on 4x4 or AWD? Why ever not? I live about 10 miles from a paved road and thats all I ever would buy. You've got good traction when you need it. Cant see the logic in "not sold on". You'll be sold on it once you encounter a slippery ramp. We have a boat that weighs in at 2800# and add another 900# for the tandem trailer and you are at 3700#. We are looking at getting an Explorer as they are rated for 5000#. AWD/4x4? You bet!

 

[mnypitboat]

Re: Decision time

Thanks again for more good advise. I am in the process of changing out the upper and lower ball joints along with the inner and outer front wheel bearings. I did not think the rear bearings would need attention since they do not handle the same stresses the front bearings take. I will definitely change those out considering the outer bearings are closest to the hub nut.

Any input in regards to leaving the snow tires on for traction or getting all season tires and saving the 4 snow tires for winter time use.

SH

Cant help ya on the tire issue. We dont have snow here.

Those rear wheel bearings sound like a jet taking off when they start going bad. I have replaces many many of them. Pretty easy job, and well worth the effort so you dont destroy an axle or worse.

 

[mrchev]

Re: Decision time

wouldn't recommend using the snow tires in the summer, the are made of a soft compound and would probably only last a year on the hot roads. The rear axle bearings are a common problem, change the rear end oil once a year to get the longest service life out of them.