How bad will it be?

[LazyCruiser]

Hi all

Well I'll need to pull my boat out of the water either this w'end or next. (sniff sniff) My boat is below in my sig, I will be pulling it with a 10 y/o chevy silverado, 4x4 half-ton. I need to bring it about 20 miles, up and down some good hills. The truck runs fine and all, but has 184,000 miles on it.

How bad is my truck gonna strain to haul that sukka? The boat is like 4500 lbs and the trailer is 900 more. I'll also need to stop, trailer has surge brakes. I dunno if they work.

Any idea how badly this might go?

thanks, as always!

 

[roscoe]

Re: How bad will it be?

really badly if those brakes don't work.

Best to get them checked out before the big day.

Keep your speed down to 30-40 mph, as it sounds like you are not to comfortable with the whole excursion.

 

[Shrike]

Re: How bad will it be?

X 2... Absolutely make sure the brakes work!

 

[2300max]

Re: How bad will it be?

X 3! I have a F-250 4X4 and when I lockout my surge brakes to turn my boat and trailer around I travel about 3 blocks on the roadway to use a parking lot to turn around. When I apply the tow vehicle brakes it's amazing how much the boat and trailer pushes the heck outta my truck and the stopping distant is increased! My boat weighs 4400 lbs and the trailer 1100 lbs. Also the reason I lockout the brakes I have to back up on a slight hill to storage area.

 

[badkins50]

Re: How bad will it be?

Yeah there will be a lot of push from that big boat if the brakes are shot. As far as the towing part you should be fine, I have a 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 4.7L (wish it was a hemi) and I tow my 26ft 6000lb camper with no problem except the I literally watch the gas gauge drop. As far as pulling a boat out of the water, I'd be no help at all - mine is only a 19ft open bow - so I can't even tell it's back there. Good luck with the towing.

 

[JaseBosto]

Re: How bad will it be?

Your making this out to be way more than what it is. Just tow the thing already.
You probably spent more effort on this posting than the job will actually take.

 

[LazyCruiser]

Re: How bad will it be?

Your making this out to be way more than what it is. Just tow the thing already.
You probably spent more effort on this posting than the job will actually take.

OOOOOkay, thanks for the heartwarming response

 

[JaseBosto]

Re: How bad will it be?

I've towed way more with less of a truck than you have so that's why I see this as no big deal.
With the proper application of common sense, of course.

 

[LazyCruiser]

Re: How bad will it be?

That's good to hear.
This is all new to me, so I'm concerned and really afraid to hurt somebody w/a stopping issue.

Thanks everyone!

Sarah

 

[JaseBosto]

Re: How bad will it be?

Don't forget to put the outdrive up while going up the ramp and down the road....

 

[LazyCruiser]

Re: How bad will it be?

Don't forget to put the outdrive up while going up the ramp and down the road....

HAH - I made THAT mistake with my old boat 2x in a row at the Lake Placid ramp! Pretty embarassing listening to it scrape across the pavement as you drive away. And worse yet, the smirks & giggles from the men seeing a woman doing the screw-up.

 

[four winns 214]

Re: How bad will it be?

...And worse yet, the smirks & giggles from the men seeing a woman doing the screw-up.....

Don't worry. They've all done it before.

Your 4x4 can tow your boat safely if driven with a modicum of sense. It certainly would be better (and legal) if your brakes worked. If you can wait until next weekend, why not have your trailer's brakes checked and repaired before then?

 

[LazyCruiser]

Re: How bad will it be?

That's a good thought, and yes,,,,,,,I do agree that I should do that and likely will. One thing that you guys don't have to deal with is the 'stupid woman' thing every time you go to a mechanic. I'm sure we're seen as a target for unnecessary work and profits.

And this girl's boat fund is getting rather thin! Especially w/the winterizing and a fill-up for the ol gas tank.

But yes, I will have them checked out.
<fingers crossed there>

 

[fossill]

Re: How bad will it be?

Hmmmmm, sounds like a great excuse to go out and buy a new truck

 

[searay175snyder]

Re: How bad will it be?

you will be just fine check breaks and your solid go out on the water today have fun forget work enjoy your self a couple more times

 

[The Hammer]

Re: How bad will it be?

Better buy a Ford!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: How bad will it be?

Any decent RV/Camper shop should be able to check your brakes out for you. I have a good one near me that's been invaluable for any trailer issues I'd had.

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: How bad will it be?

I think the truck will be fine to do the job, assuming everything is in pretty good running order. Make sure all fluids are topped off, tires are at proper inflation, brakes are sound, hitch is the correct class. I would be hesitant to tow with just the factory bumper hitch but at the very least check the capacity of it IF that is what you are using. I would have the trailer brakes checked as stopping will be the biggest challange for you. If the brakes are more $$ to fix than you have right now then you have a decision to make. I think it could still be done not reccomended but doable, you would have to move it at a very low traffic time 5:00 am sun morn, give extra stopping distances in front of you maybe even have a car to stay in front of you or behind you. Decending hills you could help by pulling down into second and keep speeds low till you get back onto the flat then shift back into drive but with OD off. By the way you are NOT making more of this than need be, you are making a WISE decision by getting some advise and going about it in a safe, responsible manner. One other option may be to rent a one ton truck for a few hours and go for it with that, trailer brakes would still be nice but one tons have pretty good brakes on them. Good luck however you go about it.

 

[642mx]

Re: How bad will it be?

20 miles is nothing. You'll be fine, just leave plenty of space between you and whoever is in front of you. Adjust your mirrors so you can see the trailer and make sure the trailer lights work (brake lights). Drive slow and allow yourself plenty of time to get where your going.... most towing accidents happen when people get in a hurry.

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: How bad will it be?

One good rule of thumb it try not to ever hit the brakes in a curve or turn. The boat is gonna wanna keep going straight. It will wanna take the ***** end of the truck with it. That increases the chance of a jackknife as the boat pushes the truck sideways and the rear tires break loose. STOP STRAIGHT !!!
I drive an 01 Silverado with a 5.3 ....1/2 ton std cab long box 4X4. Looking at my manual as I type, the towing capacities are as follows....

With ball and hitch

With 5.3 engine auto trans with 3.73 rear end-8200 lbs with 4.10 rear 9200 lbs

With 4.8 auto trans with 3.73 r e 7200 lbs with 4.10 r e 8200-
subtract 2000 lbs towing cap if you have a man trans[ stick shift]
It does say max weight with just a hitch is 5000 lbs. [bumper hitch and ball Any thing over should have a weight distributing hitch. [Attached to chassis. Usually a reciever hitch [ square 2 in hole ]

It does suggest trailer brakes if trailer etc is over 2500 lbs....

looks like you have plenty of towing capacity. Take it easy-you will be just fine