How Big Does My Truck Need To Be To Tow This Boat?

[109jb]

Re: How Big Does My Truck Need To Be To Tow This Boat?

I towed what appears to be that exact model boat with a 1986 extended cab Ford Ranger I used to own. The Ranger was 2WD and had a 2.9 V6 and a stick shift. Even though the stick sucked for towing, the truck had no problem pulling the boat. It did have problems stopping the boat however.

I also had a 1996 Dodge Dakota extended cab pickup with a 3.9L V6. This truck was much more capable than the Ranger in the towing department and i would have had no reservations towing a 19ft tinny with it although I never towed any boat bigger than a 16ft tinny with that truck. I did tow some flat bed trailers loaded up to a lot more than what a 19ft aluminum boat weighs and it did fine. Gas mileage sucked though.

As others have mentioned it isn't the engine that is going to be the determining factor. A 4 cylinder will pull that boat, but the smaller S-10/Ranger type trucks may lack a little in braking. I haven't owned a mini truck for years and I believe the braking systems are much better and more capable on the newer mini trucks.

If I personally were to buy a new truck today I would probably get a 1/2 ton full size. For the boat pictured I'd stick to at least a mid-size truck, but a S-10 or Ranger that is set up right would do the job.

 

[rexmitchell]

Re: How Big Does My Truck Need To Be To Tow This Boat?

I had a long bed S-10 regular cab with a V6, I towed my 17.5 ft bass boat with it on the bumper with no problems. It wasn't the easiest thing to do and I wouldn't recommend it but it is possible.

 

[funk6294]

Re: How Big Does My Truck Need To Be To Tow This Boat?

I dont think you will regret getting a little more truck than you need. Who knows what else you may need to tow or move around, the extra versatility is worth it.

 

[JoLin]

Re: How Big Does My Truck Need To Be To Tow This Boat?

I just love these debates because none of them are ever based in fact.

Pulling the boat is easy. A couple of guys can pull that boat. My daughter's Civic can pull that boat.

Stopping and turning are the hard parts, but the solution is easy.

You need to know the weight of boat, motor, fuel, trailer and stuff inside the boat. Then you need to calculate or measure the tongue weight

Now you can start reviewing car/truck specs. The other piece of info you need is the truck's Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR), which is the total weight of the truck itself (including passengers, fuel and stuff inside it) + the total weight of what you're going to tow (boat, trailer, motor, fuel and stuff inside it). That's the maximum total weight that the truck can safely deal with.

When all those things match up, Tongue weight, Tow capacity and GCWR... you've found an adequate tow vehicle.

If you ignore them you endanger people.

My boat, trailer and all accessories maxes out at a little under 8000 lbs.
My trailer tongue weight is estimated at a max of 1000-1200 lbs.
My truck weighs 6500 lbs with a full load of fuel, couple passengers, and the junk I carry in the bed.

That means I needed a vehicle with a tow capacity of at least 8000 lbs, GCWR of at least 14,500 lbs, and a tongue weight capacity of at least 1200 lbs.

I didn't buy a 3/4 ton pickup because I wanted to, but because it was dictated by what I need to pull.

 

[Eute]

Re: How Big Does My Truck Need To Be To Tow This Boat?

not debating, just stating that it is possible to tow that boat with a S-10
did it with a much heavier boat with a 98 s-10 blazer V6 every weekend during the summer, with wife and 4 kids in the blazer, boat loaded with fishing a camping gear. Stopping wasnt too bad. Didnt feel any differnt with my 1/2 ton surburban i got now with stopping.

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: How Big Does My Truck Need To Be To Tow This Boat?

edit

 

[109jb]

Re: How Big Does My Truck Need To Be To Tow This Boat?

I just love these debates because none of them are ever based in fact. ...

FACT:I towed what appears to be that exact model boat with a 1986 extended cab Ford Ranger I used to own. The Ranger was 2WD and had a 2.9 V6 and a stick shift. Even though the stick sucked for towing, the truck had no problem pulling the boat. It did have problems stopping the boat however.

FACT:I also had a 1996 Dodge Dakota extended cab pickup with a 3.9L V6. This truck was much more capable than the Ranger in the towing department and i would have had no reservations towing a 19ft tinny with it although I never towed any boat bigger than a 16ft tinny with that truck. I did tow some flat bed trailers loaded up to a lot more than what a 19ft aluminum boat weighs and it did fine. Gas mileage sucked though.

FACT:As others have mentioned it isn't the engine that is going to be the determining factor. A 4 cylinder will pull that boat, but the smaller S-10/Ranger type trucks may lack a little in braking. I haven't owned a mini truck for years and I believe the braking systems are much better and more capable on the newer mini trucks.

FACT:If I personally were to buy a new truck today I would probably get a 1/2 ton full size. For the boat pictured I'd stick to at least a mid-size truck, but a S-10 or Ranger that is set up right would do the job.

FACT: Every one of the trucks mentioned thus far in this thread can be found equipped so that the towing capacity, GCVWR, etc. can all be met for the boat in question.

 

[JoLin]

Re: How Big Does My Truck Need To Be To Tow This Boat?

FACT:I towed what appears to be that exact model boat with a 1986 extended cab Ford Ranger I used to own. The Ranger was 2WD and had a 2.9 V6 and a stick shift. Even though the stick sucked for towing, the truck had no problem pulling the boat. It did have problems stopping the boat however.

FACT:I also had a 1996 Dodge Dakota extended cab pickup with a 3.9L V6. This truck was much more capable than the Ranger in the towing department and i would have had no reservations towing a 19ft tinny with it although I never towed any boat bigger than a 16ft tinny with that truck. I did tow some flat bed trailers loaded up to a lot more than what a 19ft aluminum boat weighs and it did fine. Gas mileage sucked though.

FACT:As others have mentioned it isn't the engine that is going to be the determining factor. A 4 cylinder will pull that boat, but the smaller S-10/Ranger type trucks may lack a little in braking. I haven't owned a mini truck for years and I believe the braking systems are much better and more capable on the newer mini trucks.

FACT:If I personally were to buy a new truck today I would probably get a 1/2 ton full size. For the boat pictured I'd stick to at least a mid-size truck, but a S-10 or Ranger that is set up right would do the job.

FACT: Every one of the trucks mentioned thus far in this thread can be found equipped so that the towing capacity, GCVWR, etc. can all be met for the boat in question.

I showed the OP the right way to determine which vehicle(s) will safely tow his boat. All fact.