Towing a 25-28ft cigarette style boat

[j5wentworth]

I'm new to the forums here and am looking for honest advice (which I noticed you guys don't have a problem giving ) about towing. I had a 21 ft Sea Say BR / TA trailer combo that I towed with my 2005 Chevy Avalanche (1/2 ton z-71 w/ tow/haul option) and it towed just fine. I recently sold that boat and am purchasing a larger one somewhere within the 25-28ft range, such as a Baja, Formula, etc. Optimally, I know a 3/4 ton pick up would be the best bet, but would I be okay towing that size of a boat with my Avy? Just some background, I tow my boat to my cabin about 180 miles at the beginning of the summer where it stays until the end of summer. So i really only make one round trip each summer. My Avy's towing is rated @ 8,000 lbs and I dont fuel the boat up until I get about 30 miles away from my cabin.

So basically, if i plan on getting a boat of that size do i need to get a 3/4 ton for the amount of time I tow the boat or would the 1/2 ton Avy suffice? Thanks in advance!

 

[emoney]

Re: Towing a 25-28ft cigarette style boat

I'd imagine it would depend on the weight of the rig. Your Avalanche's rating is considered a "full-time" rating, meaning you should safely be able to leave it hooked up all the time. The biggest factor, of course, is not towing as much as it is "stopping". Make sure you get a pkg that has a trailer with good brakes, and I'd think they would need to be electric and maintained.

 

[Alwhite00]

Re: Towing a 25-28ft cigarette style boat

I pull my boat - (97 250 SunDancer) and it is 7,600+ and it pulls it pretty good, You definately know it's back there but stops good with surge brakes on both axles. It's all going to boil down to how heavy your new rig is.

LK

 

[j5wentworth]

Re: Towing a 25-28ft cigarette style boat

I pull my boat - (97 250 SunDancer) and it is 7,600+ and it pulls it pretty good, You definately know it's back there but stops good with surge brakes on both axles. It's all going to boil down to how heavy your new rig is.

LK

You tow that with a 1/2 ton you're saying?

 

[Alwhite00]

Re: Towing a 25-28ft cigarette style boat

You tow that with a 1/2 ton you're saying?

Yes - 1/2 ton - 5.3 with towing package.

LK

 

[NYBo]

Re: Towing a 25-28ft cigarette style boat

That style boat tends to be narrow of beam, correct? That should mean they are relatively light for their length. But get a loaded weight to be sure what you're dealing with.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Towing a 25-28ft cigarette style boat

You're good with a 1/2 ton truck as long as it doesn't exceed 9K-10K lbs. Just make sure the brakes work well. And, make sure your suspensionvand shocks are in good shape since you're up the high end of the truck's capabilities.

One thing I would suggest is that you piggyback a Tru Cool transmission oil cooler on your existing cooler for about $75 in parts. Heavy loads just kill transmissions thru heat, and tranny coolers are cheap insurance for trannys. New Trannys would cost you $3K-$4K.

If you were hauling it 100 miles each way every weekend, I'd suggest you go 3/4 ton diesel--for the fuel mileage.