Towing

Wild b

Cadet
Joined
Jul 6, 2012
Messages
9
I have a dodge 1500 v6 with 2500 lbs helper springs I just bought a 25 ft baja with big block will I have a problem pulling it out of the ramp between trailer and boat it weighs about 5000lbs,I hope I didn't put the cart in front of the horse
 

SilverSS07

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 13, 2012
Messages
266
Re: Towing

4wd or 2wd? What year truck? What gears in the truck? Limited slip? Is that the boat's weight dry or loaded with fuel and stuff? I don't think the V6 will be too happy pulling it around but it should do it. Put a big trans cooler on it. I just looked up the towing capacity on a new v6 ram scsb and it's max is 3750 so I'd say it's time to look for a new truck.
 

Oshkosh1

Ensign
Joined
Jun 8, 2009
Messages
968
Re: Towing

Unless the ramp is in REALLY poor shape...No, you won't have a problem actually getting it out of the water. Now as for actually towing it? I wouldn't have a problem towing locally...just don't plan on going more than a few miles.
 

444

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 16, 2010
Messages
704
Re: Towing

You will be fine towing with it and at the ramp you should be okay. Just keep the back tires on the pavement and try not to let yourself spin the tires at the ramp. Not usually a problem unless it's algae covered. Not a ton of difference between the V6 and V8 powered dodge half tons other than power so you should be able to get by. Those V6's are kinda doggy at best so your highway performance will suck. Even my buddy's 97 ram 5.2 feels my 2000-2500lb boat/trailer behind it so your v6 is not going to be the greatest thing for doing a lot of highway hauling.
 

brewern

Cadet
Joined
Dec 31, 1969
Messages
12
Re: Towing

Do you know if the foam is wet under the deck? If so, that'll add a ton of weight.
 

Wild b

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Jul 6, 2012
Messages
9
Re: Towing

You will be fine towing with it and at the ramp you should be okay. Just keep the back tires on the pavement and try not to let yourself spin the tires at the ramp. Not usually a problem unless it's algae covered. Not a ton of difference between the V6 and V8 powered dodge half tons other than power so you should be able to get by. Those V6's are kinda doggy at best so your highway performance will suck. Even my buddy's 97 ram 5.2 feels my 2000-2500lb boat/trailer behind it so your v6 is not going to be the greatest thing for doing a lot of highway hauling.

Thanks,4 info I live in Tampa won't be making any trips to far.
 

brewern

Cadet
Joined
Dec 31, 1969
Messages
12
Re: Towing

Can anyone here recommend something other that ripping up the deck?
What if we drill a hole down about 6 inches, then insert a plastic tube and apply a vacuum. Seems that would tell us if there is water in the foam.
I'm just shooting form the hip though. Let's see what the pros say.
 

Wild b

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Joined
Jul 6, 2012
Messages
9
Re: Towing

Can anyone here recommend something other that ripping up the deck?
What if we drill a hole down about 6 inches, then insert a plastic tube and apply a vacuum. Seems that would tell us if there is water in the foam.
I'm just shooting form the hip though. Let's see what the pros say.

The foam is almost impossible to keep totally dry it's what keeps the water from sloshing around to the back of the boat just will try to keep the bow from diving into any waves at low speed.
 

brewern

Cadet
Joined
Dec 31, 1969
Messages
12
Re: Towing

Check out some of the restoration threads. It amazes me how much water the foam can hold. If you can drain that out, your boat will literally be a ton lighter.
 

Wild b

Cadet
Joined
Jul 6, 2012
Messages
9
Re: Towing

Truck has limited slip,trans cooler not quite sure what gears are in it
 

LippCJ7

Vice Admiral
Joined
Sep 20, 2010
Messages
5,431
Re: Towing

Wild b, I have a similar sized boat and twice the truck and even I spin occasionally at the ramp, I think you will be fine for awhile but you certainly need to upgrade vehicles before too long, your truck just isn't big enough for that boat and no upgrades will be enough, you need a 3/4 ton truck for that boat or a heavy SUV, another thing to think about is wheelbase, the longer the truck the easier things will be at highway speeds, just food for thought.
 

Wild b

Cadet
Joined
Jul 6, 2012
Messages
9
Re: Towing

Yea definitely looking to get a 2500 in next couple of months thanks for your your info
 
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444

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 16, 2010
Messages
704
Re: Towing

Yes you will be happier with a 2500 4x4, preferably diesel but a gasser will do it.
 
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