Pulling A Train
How Safe/Unsafe would it be to pull a 30' camper with an 18' pontoon boat behind it with a pick-up truck?
Forum Discussion
The first question is a harder one. The lighter weight the boat, the better for towing. I don't notice my 2500 pound 16' Lund. My 6500 pound 23' Malibu was way too much. My 21' sterndrive was 5000 pounds, and what I towed all over the country. If I still had that boat, I would still tow tandem. I don't think I would be towing anything heavier with any frequency or distance.
If you are towing anything over 3500 pounds, I think you should be prepared to spend some $$$ on the frame and hitch of the 5er. I spent $2k at the end of last year to have a heavier hitch put on and my frame reinforced because the original hitch cracked.
I would also spend more $$ upfront and get a air ride 5er hitch. Towing something with much tongue weight will really create a bucking in the truck. I changed out my pin box for a air ride style, and it helps, but there is still bucking.
5-7 year old truck, I would get a diesel. I am very partial to RAM, but any of the Duramax trucks would be ok. It sounds like Ford got it right with the 6.7 Powerstroke as well (would be my distant 3rd choice, but there are plenty of opinions here).
Diesel trucks are holding a crazy amount of value right now. I'd make sure I compared new to something in that age range, as you might be surprised at how close they are in price.
If you are towing anything over 3500 pounds, I think you should be prepared to spend some $$$ on the frame and hitch of the 5er. I spent $2k at the end of last year to have a heavier hitch put on and my frame reinforced because the original hitch cracked.
I would also spend more $$ upfront and get a air ride 5er hitch. Towing something with much tongue weight will really create a bucking in the truck. I changed out my pin box for a air ride style, and it helps, but there is still bucking.
5-7 year old truck, I would get a diesel. I am very partial to RAM, but any of the Duramax trucks would be ok. It sounds like Ford got it right with the 6.7 Powerstroke as well (would be my distant 3rd choice, but there are plenty of opinions here).
Diesel trucks are holding a crazy amount of value right now. I'd make sure I compared new to something in that age range, as you might be surprised at how close they are in price.
