Pulling A Train

Bionic Man wrote:
..... The lighter weight the boat, the better for towing. I don't notice my 2500 pound 16' Lund. ..... My 21' sterndrive was 5000 pounds, and what I towed all over the country. ..... 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 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 would get a diesel. I am very partial to RAM, but any of the Duramax trucks would be ok........

Thanks for the great info.I am going to do some quick research and see what I could find to suit me in the 3,000 to 5,000 lb range.

I also was thinking 'diesel' as much as I dont want to spend the additional. Thank (I think) for confirming that I really should go the extra bucks.

I wasn't aware of the necessary upgrades upgrades to the hitch and frame. It does make sense though. Every time we bough a boat (older models), we always planned on immediate upgrades so why not here too?.

I really want to thank you for taking the time to expand on your answers. You are da man.

Bumpyroad wrote:
I personally would not like to use a pontoon boat under these conditions. something more aerodynamic, etc. would be preferable IMHO.
bumpy

I was kinda leaning that way. I originally wanted a pontoon for the practicality. I guess the practicality of the pontoon as a boat does not have the same practicality as a towed vehicle.

Thanks Bumpy

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.

I personally would not like to use a pontoon boat under these conditions. something more aerodynamic, etc. would be preferable IMHO.
bumpy

Bionic Man wrote:
..........Speaking from experience, the bigger the boat, the more potential to have issues. I towed a 5000 pound boat probably 25000 miles in the last 15 years. When I got a bigger boat, those days ended.

OK, we gotta quit meeting like this, others are going to begin to talk.

Until then, I have another question or three for you and others that actually do pull trains.

I think I will settle on a 30'- 32' 5th wheel and some kind of boat - either ski or pontoon.

Question:
1). What is the largest/heaviest boat that you would feel comfortable towing behind a 30' 5th wheel?

2). I am also not a motor head so I am not familiar with auto engines. What size/HP make/model truck would you advise. Keep in mind that it will be a used 5 -7 year old truck.

3) I will probably put at least 10 -12K miles per year on it between pulling, local travel,shopping, etc. It will be my only vehicle. Would you recommend diesel or gas?

Thanks in advance.

Yes, I am saying that backing up tandem trailers can be done.

I have done it myself (don't like to). I have a buddy that is very adept at doing so. The best I saw was a guy that actually launched his boat without unhooking. I don't think I would try that myself, but with practice, it can be done.

Bionic Man wrote:

BulldawgFan wrote:
You will have absolutely Zero control of second trailer. Also, you will not be able to reverse, so you have to be very cautious of all situations you put yourself in turning around, etc.

False.

so you are saying that you can back a train? I don't want to be in that station when you try it.
people go bananas here when I say you can back up a 4 down toad (with limitations) which would be a thousand times easier than a train.
bumpy

BulldawgFan wrote:
You will have absolutely Zero control of second trailer. Also, you will not be able to reverse, so you have to be very cautious of all situations you put yourself in turning around, etc.

False.

You will have absolutely Zero control of second trailer. Also, you will not be able to reverse, so you have to be very cautious of all situations you put yourself in turning around, etc.

Powell should be on any boaters bucket list. My favorite place in the world. Going next week myself.

I don't know about the Great Lakes, but Powell/Meade/Havasu are all conducive to seeing by a tri-toon with a larger outboard.

Speaking from experience, the bigger the boat, the more potential to have issues. I towed a 5000 pound boat probably 25000 miles in the last 15 years. When I got a bigger boat, those days ended.