Towing Capacity

Thanks.
I am on fence on best route.
Boat is much lighter now that I am looking at, so we are looking at a 3800lb boat plus double axle trailer.
So perhaps 6000 lbs total weight with gear and fuel.
I was thinking a medium pickup.
Suburban is nice, but I really do like the pickup idea as there are times I want to move a gas grill, picnic table, dock box and the enclosed SUV's just don't cut it. Pickup with a torneu cover will work.

Just not sure of right one for the job. Last thing I need is to get stuck on ramp!
 
As long as you get something with a low 4wd you should be ok at just about any ramp. Its the stopping that's most critical. Don't get anything with a short wheelbase.

If you are going to trailer, do some things to the trailer to make it easier...electric winch with a double line pull, add some bolt on steps so you can connect the winch to the boat without having to step into the water. Brake rinse fittings...Buddy bearings or like is a must.
 
Boat I am looking at has a brand new custom painted trailer to match boat. Steps are all diamond plate. Winch I think is manual, but I can change that. I will look into the buddy bearings.

Issue now is do I let some transporter run this thing 3000 miles on the trailer or not.
I don't want to.
 
No, they should put it on a flatbed and haul it. Across the country with near non-stop driving is not great for the trailer bearings or axle(s). I would request (pay for) they piggy back it.

Is the trailer painted aluminum? Painted steel doesn't do well in salt water.

looking forward to seeing your signature line change.
 
hmmm, good point about the trailer, not sure.
Looks like painted steel in pics.
I will find out, but it is what it is.
I am sure like anything with proper flushing and maintenance it will give me 5 good years which I may not need all of!
I have shopped around and for the money, this boat is a good buy and what I want.

I will post pics and details once I have a consumated deal.
 
Toyota Tundra.. I have a Dakota, and if i had to replace it tomorrow i would go get the Tundra.. a friend of mine just bought one, it has some great ratings.. check it out..
 
Perry,
Thanks for pointing out about the trailer, I am trying to find out now about it. But did some reading and it seems they mostly paint steel. This boat is coming from what was a fresh water location. From what I read, dunking a painted trailer in salt once does alot of damage, even if rinsed! So that is a issue!
Thanks!
 
Trailer is powder coated steel.
I think this is no good.
Looking for aluminum!
 
Dave,
Correct. you do not want a painted steel trailer for salt water. Galvanized or aluminum for salt.
 
there are issues with both.

Galvanized is very heavy and stiff

Aluminum is lighter but flexs

Are you thinking bunk or rollers?
 
Yep forget about a painted trailer, no way it will last. I have a galvanized Load Rite that's 19 years old and the frame is still not rusted. I'd go aluminum if possible to reduce weight.
About the Jeep vs Truck, the truck can be more useful because it has so much more space. I have 2 Grand Cherokees so I am very familiar with them. They are good vehicles but not big inside not that much good for hauling big stuff. The 07 with the Hemi V-8 and Quadradrive II 4x4 (full time automatic transfer case, front and rear electronic locking diffs) is an awesome power train. No other pick up or SUV has as good a system. Snow, ice, slimy ramps, no challenge. It will tow my boat (4000 lbs) like its not there. I always felt it with the 98 Grand (4.0 six). I'd look at a late model Dodge Ram with the Hemi if you want a pick up. They all (pick ups) have only part time 4x4 though not nearly as good in snow as the Grand Cherokee's system. The Hemi pulls like a freight train and all it needed to be a great tow vehicle for its size is air bags in the rear coil springs. Where I live it is tough to trailer anything, very very narrow roads, lots of hills and blind corners. The compact Jeep is perfect for towing here.
 
Ok, so how do you size a trailer.
Boat weight is 4500 dry.
Length overall is 24' 3" but that includes a swim platform, so boat is probably closer to 22' from Bow eye to Drain plug.
Trailer they have it on is rated for a 22' boat and 5200lbs.
I feel this is going to be a little light of a trailer for this boat when you get to a wet weight,
but next size up is a 23' and 5900lbs.
It is also more money since the trailer they have it on is in stock and the next size up would need to be ordered.
They obviously want to use the one they have in stock, which also happens to be used with no warranty.
I am a little leary.
 
Dave,
I would think you would need the heavier duty trailer...not sure the fuel cell or water but at 4500#s dry...you can easily put another 1000#s on for fuel, water, stuff, etc. I've never had a bunk trailer before but trailering easily is all about tongue weight and getting that correct.
 
It sounds like the trailer is too small. I believe, but not sure, the capacity of the trailer includes the boat, fuel, accessories, plus the weight of the trailer. If the dry weight of the boat is 4500 lbs and the trailer weighs 700 lbs, it's already maxed out.
 
I'd want a pair of 5200 lb axles, six lug hubs, 15" rims and 225/75-D rated tires, with 4 12" disc brakes for the running gear.
As far as bunks vs rollers, what kind of ramp will you be using? Shallow or steep? How much do the tides change depth wise from low to high? We have a shallow ramp, and on the north shore the tidal changes are 7 feet from high to low so most people use roller trailers unless they can use a steep ramp.
 
It's my understanding that the trailer rating is the gross weight: the boat, everything that's in it, including fuel as well as the weight of the trailer. A 4500# boat will probably need a minimum of a 7000# trailer. I believe an aluminum trailer of that rating weighs about 1200#, a galvanized is more like 1500#. So you are already close to 6K# before you put anything in the boat. I have no idea how the dealer can be recommending putting a 4500# boat on a 5300# trailer.
 
Mostly go out at nissequgue river. Bunks are ok. Can drive boat on. Ramp there isn't bad unless dead low.

I am going bigger but concerned if I go too big. Can a trailer be too big? Boat has to sit right on it. Also outdrive can get in way.
 
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