Towing Capabilities

[Buccaneer]

Hello everyone. I've just joined this forum after reading the posts for some time now. I have recently sold a Mainship P34 and wish to downsize (really downsize!) to a Parker 18 or 21, something I can keep in my driveway. I have a Toyota 4Runner with towing package. Will the 6 cyl engine be strong enough for either of these boats? Especially pulling it up a ramp? Thanks!

 

[fishdogmoose]

I was towing my 18' parker with a ford explorer sport trac,( V6) had no problem at all. Single axle trailer with no brakes. the whole package is approx 2,800 lbs give or take a little. Now have F-150 & don't even know the boat is there.
My 18' may be for sale. It's a 1992 w/yamaha 115. trailer was totally rebuilt this year.

 

[wflgator]

I think a V6 4 runner might be a little light for pulling a 21SE. I upgraded tow vehicles when I got mine. I staretd out with a 5.3L V8 Silverado and I am now towing with a Nissan Titan. The Silverado was fine pulling the 21 on level or roling terrain but it didn't cut the mustard wheh I was towing throuhg the moutains when I lived in WA.

 

[Buccaneer]

I am really looking towards the Parker 18 now. I had wished for a 21SC, but I was advised that I was about 600 lbs short in towing capacity. So I'll be looking towards an 18...something to get back out on the water on, in short stretches along the Miles River and into Eastern Bay on the Chesapeake.

 

[fishdogmoose]

The 18' can go where ever you want, just watch the weather & plan your trips accordingly. It is a solid boat, you won't be sorry. As for fishing I have a 3 person max rule. ( unless the kids are coming) It gets crowded with 4 guys over 40 LOL.

 

[skipperhub]

The towing capacity of a Toyota Forerunner is information that is available in a used car guide.
The weight of the boat you are considering and the weight of the trailer are also easily found.
You have to add the gear on board, the fuel, at about seven pounds per gallon, and then give yourself a safety margin of about fifteen percent off off the towing capacity of the car.
I can't believe there is that much difference between an 18 foot run-a-bout and a 20 foot run-a-bout. One thing for sure you do not want to be borderline with you estimates.
Remember the pulling part is the easiest part. You can probably get a 20 foot boat moving with a golf cart. It's the stopping that can get you.
The wheel base of your vehicle is also a factor. Short wheeelbase equates to more sway with the tow and less brakeing power.
I pull a 2520 on a dual axle trailer with a Chrysler Aspen/Hemi engine full tow package. The boat and trailer are at about 7,000 pounds to which you add another five hundred or so for fuel and a bit more for junk on board. I am now pushing between 7,500 and 8,000 on a vehicle that is rated at 8,750 pounds towing. I don't dare go over sixty miles an hour and I don't plan to go over any mountains. The trailer has an excellent electric activated hydralic brake sysem and that is a comfort. You may not find that feature on a single xle trailer.
With a vehicle rated at 8750 I should not be towing more than about 7,500 mainely due to the tow vehicle's short wheelbase.

Good Luck,

Capt Hub

 

[TheOtherLine]

I'm thinking about picking up a used work truck just to haul my boat out during hurricanes or bad storms.

I found a 91 Ford f250 with a 350windsor and a C6 tranny (cheap). Problem is, the GCWR is not listed on the plate on the door jamb. I can't find it on the internet either.

Does anyone know what the towing capacity might be on this vehicle?

My guess is my 2520 will weigh in at around 7000lbs+ with fuel and all and I suspect that a suitable trailer will weigh around ? 2500 lbs ?. So, I feel like I need something that will pull at LEAST 10,000 lbs.

Any comments, knowledge or advice.

 

[Dan Duda]

Greetings:

I've got a 2520 with twin 150 Yammies and my guess is that it weighs somewhere around 7500# - 8000# with the trailer. I now tow it with a Ford Expedition, however, used to tow it with a Ford Bronco. The Bronc had the 350 Windsor engine/C6 xmission and towed my 2520 with no problem.

Good Luck

Dan

 

[TheOtherLine]

OK. Thanks for that info. Trailer bought, Truck bought. All done.

I'll have my wife take some videos of the first launch and retrieval for your entertainment :wink:

 

[Porkchunker]

I'm thinking about picking up a used work truck just to haul my boat out during hurricanes or bad storms.

I found a 91 Ford f250 with a 350windsor and a C6 tranny (cheap). Problem is, the GCWR is not listed on the plate on the door jamb. I can't find it on the internet either.

Does anyone know what the towing capacity might be on this vehicle?

My guess is my 2520 will weigh in at around 7000lbs+ with fuel and all and I suspect that a suitable trailer will weigh around ? 2500 lbs ?. So, I feel like I need something that will pull at LEAST 10,000 lbs.

Any comments, knowledge or advice.

Take the VIN to a local dealer and they can tell you a lot of info about the truck...including the weight capacity and gear ratios of the axles and the towing capacity.

Dave

aka

 

[skipperhub]

A double axle trailer with it's own brakeing system with a 10,000 pound load rating should not weigh over a thousand pounds.
Any Trailer sales point can tell you exactly.
Actualy you might call a Parker dealer and get the trailer specs from them.
If you are lookin at used trailer the manufaturer can give you the specs if you have the model number.

Skipper Hub