Who here selected your boat based on your tow vehicle?

[Glock Diver]

Guilty!    

I love my 225, but it was honestly a compromise between how much boat I wanted, and how much boat I could tow.  Anyone else make their purchase decision like this?

A year later, I traded in the Ford Explorer for an F150, which makes me think, NOW I could tow that bigger boat!
 
Like this one!  You truck guys-- think an F150 could safely and comfortably tow a 275 Explorer?  My tow capacity is 9600 lbs.
http://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/boa/2334643802.html

[Circle Hooked]

Thats a bit much for me,i don't like towing something that weighs that much more then my truck,i would say that boat is F250 territory at least,an F150 MIGHT do ok pulling down to the local ramp but any more than that give me the bigger truck for sure.

[wingtime]

Yeah that is a 3/4 ton or 1 ton tow vehicle for that boat.   Yes your tow rating is 9600 lbs but I doubt your hitch is rated for that.  A class 3 is usually 5,000 lbs weight carrying and 10K weight distributing.  You also have to look at the CGVWR of your truck.  Thats the combined weight of your truck, boat trailer, gear etc.  You also can not exceed your vehicles GVWR.  I'm not sure what your truck weighs empty but I'm sure when you add fuel, gear, people, and the the tongue weight of the trailer you'll be way overweight.

[RickK]

I had a '03 Tacoma when all I had was my 170 - pulled it fine.  I got the itch for a bigger boat to camp on and knew that I needed a bigger truck.
Bought the Tundra in Oct '06 and then the 230 in Nov '06 (expensive year).  The truck is pretty much maxed out by this boat IMO.
For the 275 I think you need a bigger truck than the F150, maybe a diesel.  That's a lot of boat.




Here is a test, drive to the Franklin Locks (http://marinas.com/view/lock/41_Franklin_Lock_FL) and look at that ramp - it's close to you.  Then imagine first, launching your current boat from that ramp and then the 275  
That was a scary ramp the first time I backed my 230 over the hump.  The ramp is to the right of the lock in the picture - doesn't look too bad in the pic but in person its different.

[flounderpounder225]

Your F150 is perfect for your 225.  My 245 with the 250 HPDI, trailer and gas sat on the scale at 7K... a 1/2 ton would pull it around town, but it would eat the tranny out of a 1/2 ton if used for long hauls.  My 2500, with the 6.0 liter and 4L80 tranny does good, but I wouldn't pull it with a 1/2 ton very much, ESPECIALLY up a steep ramp consistently.  And as far as what those numbers on your door jamb say.... ask your favorite transmission guy about that, they love those numbers  :pirat:

[Aswaff400]

welll well well...

if a 1/2 ton truck is properly setup for towing theres no reason why it shouldnt be able to tow a boat of that size...

i think our SR weighs a good bit more than a 275 and we have absolutely no problems towing it with a '05 1/2 ton 2wd dodge. although we modified the truck for heavy/continuous towing. i wouldnt think of towing a boat of that size with a older 1/2 ton...

but would i tow on the interstate? no...

we have yet taken her to the scales...

she sits nicely on a pair of 6500lb axles, 6 lugs, 12 inch drum brakes on both axles...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfQxe4ET ... ideo_title

[Glock Diver]

Rick, that Franklin Lock ramp was absolutely terrifying the first time I launched there!  (actually, it was the first time I EVER launched my 225, we used that ramp. Back when I towed with the Exploder. I had visions of the truck slipping into the river.)

You guys are probably right about the weight of a 275 with an F150.  It's smart to have a healthy margin of safety between your actual towing weight and your towing capacity... not to mention your GCVWR.  Sounds like an F150 wouldn't have much of a margin there.  Not that I have an extra $50k laying around!  But one day I'd like a "big boat".  :santa:

[jasons215]

Exactly what I did. I live 1 hour away from the coast and about 3 different lakes. Purchased my 215 Explorer with the intention of towing it with ease to different waters. Truck is a 1/2 ton Chevy Crew Cab!

[Capt. Bob]

Any of the "Big Three" 3/4 ton diesels and matched transmissions will pull that 275 like it was a jon boat.

Duramax,
but I'm bias.

[Aswaff400]

Any of the "Big Three" 3/4 ton diesels and matched transmissions will pull that 275 like it was a jon boat.

Duramax,
but I'm bias.

the new p-stroke will even easier.



im more bias :tongue:

[RickK]

Rick, that Franklin Lock ramp was absolutely terrifying the first time I launched there!  (actually, it was the first time I EVER launched my 225, we used that ramp. Back when I towed with the Exploder. I had visions of the truck slipping into the river.)

Yup, when your boat disappears from behind you because it's already down the slope and you haven't even started over "the hump" that is when it hits you - is this boat going to pull my truck into the drink with it      I locked mine into 4WD just in case...didn't seem to need it, but then again, that's what 4WD makes you feel like.
A little spooky the first time with a big boat. I talked to the lock tender and he told me he saw people that could launch but couldn't retrieve the boat.  There is a ledge at the end of the ramp and if your trailer drops off the edge, good luck getting her out.

The cruise from there to the east is very nice though. Maybe a thought for the future gatherings.