Which truck for hauling a trailer sailer?

FDL S2 · Jul 5, 2019

Both Cummins and Powerstroke are good engines and Ford and Ram both make nice trucks so I don't think you will go wrong with either of them. Having said that, I haven't been a fan of Chrysler products since owning a few in the 90's (I know they are so much better now-but I'm stuck in my ways lol) and I've owned a couple older Ford trucks that are workhorses (not pulling boats but car trailers, hay wagons, etc) so my bias leans toward the Ford.

markwbird · Jul 5, 2019

Tundra

Meriachee · Jul 5, 2019

The 6 leaker as it's commonly referred to is notorious for headgasket leaks.
The 7.3 is also an International engine, and seems to have fared a little better.
The 6.7, which is the current production model is a native Ford product. My 2011 has just turned 300k kms and is probably the best truck I've ever owned.

I collected this boat from Lake Dillon with the 6 leaker and warped a rotor coming down the hill into Denver. There is no way in heck I'd drag your boat around with a 1/2 ton truck and I wouldn't want to be in front of you on that hill. It's far more about stopping power and handling than pulling power.

Meriachee · Jul 5, 2019

tmleadr03 said:
Agreed.

The 350 is a full size truck, and a long wheelbase. The little Catalina tips the scales at about 11,500 lbs, and is obviously at the upper end of the capabilities of this truck, and while the trailer has brakes on every axle, it has never felt for a minute less than stellar back there. I would not, however, drive over the Coquihalla with it. 11% grades for 10 miles are a little more than even I'm comfy with.

Rick Webb · Jul 5, 2019

Two friends here just got some awesome deals on Ram trucks I liked both trucks not sure there is a significant difference between the brands. If you do not have a brand bias like many of us do go with the dealer who treats you the best and the best deal you can get.

twalker H260 · Jul 5, 2019

Are you looking for gas mileage or improved range between fueling?

Going diesel up here adds a significant amount to the price of a truck. Usually done for increased durability of the drive line if your doing lots of miles and increased towing power/torque. In my area the vehicles usually lose their bodies long before the drive line goes. (Rust)

My 5.3l gas half ton will do around 300miles + between fills. Mileage with boat is 11-16mpg depending on towing speed and hills. Between this truck and my previous I have towed the boat over 10,000 miles - including the rockies.

Fuel tank size will be the determinant for range, some trucks do have the option of dual or oversize tanks.

I assume from your weight estimates that you are a water ballast boat?

markwbird · Jul 6, 2019

tmleadr03 said:
It would end up being the same engine I have now. Part of the reason for going to diesel and a full size, not a quarterton gas is the fueling. I can get 140 miles with the GX before I start looking for a gas station. And that is without a headwind. Then it is 100 miles.

Actually the Tundra has a 5.7 liter 380 hp v8. That’s is considerably larger than the gx470’s engine. As for mileage I do not know what it would be but it wouldn’t be great. Diesel would be better for towing but I in my opinion the Tundra is preferable overall. Too bad Car Guys are no loner around.

MikeHoncho · Jul 6, 2019

Any full size truck will exceed your tow weight needs. If you want a full size truck to drive around I'd get one. If you are looking for something smaller but can handle the weight I'd look at mid size trucks. My friend has a Chev Colorado with a diesel. He hauls around his Airstream trailer all over the west coast and is currently in Minnesota with it. There are some new trick trailer brake systems out there now that use gyroscopes and apply independently side to side to overcome sway. Proper balancing if the trailer is overlooked alot causing problems.

DrJudyB · Jul 6, 2019

Have you considered a weight distribution hitch with anti-sway bars? There are versions available that are compatible with hydraulic surge brakes.

Here's the one I bought for my 5000 pound boat and trailer.

https://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Distribution/Fastway/FA94-00-0600.html
(Fastway is a division of Equalizer Hitch. Your boat may require a more heavy duty version than mine does. Contact Equalizer for tech support)

YMMV

Kermit · Jul 6, 2019

I pull my H260 with a 2008 Ford Expedition. Not diesel but I’ve been very happy with it. Never had trouble with sway. Even on interstate highways with BAMF trucks passing me.

MikeHoncho · Jul 6, 2019

Keep in mind that manuf. Tow capacity doesn't change with sway bars, load distribution hitches or airbags.

BrianRobin · Jul 6, 2019

Personally, I like my old Cummins, pulls my boat like it's not even there, but is noisier, for long trips that makes the drive a little more uncomfortable.

vhoisington · Jul 6, 2019

Well being a fan of GMC, i’ll Throw the 6.6 gmc with their Allyson transmission for towing. Of course we can all argue all day between ford, ram and gm. But I like the power and comfort of the gmc trucks. Even older GMC’s with their diesel will do you well.

While the tow vehicle sure makes a difference, I’ve towed travel trailers and boats all over the west with 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton trucks and never really had issues. My current 1/2 tone tows our 31’ camper all over the US and Canada just fine. We use highways and side roads as needed but are watchful of others. Never had an issue with anyone as long as we are careful.

Good luck

Leeward Rail · Jul 6, 2019

FDL S2 said:
haven't been a fan of Chrysler products since owning a few in the 90's (I know they are so much better now-but I'm stuck in my ways lol) and I've owned a couple older Ford trucks that are workhorses (not pulling boats but car trailers, hay wagons, etc) so my bias leans toward the Ford.

The old Dodge 12 valve Cummins with manual transmission and serious frame, is the best pickup chassis/drivetrain in recent memory IMO.
Unfortunately the bodies rusted to crap.
I'd love to stick a newer Chev body on a one of those chassis.

The newer Rams are not great IMO, due to electrical issues and premature rust. (the late 1990s trucks were better in my experience)

Recent example: We had a guy 1 month ago have his horn give out.
The intergrated power module in the newer ones is just another word for "fuse, relays and logic board with some non-replaceable relays".
Non-replaceable horn relay on the power module was bad..

Result: Replace the whole module. A huge bill just to get a horn work. Can't just wire up a generic relay back to the steering wheel, because the steering wheel communicates via CANbus.

Ford ? All the techs in our shop hate Fords. Horrible to work on across the whole range of vehicles.
The tritons were crap, the v6 ecoboost has issues, etc. The older Ford diesels were good.
Their reputation is based on trucks from long past.

markwbird said:
actually the Tundra has a 5.7 liter 380 hp v8. That’s is considerably larger than the gx470’s engine. As for mileage I do not know what it would be but it wouldn’t be great. Diesel would be better for towing but I in my opinion the Tundra is preferable overall. Too bad Car Guys are no loner around.

While I like Toyotas for MANY reasons, we recently had a new customer come into replace the starter, for a second time, on his 5.7 tundra.
R&R a starter in that truck is over 5 hours labour !

Unless you are towing constantly, and the truck is in daily use, I'd find an older Pre-DPF diesel with a manual trans. Less complicated the better.

Of course, if everyone thought that way, our shop would make less money.

Which truck for hauling a trailer sailer?

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