I'm buying a '97 Hunter 26 water ballasted sailboat and have concerns about towing it. The boat has a 5000lb displacement of which 2000lbs is water ballast. Thus the towing weight is 3000lbs. After trailer, outboard and gear are added, I guess the total towing weight will be 4500-5000lbs. Is that a sensible estimate? My vehicle is a '97 GMC Jimmy (aka Chevy Blazer) with a rated tow capacity of 5000lbs. Vortec 4300 6 cylinder, 190hp. Based on all of your experiences, do you think towing with the Jimmy will be OK? I'll probaly tow the boat about two times per year and I expect most all of my towing to be under 400 miles. The majority less than 150mi. I am located in northwestern NJ where it is moderately hilly. Do I need to add a transmission cooler? Anti-sway devices? Load distributing hitch? Please help out a fellow sailor. Thanks - Ron M
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Tom
Go for it!
I have a water ballasted 26 foot Hunter and tow it with a 97 Jimmy. I feel very comfortable with the rig. The 97 Jimmy/Blazer came with the towing package standard, except for the hitch. You need a class 3 hitch. A U-haul dealer can advise and install it for you. You can estimate the weigth to be about 4000 to 4500 lbs depending on the equipment you carry. Good luck... Tom
I have a water ballasted 26 foot Hunter and tow it with a 97 Jimmy. I feel very comfortable with the rig. The 97 Jimmy/Blazer came with the towing package standard, except for the hitch. You need a class 3 hitch. A U-haul dealer can advise and install it for you. You can estimate the weigth to be about 4000 to 4500 lbs depending on the equipment you carry. Good luck... Tom
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Rick webb
Adequate
The six cylinder should be adequate for the towing you will be doing. If you are going to be keeping the truck for long I would very much recommend the transmission cooler. It would also be a good idea to stiffen the rear suspension, again to what extent would be a function of your anticipated use of the vehicle. Are you up around Lake Hopatcong? My sister in law lives up there and we have thought about bringing the boat up there sometime when we visit.
The six cylinder should be adequate for the towing you will be doing. If you are going to be keeping the truck for long I would very much recommend the transmission cooler. It would also be a good idea to stiffen the rear suspension, again to what extent would be a function of your anticipated use of the vehicle. Are you up around Lake Hopatcong? My sister in law lives up there and we have thought about bringing the boat up there sometime when we visit.
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Mike Pajewski
Watch for transmission leaks
Ron, I think you E-mailed me on this. I had problems with my 95 Blazer when towing my H-23.5. The front of the boat & trailer would be pink with fluid. It would show up after about 100 miles, and then go away. I remember on a trip from Davenport,IA to Bayfield,WI I noticed the problem at our first fuel stop. What made it even more weird was that the fluid level never changed. The dealer's reply was, "They all do that." When we traded up to the 26, I got an Expedition and never had to worry again. I grew up in New Jersey. We spent many summers at Lake Hopatcong. It's a shame that the Bertrand's Island Amusement Park is gone. We towed our 23.5 there several years ago. We used the ramp at the state park. It was late June, and the park was relatively empty. We had a good time. Good Luck, Mike Pajewski
Ron, I think you E-mailed me on this. I had problems with my 95 Blazer when towing my H-23.5. The front of the boat & trailer would be pink with fluid. It would show up after about 100 miles, and then go away. I remember on a trip from Davenport,IA to Bayfield,WI I noticed the problem at our first fuel stop. What made it even more weird was that the fluid level never changed. The dealer's reply was, "They all do that." When we traded up to the 26, I got an Expedition and never had to worry again. I grew up in New Jersey. We spent many summers at Lake Hopatcong. It's a shame that the Bertrand's Island Amusement Park is gone. We towed our 23.5 there several years ago. We used the ramp at the state park. It was late June, and the park was relatively empty. We had a good time. Good Luck, Mike Pajewski
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Ron M
Rick - Yes we sail on Lk Hopatcong.
Rick - Yes, we will be keeping it in the water most of the time at a marina in Lake Hopatcong. Fall and spring are good times to sail, since that's when there's wind. In summer there is very little wind, but we spend lots of time swimming off the boat. The water is remarkably clean for a lake that is so developed and used. Thanks for your reply. Ron M
Rick - Yes, we will be keeping it in the water most of the time at a marina in Lake Hopatcong. Fall and spring are good times to sail, since that's when there's wind. In summer there is very little wind, but we spend lots of time swimming off the boat. The water is remarkably clean for a lake that is so developed and used. Thanks for your reply. Ron M
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Rick webb
Moderately Hilly?
I was thinking more about it and it seems to me that unless you are from Colorado the grades up there are more than moderate, but that’s OK. I would however like to change my thoughts on the transmission fluid cooler, to tow 4500 or 5000 pounds up I80 at 50-60 MPH the cooler I would say would be an absolute necessity. They are not terribly expensive and fairly easy to install. If you are without the mechanical aptitude or inclination to do it yourself I can recommend Zoltan the AMMCO dealer in Dover. I thought we in a real bind on one visit when the transmission on our car quit upshifting. He took care of me better than any auto repair establishment I ever visited. It turns out it was just a $5.00 plastic clip on the throttle body. I would like to hear any suggestions you have on sailing in Lake Hopatcong or any other good spots in the area.
I was thinking more about it and it seems to me that unless you are from Colorado the grades up there are more than moderate, but that’s OK. I would however like to change my thoughts on the transmission fluid cooler, to tow 4500 or 5000 pounds up I80 at 50-60 MPH the cooler I would say would be an absolute necessity. They are not terribly expensive and fairly easy to install. If you are without the mechanical aptitude or inclination to do it yourself I can recommend Zoltan the AMMCO dealer in Dover. I thought we in a real bind on one visit when the transmission on our car quit upshifting. He took care of me better than any auto repair establishment I ever visited. It turns out it was just a $5.00 plastic clip on the throttle body. I would like to hear any suggestions you have on sailing in Lake Hopatcong or any other good spots in the area.
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Ron Fraboni
Jimmy OK
Ron, I have had several Blazers and currently pull my H26 with a 1996 Blazer. I trailer a couple times a year and may go for trips as long as 8 hours away. I have had no problems,but a few words of advice from my experience. FOR SURE, have a transmission cooler installed. It is very cheap insurance conpared to a repair job. Get a good hitch rated for at least 5000 lbs and drive the Jimmy in DRIVE, not OVERDRIVE unless you are on a easy level area and the car doesn't want to shift back down. I think GM tells you to use only the DRIVE gear. You will be towing at about 2500 RPMs, and gas mileage will drop from 18-20 to about 10-12 per gallon, but I don't think the vehicle is laboring. I once had transmission fluid blow out all over the car and it was bit scary, but I think the transmission cooler will resolve this problem - I was also told that was normal when the fluid expands when overheated. You will also note loss of engine power if you are towing and use the air conditioner. It will suck the power out of the motor and use more gas, but otherwise just keep an eye on the engine temperature. If it gets too hot, cut the air and make sure you don't fry your engine. Good Luck!!
Ron, I have had several Blazers and currently pull my H26 with a 1996 Blazer. I trailer a couple times a year and may go for trips as long as 8 hours away. I have had no problems,but a few words of advice from my experience. FOR SURE, have a transmission cooler installed. It is very cheap insurance conpared to a repair job. Get a good hitch rated for at least 5000 lbs and drive the Jimmy in DRIVE, not OVERDRIVE unless you are on a easy level area and the car doesn't want to shift back down. I think GM tells you to use only the DRIVE gear. You will be towing at about 2500 RPMs, and gas mileage will drop from 18-20 to about 10-12 per gallon, but I don't think the vehicle is laboring. I once had transmission fluid blow out all over the car and it was bit scary, but I think the transmission cooler will resolve this problem - I was also told that was normal when the fluid expands when overheated. You will also note loss of engine power if you are towing and use the air conditioner. It will suck the power out of the motor and use more gas, but otherwise just keep an eye on the engine temperature. If it gets too hot, cut the air and make sure you don't fry your engine. Good Luck!!
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Dave Condon
addl info
ron Fraboni hit it on the nail head but just a few extra items. Get the largest radiator you can install on the jimmy. IF towing allot, get heavy duty shocks or air shocks. You do not need anti sway but some will argue with me. Drive defensively as if on snow and ice. Check the brake fluid on the trailer and grease the hubs reguarly. Remember to take wide turns and watch for low overhangs. Ok enough from one who has more mileage towing the 26 than any one else. Happy sailing
ron Fraboni hit it on the nail head but just a few extra items. Get the largest radiator you can install on the jimmy. IF towing allot, get heavy duty shocks or air shocks. You do not need anti sway but some will argue with me. Drive defensively as if on snow and ice. Check the brake fluid on the trailer and grease the hubs reguarly. Remember to take wide turns and watch for low overhangs. Ok enough from one who has more mileage towing the 26 than any one else. Happy sailing
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Ron M
Anyone put boat, trailer, etc on scale?
Have any of you put your complete towing rig on a weigh scale? What was the total. I'm starting to question if the loaded boat will actually be below 5000#. I bought the '97 H26 today, but had it towed to the marina by a boat hauling service. They used a large pickup with a big V8 (can't recall the specifics). The driver thought the whole thing probably was over 5000#. Right now I'm still a little nervous about towing with the Jimmy. I have 'til spring to decide, but am leaning towards getting a new Dodge Durango. Also, thanks for all your helpful answers and suggestions.
Have any of you put your complete towing rig on a weigh scale? What was the total. I'm starting to question if the loaded boat will actually be below 5000#. I bought the '97 H26 today, but had it towed to the marina by a boat hauling service. They used a large pickup with a big V8 (can't recall the specifics). The driver thought the whole thing probably was over 5000#. Right now I'm still a little nervous about towing with the Jimmy. I have 'til spring to decide, but am leaning towards getting a new Dodge Durango. Also, thanks for all your helpful answers and suggestions.
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Larry Barnes
Wheel Base is the issue not power!
I've owned two H26 and live in the Rocky Mtn., north of Montana. and towed all over north America. I use a two wheel drive Suburban w/350 V8. Power is not the issue because my transmition dosen't even down shift on grades. The stability of the vehicle/tow configeration is what your focuse should be on. Even if the engine did suck air and stop you want to be on all 4 and pointing in the same direction as the boat. A short wheel base is a little weak kneed and would be very unstable to brake in a turn. If you choose to use a light vehicle w/out the stability of a long wheelbase then make sure that you put all of the gear and supplies as far forward as possible in the tow vehicle. I shopped around and found a beautiful used Silverado w/2 wheel drive for a very good purchase price. The Durango is a great looking vehicle but is the same old CRV as all the rest and has no room inside. For the money you could get a fabulous towing vehicle that your whole family could be comfortable in and you'd feel very secure driving.
I've owned two H26 and live in the Rocky Mtn., north of Montana. and towed all over north America. I use a two wheel drive Suburban w/350 V8. Power is not the issue because my transmition dosen't even down shift on grades. The stability of the vehicle/tow configeration is what your focuse should be on. Even if the engine did suck air and stop you want to be on all 4 and pointing in the same direction as the boat. A short wheel base is a little weak kneed and would be very unstable to brake in a turn. If you choose to use a light vehicle w/out the stability of a long wheelbase then make sure that you put all of the gear and supplies as far forward as possible in the tow vehicle. I shopped around and found a beautiful used Silverado w/2 wheel drive for a very good purchase price. The Durango is a great looking vehicle but is the same old CRV as all the rest and has no room inside. For the money you could get a fabulous towing vehicle that your whole family could be comfortable in and you'd feel very secure driving.
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Ron Fraboni
2 versus 52 Weeks
I'll add two more cents on this issue. Yes, longer wheelbase and V8 power are nice and may make towing easier, but you get stuck with lower gas mileage or a bigger vehicle for 50 weeks a year when you aren't towing. The Blazer/Jimmy is a reasonable vehicle that gives decent gas mileage and is not too big when driving MOST of the year. Just a thought!
I'll add two more cents on this issue. Yes, longer wheelbase and V8 power are nice and may make towing easier, but you get stuck with lower gas mileage or a bigger vehicle for 50 weeks a year when you aren't towing. The Blazer/Jimmy is a reasonable vehicle that gives decent gas mileage and is not too big when driving MOST of the year. Just a thought!
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Larry Barnes
2 cents, 2 dollars, 2,000 dollars
Fair enough, 52 weeks a year. But remember no amount of money can turn back the clock after an accident. Ask your Automobile Club about recommendations for towing a 5000# + trailer. The statistics tell the story. You want to tow the trailer not have it tow you. A Hunter 26 is a big tow and this is an important decision. If you're only towing there and back, once a year, it's an option to use a towing service. Respectfully, Larry Barnes
Fair enough, 52 weeks a year. But remember no amount of money can turn back the clock after an accident. Ask your Automobile Club about recommendations for towing a 5000# + trailer. The statistics tell the story. You want to tow the trailer not have it tow you. A Hunter 26 is a big tow and this is an important decision. If you're only towing there and back, once a year, it's an option to use a towing service. Respectfully, Larry Barnes
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Gary Adams
another thought
I have experienced some towing problems with some GM vehicles. The transmission leak is normal IF the unit is overworked. The transmission should have a tibe or valve to open when it exceeds NORMAL operating temperatures. Some 4-wheel drive vehicles also will blow out fluid from the differentials, which have a tube near the top of the axle housing. I haven't seen anything related to hitch size yet. I would purchase the largest receiver you can find. Class 4 would be nice. I would also look at the gvw rating for any tongue you have on the hitch. Don't forget to look at the ball as well. Some are only rated for a specific amount of gvw. Just remember the larger diameter the shaft of the ball is the more weight it will handle. I always go overkill with tongue and ball. Heavy shocks are nice. Gas charged off road such as Rancho will do a wonderful job. Again, bigger diameter cylinder is better. I would shy away from air shocks. The longevity is poor. Oil is another factor I would consider. also having your transmission fluid changed and a new filter installed yearly is best. GM suggests I think around 50k but, again it is cheaper than a new transmission. What about differential fluid? Perhaps a "flex" fan or a set of electric fans. A larger radiator doesn't equate to a cooler engine. I would look at the number of cores in the radiator. Also a new thermostat is cheap insurance. Sometimes you can find a lower temperature unit to install. I know they run at 200 plus degrees from the factory, but, consider how rapidly you oil will break down. If you can cool it down 15 degrees your engine wil last longer. No one has mentioned an Oil cooler either. I hope some of this is helpful. Lots of things to consider when preparing a vehicle to tow more weight than is suggested by the manufacturer. Gary
I have experienced some towing problems with some GM vehicles. The transmission leak is normal IF the unit is overworked. The transmission should have a tibe or valve to open when it exceeds NORMAL operating temperatures. Some 4-wheel drive vehicles also will blow out fluid from the differentials, which have a tube near the top of the axle housing. I haven't seen anything related to hitch size yet. I would purchase the largest receiver you can find. Class 4 would be nice. I would also look at the gvw rating for any tongue you have on the hitch. Don't forget to look at the ball as well. Some are only rated for a specific amount of gvw. Just remember the larger diameter the shaft of the ball is the more weight it will handle. I always go overkill with tongue and ball. Heavy shocks are nice. Gas charged off road such as Rancho will do a wonderful job. Again, bigger diameter cylinder is better. I would shy away from air shocks. The longevity is poor. Oil is another factor I would consider. also having your transmission fluid changed and a new filter installed yearly is best. GM suggests I think around 50k but, again it is cheaper than a new transmission. What about differential fluid? Perhaps a "flex" fan or a set of electric fans. A larger radiator doesn't equate to a cooler engine. I would look at the number of cores in the radiator. Also a new thermostat is cheap insurance. Sometimes you can find a lower temperature unit to install. I know they run at 200 plus degrees from the factory, but, consider how rapidly you oil will break down. If you can cool it down 15 degrees your engine wil last longer. No one has mentioned an Oil cooler either. I hope some of this is helpful. Lots of things to consider when preparing a vehicle to tow more weight than is suggested by the manufacturer. Gary
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Rick webb
Couple of Thoughts
Be very careful about changing the thermostat to one other than what is called for. Your vehicles engine computer is looking for particular temps, it may think the engine is cold and be running a rich mixture through the fuel injectors. This used to be something easy to do, but now not something one should do without checking the specs. Another consideration is synthetic oil I have used it exclusively for the last twelve years. It also brings the operating temperature down on your engine. It is more money but if you are going to keep your vehicle a while it is worth the extra outlay. The oil cooler is a good idea but make sure you get one with a thermostat otherwise your oil will sludge up. An extra capacity oil pan is something else to consider just having a extra quart or two of oil to run through makes a big difference in how long the oil stays effective. All of these suggestions need to be weighed against the frequency of towing and how long you want to keep the vehicle. If you do not exceed the manufacturers recommendations (which are conservitive) and tow infrequently or trade in your vehicle frequently you may not need to do anything. On the other hand if you keep your vehicle for a number of years or tow your boat a lot any or all of these things suggested would be worth considering.
Be very careful about changing the thermostat to one other than what is called for. Your vehicles engine computer is looking for particular temps, it may think the engine is cold and be running a rich mixture through the fuel injectors. This used to be something easy to do, but now not something one should do without checking the specs. Another consideration is synthetic oil I have used it exclusively for the last twelve years. It also brings the operating temperature down on your engine. It is more money but if you are going to keep your vehicle a while it is worth the extra outlay. The oil cooler is a good idea but make sure you get one with a thermostat otherwise your oil will sludge up. An extra capacity oil pan is something else to consider just having a extra quart or two of oil to run through makes a big difference in how long the oil stays effective. All of these suggestions need to be weighed against the frequency of towing and how long you want to keep the vehicle. If you do not exceed the manufacturers recommendations (which are conservitive) and tow infrequently or trade in your vehicle frequently you may not need to do anything. On the other hand if you keep your vehicle for a number of years or tow your boat a lot any or all of these things suggested would be worth considering.
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Rick webb
Forgot to Mention
All that work that you do to keep the engine cool while you are towing the boat in the summer is going to make the it take a whole lot longer to get things warm namely the heater in the winter, somthing else to consider.
All that work that you do to keep the engine cool while you are towing the boat in the summer is going to make the it take a whole lot longer to get things warm namely the heater in the winter, somthing else to consider.
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Russ King
iffy...
I have towed quite a few trailers over the years (campers, not boats). I think the Jimmy/Blazer is a marginal tow vehicle for your needs, because of the short wheelbase and limited horsepower. Go to a GM dealer and get the glossy brochure for the Jimmy/Blazer. I think you will find that GM does not recommend much of a towing load for that vehicle. I think your best choice is either a truck (i.e., GMC Sierra) with V8 and towing package, or a Suburban. I have also owned new and used Chrysler products; the last one I owned was a Dodge Aspen; my wife's last Chrysler product was a K-car. We won't ever buy another Chrysler product; read the "Incidence of Repair" for Chrysler products in Consumer Reports (Annual Auto Issue), and you will know why.
I have towed quite a few trailers over the years (campers, not boats). I think the Jimmy/Blazer is a marginal tow vehicle for your needs, because of the short wheelbase and limited horsepower. Go to a GM dealer and get the glossy brochure for the Jimmy/Blazer. I think you will find that GM does not recommend much of a towing load for that vehicle. I think your best choice is either a truck (i.e., GMC Sierra) with V8 and towing package, or a Suburban. I have also owned new and used Chrysler products; the last one I owned was a Dodge Aspen; my wife's last Chrysler product was a K-car. We won't ever buy another Chrysler product; read the "Incidence of Repair" for Chrysler products in Consumer Reports (Annual Auto Issue), and you will know why.
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