I am considering purchasing a H26 that I would want to trailer from time to time. I would like comment from other H26 owners that trailer their boats, with regards to type of tow vehicle, and past problems. I have been told that it will be very difficult to tow this boat with a SUV. Any and all comments will be greatly appreciated. Thank You Very Much !
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Towing
I own a 240 and tow it with a Dodge Dakota with 4 wheel drive and a V-8. I would say you probably need a suburban, or a dually or a full size pickup with a long bed. You will definatly need at least a 350 or larger engine. I think your going to need the extra wheel base length. You may want to compare the wheel base length of the expidition.
I own a 240 and tow it with a Dodge Dakota with 4 wheel drive and a V-8. I would say you probably need a suburban, or a dually or a full size pickup with a long bed. You will definatly need at least a 350 or larger engine. I think your going to need the extra wheel base length. You may want to compare the wheel base length of the expidition.
Biggers Better, Maybe
I pull my H23.5 with a 4WD Dakota and V8 which is adequate, however I just used a V8, 4WD Explorer that not only had more towing power but had better stopping power and fuel economy. Trailering for 30 miles on flat terrain is a lot different than 300 miles in mountains. Don't buy a lot more truck than is really needed. We always put the outboard, water, fuel, and heavy stuff in the tow vehicle. The Hunter trailers are marginal so it takes some weight off and also helps provide better braking, since mine is an old trailer without brakes. If it's just for launch/retrieve and short hauls, maybe a used pickup would do better? Some people pull them with front-wheel drive vans but I wouldn't feel very comfortable. Ken S/V Wouff Hong
I pull my H23.5 with a 4WD Dakota and V8 which is adequate, however I just used a V8, 4WD Explorer that not only had more towing power but had better stopping power and fuel economy. Trailering for 30 miles on flat terrain is a lot different than 300 miles in mountains. Don't buy a lot more truck than is really needed. We always put the outboard, water, fuel, and heavy stuff in the tow vehicle. The Hunter trailers are marginal so it takes some weight off and also helps provide better braking, since mine is an old trailer without brakes. If it's just for launch/retrieve and short hauls, maybe a used pickup would do better? Some people pull them with front-wheel drive vans but I wouldn't feel very comfortable. Ken S/V Wouff Hong
Standard SUV OK
I have a H26 and tow it on a couple of long trips once or twice a year. The trailer has surge brakes so the vehicle is not used to stop the trailer. I have towed very successfully with a Chevey Blazer or similiar vehicle. Don't think you need a V8 but have to have at least the power of the Chevy V6. I would suggest a 10,000 lb rated hitch, and good insurance would be having a tranmission cooler installed to make sure the tranny doesn't overheat and cost you big bucks. I have found the Blazer to be a reasonable cost and size to use year-round and still handle the H26 for occasional towing. This subject has been discussed on the Hunter web site before , so check the achives. Good Luck!
I have a H26 and tow it on a couple of long trips once or twice a year. The trailer has surge brakes so the vehicle is not used to stop the trailer. I have towed very successfully with a Chevey Blazer or similiar vehicle. Don't think you need a V8 but have to have at least the power of the Chevy V6. I would suggest a 10,000 lb rated hitch, and good insurance would be having a tranmission cooler installed to make sure the tranny doesn't overheat and cost you big bucks. I have found the Blazer to be a reasonable cost and size to use year-round and still handle the H26 for occasional towing. This subject has been discussed on the Hunter web site before , so check the achives. Good Luck!
Durango works for me!
We use a Dodge Durango with the 5.2L V8 and obviously 4WD. I believe with the next engine up, towing package, etc, that the Durango is rated at 7800 lbs. More than adequate to tow a 26. I bought it in NJ, towed it to Chicago, and have taken it sailing to Wisconsin, Indiana, and Ohio. I've been on steep and shallow ramps with no problems with the truck. (I did forget to raise the rudder last time, OUCH.) I generally travel at 65-68 mph, but through the hills/mountains of Pennsylvania, found myself hard pressed to do 55, not that I needed to go faster. Hope this helps, good luck. T J Furstenau
We use a Dodge Durango with the 5.2L V8 and obviously 4WD. I believe with the next engine up, towing package, etc, that the Durango is rated at 7800 lbs. More than adequate to tow a 26. I bought it in NJ, towed it to Chicago, and have taken it sailing to Wisconsin, Indiana, and Ohio. I've been on steep and shallow ramps with no problems with the truck. (I did forget to raise the rudder last time, OUCH.) I generally travel at 65-68 mph, but through the hills/mountains of Pennsylvania, found myself hard pressed to do 55, not that I needed to go faster. Hope this helps, good luck. T J Furstenau
Expedition works fine
I tow my H26 behind a Ford Expedition with the 5.4 liter V8 and the factory Class III tow package. The only thing I've added to the factory setup is a pair of towing mirrors that strap on to the existing mirror housings. The truck has no problems towing the boat at 65 mph. An advantage to having a bigger vehicle with a more powerful engine is increased ride comfort and less impact on your gas mileage. When I towed my 23.5 with my V6 Blazer, the mileage fell off about 40%, where as I notice only a small (1-2mpg) dropoff with the Expedition. The last thing to consider is the actual trailering weight of the whole rig. We stopped at a weigh station and measured the weight of our 23.5 on the trailer. With motor, lifejackets and some supplies on board, it topped out at 3750#. I have yet to measure my 26, but I don't think 5000-6000 lbs would be unreasonable. After my experiences with the Blazer (Transmission fluid leaks, poor mileage, questionable stopping and really choppy ride) I wiould not try to tow a H26 with a compact V6 SUV. Mike Pajewski S/V "Loon"
I tow my H26 behind a Ford Expedition with the 5.4 liter V8 and the factory Class III tow package. The only thing I've added to the factory setup is a pair of towing mirrors that strap on to the existing mirror housings. The truck has no problems towing the boat at 65 mph. An advantage to having a bigger vehicle with a more powerful engine is increased ride comfort and less impact on your gas mileage. When I towed my 23.5 with my V6 Blazer, the mileage fell off about 40%, where as I notice only a small (1-2mpg) dropoff with the Expedition. The last thing to consider is the actual trailering weight of the whole rig. We stopped at a weigh station and measured the weight of our 23.5 on the trailer. With motor, lifejackets and some supplies on board, it topped out at 3750#. I have yet to measure my 26, but I don't think 5000-6000 lbs would be unreasonable. After my experiences with the Blazer (Transmission fluid leaks, poor mileage, questionable stopping and really choppy ride) I wiould not try to tow a H26 with a compact V6 SUV. Mike Pajewski S/V "Loon"
Trailering
Ther is much to be said about trailering a boat that size which is often discussed. The smallest engine recommend is a big six cylinder either flathead or v-6 which many have done but excelerating and mainting speed up hill will be slower than with an 8 cylinder. If towing allot, consider as if driving on snow and ice and take your time. With that in mind you should be fine. If towing allot, do consider the following items. The largest radiator the vehicle can have, extra transmission cooler if automatic, heavy duty shocks or air shocks and of course a good hitch. Some also want a stabilizer bar but with the surge brakes on the trailer plus the second axle, you should not need one. Happy sailing
Ther is much to be said about trailering a boat that size which is often discussed. The smallest engine recommend is a big six cylinder either flathead or v-6 which many have done but excelerating and mainting speed up hill will be slower than with an 8 cylinder. If towing allot, consider as if driving on snow and ice and take your time. With that in mind you should be fine. If towing allot, do consider the following items. The largest radiator the vehicle can have, extra transmission cooler if automatic, heavy duty shocks or air shocks and of course a good hitch. Some also want a stabilizer bar but with the surge brakes on the trailer plus the second axle, you should not need one. Happy sailing
Don't need a truck
I tow mine with a Gran Marquis. My wife thinks the car ruins her image (she thinks it is an old lady car) but I can run all day at 70-75 and barely know that the trailer is attached. The trunk is damn near as big as the back of an Explorer and we can seat six instead of four and a half. The only draw back is ground clearance we do drag the hitch receiver occasionally, not so much since I put heavy-duty springs on though. I bet my insurance is allot cheaper than it would be with an SUV. I know I got a better deal on the car.
I tow mine with a Gran Marquis. My wife thinks the car ruins her image (she thinks it is an old lady car) but I can run all day at 70-75 and barely know that the trailer is attached. The trunk is damn near as big as the back of an Explorer and we can seat six instead of four and a half. The only draw back is ground clearance we do drag the hitch receiver occasionally, not so much since I put heavy-duty springs on though. I bet my insurance is allot cheaper than it would be with an SUV. I know I got a better deal on the car.
Minimum in not great
We have towed our H26 with a Jeep Cherokee 6-Cyl, 210HP. I believe this is the minimum power and weight that you can get away with for this 5000lb beast. The main drawbacks are acceleration, susceptability to wind and road bumps, fuel economy, and accelerated wear and tear on the vehicle. The Jeep can do the job but it is victimized by each of these factors. Also factor in the quality of the ramps you will use. Bad ramps (steep, cracked, narrow, and/or sandy/muddy) are not made better with the minimum vehicle. If you know where you plan to launch, spend a couple of hours there looking over the kinds of problems people have at the site. Mark
We have towed our H26 with a Jeep Cherokee 6-Cyl, 210HP. I believe this is the minimum power and weight that you can get away with for this 5000lb beast. The main drawbacks are acceleration, susceptability to wind and road bumps, fuel economy, and accelerated wear and tear on the vehicle. The Jeep can do the job but it is victimized by each of these factors. Also factor in the quality of the ramps you will use. Bad ramps (steep, cracked, narrow, and/or sandy/muddy) are not made better with the minimum vehicle. If you know where you plan to launch, spend a couple of hours there looking over the kinds of problems people have at the site. Mark
h240 = V6
I tow my h240 with a Chevy Blazer and a Chevy Astro Van, both have the standard vortec V6 engine. Installed transmission coolers. They both do a great job. We just returned from a 2,000 mile round trip from Lake Superior with the Astro Van and it towed like a dream. Don't buy more than you need. Good luck.
I tow my h240 with a Chevy Blazer and a Chevy Astro Van, both have the standard vortec V6 engine. Installed transmission coolers. They both do a great job. We just returned from a 2,000 mile round trip from Lake Superior with the Astro Van and it towed like a dream. Don't buy more than you need. Good luck.
If you do it right
I tow my Hunter 26 with a 1992 Ford Explorer, V-6. But, one I have a good trailer hitch, two I put radial tires on the trailer, and three I don't try to go over 60 MPH. Each year I take one trip with boat, usually several hundred miles. Other than the only getting 12 mpg while towing, I see no need to get a bigger truck to pull my H-26. Good luck, get the boat.
I tow my Hunter 26 with a 1992 Ford Explorer, V-6. But, one I have a good trailer hitch, two I put radial tires on the trailer, and three I don't try to go over 60 MPH. Each year I take one trip with boat, usually several hundred miles. Other than the only getting 12 mpg while towing, I see no need to get a bigger truck to pull my H-26. Good luck, get the boat.
Two Cents for a Suburban
I tow my H26 with a '95 1500 GMC Suburban. It has a 350 V-8. It tows it fine, but does not exactly fly up the hills. The weight of the Suburban seems to be an asset, and the boat doesn't move the Suburban around on the road much. The brakes seem to be adequate when combined with the surge trailer brakes. Ned Christensen
I tow my H26 with a '95 1500 GMC Suburban. It has a 350 V-8. It tows it fine, but does not exactly fly up the hills. The weight of the Suburban seems to be an asset, and the boat doesn't move the Suburban around on the road much. The brakes seem to be adequate when combined with the surge trailer brakes. Ned Christensen
Longer's NOT better
I borrowed my son's Ford F250 Extended cab to launch my boat and was amazed at the amount of real estate required to manuever with the long wheel-base. The ulitimate for 'ramp maneuvers' would be a Bronco, I guess. A long tow vehicle is nice on the freeway but a terror on the ramps. There are lots of things to consider to do it right. Ken S/V Wouff Hong
I borrowed my son's Ford F250 Extended cab to launch my boat and was amazed at the amount of real estate required to manuever with the long wheel-base. The ulitimate for 'ramp maneuvers' would be a Bronco, I guess. A long tow vehicle is nice on the freeway but a terror on the ramps. There are lots of things to consider to do it right. Ken S/V Wouff Hong
Backwards
I Learned in the Air Force manuvering trailers around that it is often easier to do it from the front of the tow vehicle. We had what we called a "six pack" it is a crew cab with the long bed, just slightly shorter than a school bus. Anyone who has trouble with the length of their truck may want to try mounting a hitch on the front. It would not be a good idea to try this on the freeway however.
I Learned in the Air Force manuvering trailers around that it is often easier to do it from the front of the tow vehicle. We had what we called a "six pack" it is a crew cab with the long bed, just slightly shorter than a school bus. Anyone who has trouble with the length of their truck may want to try mounting a hitch on the front. It would not be a good idea to try this on the freeway however.
GMC Jimmy does fine
I have towed my 260 with a small Jimmy (Blazer) that has the V6 engine and factory trailering package -- that is now standard on Jimmys -- and a class 3 hitch. I have put nearly 400 miles on the rig. The H260 tows great up to 65 MPH although I usually keep it at 60 MPH or less. I have the 4 door (longer wheel base) Jimmy. I have heard that shorter wheel base vehicles -- like the 2 door Jiimmy or Bronco -- take much more attention to keep traveling in a straight line on the highway As stated in the vehicle owners manual, don't use overdrive while towing and allow for greater stopping distances. Also, watch overhead clearances. Low hanging tree branches or building overhangs might snag your mast or life lines. Finally, check your trailer's brake fluid. My brand new H260 was delivered without a drop in the resevoir. The rig seemed a bit pushy when braking. After adding brake fluid and bleeding the brakes, the rig is much better behaved. Fair winds (and smooth roads)... Tom
I have towed my 260 with a small Jimmy (Blazer) that has the V6 engine and factory trailering package -- that is now standard on Jimmys -- and a class 3 hitch. I have put nearly 400 miles on the rig. The H260 tows great up to 65 MPH although I usually keep it at 60 MPH or less. I have the 4 door (longer wheel base) Jimmy. I have heard that shorter wheel base vehicles -- like the 2 door Jiimmy or Bronco -- take much more attention to keep traveling in a straight line on the highway As stated in the vehicle owners manual, don't use overdrive while towing and allow for greater stopping distances. Also, watch overhead clearances. Low hanging tree branches or building overhangs might snag your mast or life lines. Finally, check your trailer's brake fluid. My brand new H260 was delivered without a drop in the resevoir. The rig seemed a bit pushy when braking. After adding brake fluid and bleeding the brakes, the rig is much better behaved. Fair winds (and smooth roads)... Tom
So far so good with V-6 Explorer
I just bought a 26. After noticing it was very hard to brake I checked the surge fluid and it was dry. Dealer fixed that and I've launched twice and retrieved once withoout problems (good ramps). Also took it over Berthod Pass in CO which is about 10K feet and it was OK. No long trips yet
I just bought a 26. After noticing it was very hard to brake I checked the surge fluid and it was dry. Dealer fixed that and I've launched twice and retrieved once withoout problems (good ramps). Also took it over Berthod Pass in CO which is about 10K feet and it was OK. No long trips yet
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