how big a vehicle to tow a 22?

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M

Michael

What sort of vehicle do I need in order to be able to tow a mid 80s Catalina 22? Thanks.
 
G

Gary Jensen

Towing a 22

No problem towing s 22 with a 1993 FourRunner, equipped with a six cylinder
 
R

Randy

different strokes

You can pull your 22 with almost anything, but the conditions and use depend on you..I use a lawn tractor to move my boat around the lot at the shop...I pulled it to the San Juans a couple years ago with a 97 dodge 1500....what a mistake...The 318 motor wouldnt pull the hills without dropping down to about 45 mph...I now pull it with a One Ton Dulie Crew Cab....I know I,m in control and the boat dosent wip the truck around...If you live in a flat area and your only pulling it a couple miles at a time, you could use a VW Bus.....But if you want to be comfortable while traveling....get the largest package possable..
 
A

Aldo

Don't Strain your Tow Vehicle

Michael: I think like Randy does. I have pulled my boat with an old Pontiac station wagon with a 400 engine, an Oldsmobile station wagon with a 305 engine, and now pull it with a Suburban with a 350 engine. I must also state that I baby my cars. I want them to last FOREVER, not that they do, but I just don't look forward to spending money on cars. Anyhow, the Suburban does a fine job of towing the boat with the biggest problem being that you have to keep reminding yourself that it's back there. It is also a long vehicle, and that also makes it easier in the turns. The boat doesn't turn the tow vehicle. I do sometimes feel a little guilty having a machine that big, but when you are towing 100 miles, up and down hills, with all the stuff that goes with the boat along, it seems just about right. You can get by with a lot less as Randy said, but if you want long life from your tow vehicle, you don't want it to strain it. Aldo
 
T

Tom

What Are You Using

I towed my Cat 22 with a Rodeo V-6. Plenty of power and no problems. I think some people feel they have to justify having a large vehicle and they do it by thinking they need it to pull a one ton boat. I towed my boat up extremly steep hills with no problem. Don't over extend yourself on a $40,000 vehicle to pull your boat!
 
J

John L

Towing a 22 Cat

Michael, Last year I was looking to buy a Cat 22 and posed the same question as you. (I have a 6 cylinder Jeep Cherokee Pickup) I needed to tow the boat from purchase point (500 miles) to my home. Once here I only had to tow 50 miles to water (once a season as the boat stays) ALL responses told me "NO WAY" with that vehicle. It may have been due to the long initial trip but "check it out" with a dealer who installs tow bars, etc. who does it for a living. I didn't buy the boat and am still looking and may trade my truck for an 8 cylinder. My best estimate for weight was the Cat 22 and trailer was 3000 lbs. Good Luck. If you find I'm in error, I'd appreciate knowing as I can't really afford a bigger truck. John L. Maine
 
D

Dick of Sylvan

Towing C22

At first I towed my c22 with a Ford F150, 1980 with a 3 speed OD standard trans. It was tough to get the boat up the ramp from the water because the low gear was not very low. I suspect a std. 4 speed would have been fine, with its granny gear. I now use a 1998 Chev. Silverado 2 WD w/5.7 L, and auto. trans. Plenty of power but this one spins the tires when wet, making pull up ramp also a drag. A steeper ramp where toungue does not have to be extended is better as there is more weight on the drive tires. The Ford was ok on the highway though slow up steep hills. The Chev is fine on even steep highway, and better on braking. If one goes light, be sure your trailer has its own brakes! Dick K.
 
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