I am thinking of purchasing a new truck to pull my boat out of the water occasionally...mainly for maintenance reasons. I can't really see purchasing a 4X4 if I only pull the boat occasionally...once a year or so. In any event, I'm figuring the boat and trailor and contents probably run in the neighborhood of 3500-4000 lbs. The truck I'm looking at is the Nissan Frontier Crew Cab which is rated to pull up to 6300 lbs. Does anyone know if a 4X2 would be sufficient to pull this load?? The launch ramp is not real severe. Any thoughts would be helpful.
Question on towing a Hunter 23.5
- Thread starter strobeone
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Stro the truck you are considering is indeed sufficient to pull your boat out of the water. Especially if you are not planning on pulling any great distance. However, if the ramp is wet when you do it then you may have some issues with traction. That is where the 4x4 would come in. That said this also can be overcome by having another truck to help until you do get traction.
I'd agree - I have the same issues. With the ballast tank on my 240 full, the boat is quite a bit heavier than it is once its on the hard. My ramp is not that severe, but I definitely have traction issues with a 2-wheel drive. Once that ballast tank is empty, I'm in good shape. It works much better to get it up the ramp if I borrow my neighbors 4-wheel drive truck or have my marina pull the boat up the ramp with their tractor.
If it has the v-6 then this truck would have plenty of power to do what you need.... For traction issues say getting the rear tires wet at the base of ramp. Just install a front hitch for launching and retrieving. If you still have a traction issue which is common among pickup trucks by sometimes not having enough weight on the rear wheels. Then a couple of empty small or medium size empty plastic syrup barrels in the bed filled with water will help with the two wheel only traction issues. Or just get a bunch friends to sit in the bed of truck .... I have used a reciever hitch mounted on the front of my Tahoe for many years now. BTW....For number of years now....My dingy dock float is made up of 6 empty syrup barrels and a 4' x 8' sheet of plywood with green astro turf..
4x4 rarely needed
I have a Nissan Pathfinder and pull my H26 up a ramp about 10 times a season. The boat and trailer weight with the ballast tank full is about 8000 lbs. I used 4 wheel drive once, and that was the first time I used the boat. I never put it in 4 wheel drive, I never spin the tires and they are always wet because I have to get the back wheels in the water to get the boat on the trailer. It just walks up the ramp. I would guess that there is more weight on the back tires of a SUV than a pickup truck would have, so maybe throw 2 or 3 bags of sand in the bed like you do for driving in the snow. Well, up North anyway. They actually sell 100 lb. tubes of sand made just for pickups up here where it snows.
I have a Nissan Pathfinder and pull my H26 up a ramp about 10 times a season. The boat and trailer weight with the ballast tank full is about 8000 lbs. I used 4 wheel drive once, and that was the first time I used the boat. I never put it in 4 wheel drive, I never spin the tires and they are always wet because I have to get the back wheels in the water to get the boat on the trailer. It just walks up the ramp. I would guess that there is more weight on the back tires of a SUV than a pickup truck would have, so maybe throw 2 or 3 bags of sand in the bed like you do for driving in the snow. Well, up North anyway. They actually sell 100 lb. tubes of sand made just for pickups up here where it snows.
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I trailor sailed my 95 H26 wb 3 to 4 times a week which meant a launch and retrieve each time. We used a 1/2 ton 2 wheel drive, short bed 1980 Ford pickup. I would pull the boat as far up on the trailer as possible and pull the entire rig far enough out of the water for my wife to open the water dump. We then pulled the boat the last bit up on the trailer with the trailer winch and parked her in her spot. The ramp was concrete and we NEVER had a problem with power or traction. We did have snow tires on the truck which get better traction than standard tires.
Ray
Ray
If the boat is water ballast you can use a air matress inflator to push the water out while on the water.
I had a Macgregor 26s. It took 20 minutes to empty the ballast tank with a Coleman 12v inflator. Only need a few PSI to do the job.
I learned that in a Trailer sailor Forum.
BTW I tow the M26S with a Toyota Sienna mini van. No problem up the ram after the tank is empty.
I had a Macgregor 26s. It took 20 minutes to empty the ballast tank with a Coleman 12v inflator. Only need a few PSI to do the job.
I learned that in a Trailer sailor Forum.
BTW I tow the M26S with a Toyota Sienna mini van. No problem up the ram after the tank is empty.
Strobeon;
for the record, the design of the trailer and 23.5 were contributions to Hunter from me. I have pulled many over the years.
Generally a light weight truck without 4X4 will be difficult to pull the boat out on a wet and dry ramp of any kind because you do not have enough weight over the rear axle. The idea of pulling from the front of any vehicle not specifically designed for such is not only unsafe but not structurally built to do that. The suggestion of adding weight over the rear axle is a good one. The idea of keeping the tires of the tow vehicle out of the water and on dry ramp surface is also good but that will depend on the angle of the ramp. Trying to get water out of the ballast tank while at the ramp, you will hear a few cuss words for those waiting to use the ramp as that takes a long time. One good suggestion is to carry a broom to sweep off the ramp with sand and so forth...
Another if pulling out for the season for one time is to rent a large uhaul with hitch as it has the wieght over the rear axle. The ultimate decision will be up to you what you buy but wanted you to know what I went thru.
crazydave condon
for the record, the design of the trailer and 23.5 were contributions to Hunter from me. I have pulled many over the years.
Generally a light weight truck without 4X4 will be difficult to pull the boat out on a wet and dry ramp of any kind because you do not have enough weight over the rear axle. The idea of pulling from the front of any vehicle not specifically designed for such is not only unsafe but not structurally built to do that. The suggestion of adding weight over the rear axle is a good one. The idea of keeping the tires of the tow vehicle out of the water and on dry ramp surface is also good but that will depend on the angle of the ramp. Trying to get water out of the ballast tank while at the ramp, you will hear a few cuss words for those waiting to use the ramp as that takes a long time. One good suggestion is to carry a broom to sweep off the ramp with sand and so forth...
Another if pulling out for the season for one time is to rent a large uhaul with hitch as it has the wieght over the rear axle. The ultimate decision will be up to you what you buy but wanted you to know what I went thru.
crazydave condon
Thats the ticket. If you are doing this one or twice a year on local hauls, RENT. Most local rent-all shops have 3/4 ton pickups for $40 bucks/day. When I owned my First 235 the only car I owned was a little Audi, a rental truck did all the boat business.
One additional suggestion if you decide to purchase a 2x2 truck. You can fabricate an "extension" to pull the trailer/boat out (or in) and off the ramp them once up and away you can couple up the trailer to the truck and take it whereever you need to. We use them up here when we pull or launch the larger boats here. You can make a collapsible one that would fit in the bed of your truck or stow it on the trailer until you need it. I will find a picture and post it later.
front trailer hitches
The idea of pulling from the front of any vehicle not specifically designed for such is not only unsafe but not structurally built to do that.
crazydave condon[/quote]
Dave....... I would like to add and try to clarify to your comment..... The front receiver hitch bolted to the frame on my tahoe is pacifically designed for such purposes and can be found off the shelf at most trailer hitch dealers. Just as the rear receiver hitch is pacifically designed to be bolted to the rear frame.... They both have the same load rating..... Which is way more then the actual weight of the truck . They also have them for most frame on body small to medium size trucks and suv's.....If your a do it yourselfer then you can get one that will fit your truck from say harbor freight. The prices start at about 140 bucks.....Just make sure you follow all the manufactures directions when bolting them in place by yourself.
Another neat thing is the front or rear receiver can also be used with a winch option.
I am sure with your experience you already know about this.... But will mention anyway for others. The traction issue usually comes into play because some boat ramps are not built to the properly designed standard practice architectural/engineering slope angles nor do they have the a properly finished surface that allows for good safe traction when either wet or dry. Thats why some people depending on their launching location have problems and will need four wheel drive and some do not for the same size loads.. There are other factors such as tire tread patterns and gearing ratios involved. Plus don't get me started on concrete ramps not extendng far enough out into the water. And then not being properly marked to were the ramp actually ends.
The idea of pulling from the front of any vehicle not specifically designed for such is not only unsafe but not structurally built to do that.
crazydave condon[/quote]
Dave....... I would like to add and try to clarify to your comment..... The front receiver hitch bolted to the frame on my tahoe is pacifically designed for such purposes and can be found off the shelf at most trailer hitch dealers. Just as the rear receiver hitch is pacifically designed to be bolted to the rear frame.... They both have the same load rating..... Which is way more then the actual weight of the truck . They also have them for most frame on body small to medium size trucks and suv's.....If your a do it yourselfer then you can get one that will fit your truck from say harbor freight. The prices start at about 140 bucks.....Just make sure you follow all the manufactures directions when bolting them in place by yourself.
Another neat thing is the front or rear receiver can also be used with a winch option.
I am sure with your experience you already know about this.... But will mention anyway for others. The traction issue usually comes into play because some boat ramps are not built to the properly designed standard practice architectural/engineering slope angles nor do they have the a properly finished surface that allows for good safe traction when either wet or dry. Thats why some people depending on their launching location have problems and will need four wheel drive and some do not for the same size loads.. There are other factors such as tire tread patterns and gearing ratios involved. Plus don't get me started on concrete ramps not extendng far enough out into the water. And then not being properly marked to were the ramp actually ends.
With good tires, I doubt you'll have have much of a problem. Just carry a long tow chain with you so someone with a 4wd truck can bail you out if you get stuck.
That being said, I'll never own a 2wd truck again. 4wd is so much more effective, but then, we have snow and mud up here.
The ballast really doesn't take more than a couple of minutes or so to drain most of the way. I used to open the ballast drain and vent before I backed the trailer down. That way, as soon as you start to pull the trailer up, it starts dumping water. Wait a couple of minutes with the boat on the ramp and it's mostly empty. Nothing else is needed...the water dumps by itself in a hurry.
That being said, I'll never own a 2wd truck again. 4wd is so much more effective, but then, we have snow and mud up here.
The ballast really doesn't take more than a couple of minutes or so to drain most of the way. I used to open the ballast drain and vent before I backed the trailer down. That way, as soon as you start to pull the trailer up, it starts dumping water. Wait a couple of minutes with the boat on the ramp and it's mostly empty. Nothing else is needed...the water dumps by itself in a hurry.
Here is a picture of our truck putting our boat in using an extention. The truck you are speaking of should have no issues with your boat.
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Onecoolair;
As you quoted me, I specifically said any vehicle not specifically designed, etc.. I have seen many make shifts in my lifetime with many vehicles damaged to include trailers as well with some folks in two cases being injured. This is why I am specific any vehicle not designed for a front hitch should never have one installed. You pointed out your vehicle that is one designed for that which is very nice to have. Thank you for sharing.
crazy dave condon
As you quoted me, I specifically said any vehicle not specifically designed, etc.. I have seen many make shifts in my lifetime with many vehicles damaged to include trailers as well with some folks in two cases being injured. This is why I am specific any vehicle not designed for a front hitch should never have one installed. You pointed out your vehicle that is one designed for that which is very nice to have. Thank you for sharing.
crazy dave condon
I just bit the bullet and got a 4x4. As it turns out, the 4x4 function has come in handy outside of towing the boat. There are plenty of youtube videos of people sinking their trucks in the lake.
Also, whats the proper procedure for retrieving a WB 23.5? Ive found that if I load the boat on the trailer right away and pull it out, the boat doesn't sit right on the trailer. What I do is load the boat then pull it out enough for the water ballast to drain. I then back up enough for the boat to float, rearrange, then pull the rest of the way out. Has led to many bad looks from fellow boaters. Come to think of it, they are usually all motorboats so they can deal with it
Also, whats the proper procedure for retrieving a WB 23.5? Ive found that if I load the boat on the trailer right away and pull it out, the boat doesn't sit right on the trailer. What I do is load the boat then pull it out enough for the water ballast to drain. I then back up enough for the boat to float, rearrange, then pull the rest of the way out. Has led to many bad looks from fellow boaters. Come to think of it, they are usually all motorboats so they can deal with it
Your retrieval procedure is good. If you pull it out before the water is drained AND/OR the boat is not FLOATED fully to within 6 inches or so of the trailer's bow stop, you can have way too much weight on the back of the trailer. This can actually give you a negative tongue weight and much reduced weight (traction) for your rear wheels. One extra cool touch while the water is gushing from your ballast tank, casually turn to one of the impatient ramp neighbors and calmly declare, "Damn! One of these days I'm gonna have to fix that leak"! BrianW
Good one brian. I get some shocked looks when having the boat hoisted with a travel-lift and water is pouring out. They will look at me like "what the?"
The best way we found with our 23.5, was to get the trailer deep enough to pull the boat on by hand with a long line tied to the bow eye. I can just reach out and clip it on with the trailer winch when it's almost up to the front of the trailer. As I pull it out slowly with the truck, my wife keeps an eye on how it's loading. If the trailer's a little out of level, she puts a little pressure on the back of the boat with a boat hook to even it on the trailer. Once it drains, we pull it up to where the launch levels out and finish cranking it on. Using the long line on the bow, we've only had to dip it back into the water a couple times in several years.I just bit the bullet and got a 4x4. As it turns out, the 4x4 function has come in handy outside of towing the boat. There are plenty of youtube videos of people sinking their trucks in the lake.
Also, whats the proper procedure for retrieving a WB 23.5? Ive found that if I load the boat on the trailer right away and pull it out, the boat doesn't sit right on the trailer. What I do is load the boat then pull it out enough for the water ballast to drain. I then back up enough for the boat to float, rearrange, then pull the rest of the way out. Has led to many bad looks from fellow boaters. Come to think of it, they are usually all motorboats so they can deal with it
Hercguy;
thank you for a good chuckle. Yeah all the odd looks were from impatient power boaters. I was at Ft. Belvoir once and the new owner demande to launch on the short ramp. Oh it was short but the axles went off the deep end of the ramp and generally true to nature it was washed out with no rock at the end. Everyone started to have a cow and I went to my vehicle, got my 2 pieces of wood 2 X 6 about 7 feet long and then pushed the trailer a little further out. Of course everyone thought I was nuts but wer agasp when I put the boards in the water. Only one person figured out what I was doing. I jammed one end under the leading tires and onto the ramp and pulled the trailer out. Except for that one person, all others were agasp and amazed.
crazy dave condon
thank you for a good chuckle. Yeah all the odd looks were from impatient power boaters. I was at Ft. Belvoir once and the new owner demande to launch on the short ramp. Oh it was short but the axles went off the deep end of the ramp and generally true to nature it was washed out with no rock at the end. Everyone started to have a cow and I went to my vehicle, got my 2 pieces of wood 2 X 6 about 7 feet long and then pushed the trailer a little further out. Of course everyone thought I was nuts but wer agasp when I put the boards in the water. Only one person figured out what I was doing. I jammed one end under the leading tires and onto the ramp and pulled the trailer out. Except for that one person, all others were agasp and amazed.
crazy dave condon
Well I have yet to pull my 23.5 very far yet. I keep my boat at a marina on the trailer. I have an '08 Jeep Liberty that has no trouble pulling the boat up our fairly steep ramp even in 2wd. I have used this Jeep to pull a 4000lb. boat and trailer on a 500 mi trip with no problems. It has a 3.7 V6 and 3:73 rear axle with a factory trans & oil cooler. I have used pickups and had the lack of weight problem. Asked my wife or son to drive while sitting in the bed for traction. LOL. One feature of my 23.5 trailer I have yet to use is a tongue extension. This would extend about 8' I believe to help get the boat/trailer into deeper water if needed and still kep the tow vehicle dry.
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