Would like to know what y'all use as a tow vehicle for your Hunter 23's. Looking to pull the boat out for maintenance more so than any long haul towing.
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
W
wb
half ton truck
any half ton truck or van should do.i guess my only recomendation is to be sure and use a frame mount hitch as bumpers arent that strong.
any half ton truck or van should do.i guess my only recomendation is to be sure and use a frame mount hitch as bumpers arent that strong.
J
Jeff Davis
I agree
I agree with WB. We have a 240 which we pull with a 1990 Chevy half ton with 350 motor. It pulls it just fine. A class 3 hitch is recommended.
I agree with WB. We have a 240 which we pull with a 1990 Chevy half ton with 350 motor. It pulls it just fine. A class 3 hitch is recommended.
J
Jon Bastien
If JUST for haul-out & maintenance...
...You don't need anything huge. I towed my '87 H23 around the Fort Walton Beach area with a stock Ford Explorer (4.0L V6, 5-spd), using the bumper hitch, for about 15 months. The ramp was about 5 miles from the house, and I could take it easy most of the time. My Explorer was rated to tow 2500 pounds (roughly the dry weight of the boat). I do not (repeat, NOT) recommend that you try to haul over-the-road with anything less than a long wheelbase pick-up (extended cab even better), that has a rated towing capacity of less than about 5500 pounds (2x boat's loaded weight, plus ~250 pounds). You can find the tow capacity of your vehicle in the owner's manual. The last vehicle I used to tow my H23 was a '98 Ford Ranger, extended cab, 4.0L V6, with a 3.55 differential- It doesn't look like much of a truck, but it can tow 7500 pounds... It had NO problem pulling the H23 on a 900-mile road trip. ;o) Good luck... --Jon Bastien H25 'Adagio' p.s.- There's lots of discussion about this in the archives on this site- Check 'em out! --jdb
...You don't need anything huge. I towed my '87 H23 around the Fort Walton Beach area with a stock Ford Explorer (4.0L V6, 5-spd), using the bumper hitch, for about 15 months. The ramp was about 5 miles from the house, and I could take it easy most of the time. My Explorer was rated to tow 2500 pounds (roughly the dry weight of the boat). I do not (repeat, NOT) recommend that you try to haul over-the-road with anything less than a long wheelbase pick-up (extended cab even better), that has a rated towing capacity of less than about 5500 pounds (2x boat's loaded weight, plus ~250 pounds). You can find the tow capacity of your vehicle in the owner's manual. The last vehicle I used to tow my H23 was a '98 Ford Ranger, extended cab, 4.0L V6, with a 3.55 differential- It doesn't look like much of a truck, but it can tow 7500 pounds... It had NO problem pulling the H23 on a 900-mile road trip. ;o) Good luck... --Jon Bastien H25 'Adagio' p.s.- There's lots of discussion about this in the archives on this site- Check 'em out! --jdb
C
Crazy Dave Condon
tow vehicle
If using a truck two wheel only, you may want to add weight like 400-500 pounds over the wheels or you might spin the rear tires coming up the ramp. Also, you may wnat to take a broom with you to sweep away any algae or rock on the ramp. Suggest that you do not tow over 55 mph as the trailer the boat came with (KWS) had a tendacy to sway. If you do not have brakes on the axle and the trailer starts to sway or fish tail, I would speed up to pull the trailer out of swaying and then start braking slowly. I assume you are talking about the 23 wing keel. Also on the KWS trailer, check the fenders for attachment. Crazy Dave Condon
If using a truck two wheel only, you may want to add weight like 400-500 pounds over the wheels or you might spin the rear tires coming up the ramp. Also, you may wnat to take a broom with you to sweep away any algae or rock on the ramp. Suggest that you do not tow over 55 mph as the trailer the boat came with (KWS) had a tendacy to sway. If you do not have brakes on the axle and the trailer starts to sway or fish tail, I would speed up to pull the trailer out of swaying and then start braking slowly. I assume you are talking about the 23 wing keel. Also on the KWS trailer, check the fenders for attachment. Crazy Dave Condon
K
Ken shubert
Find a Friend
Someone with a 1/2 ton pickup will surely pull it out for a cold beer and some conversation. Since you need quite a bit of water depth, a tall vehicle like 4WD or even 3/4 ton 4WD is some help. You can buy extended hitches to go in the square receivers up to about 3' long too. The extra weight for the back of the truck can be your outboard, gas, freshwater, etc. from the boat. That's a double duty because it lightens the boat too. Ken S/V Wouff Hong
Someone with a 1/2 ton pickup will surely pull it out for a cold beer and some conversation. Since you need quite a bit of water depth, a tall vehicle like 4WD or even 3/4 ton 4WD is some help. You can buy extended hitches to go in the square receivers up to about 3' long too. The extra weight for the back of the truck can be your outboard, gas, freshwater, etc. from the boat. That's a double duty because it lightens the boat too. Ken S/V Wouff Hong
R
Rick Webb
U-Haul
Most places have daily rentals for about $20. All of my freinds drink considerably more beer than that.
Most places have daily rentals for about $20. All of my freinds drink considerably more beer than that.
B
Bob Grogan
1991 s-10 Blazer 4x4 (4.3 liter)
I have used a 1991 S-10 Blazer 4x4 4.3 liter engine, automatic trans for 2 seasons. But I only have to move my boat about 100 feet from where I park it on the trailer to the boat ramp. I have not had any problems putting it in and out of the water. I did have a 20 foot extention (for launching) made to replace the extentable tounge of the KWS trailer, so that I did not have to get the vehiciles tires in the water. NOTE - I do have to remove the tiller/rudder. I hope this helps Bob Grogan Twinkle
I have used a 1991 S-10 Blazer 4x4 4.3 liter engine, automatic trans for 2 seasons. But I only have to move my boat about 100 feet from where I park it on the trailer to the boat ramp. I have not had any problems putting it in and out of the water. I did have a 20 foot extention (for launching) made to replace the extentable tounge of the KWS trailer, so that I did not have to get the vehiciles tires in the water. NOTE - I do have to remove the tiller/rudder. I hope this helps Bob Grogan Twinkle
D
Dave Royce
Tow Vehicle
I have a 1994 23.5. For the first two years of use I towed this boat over 60 miles each weekend with a Ford Ranger extended cab, 5speed, 4cyl. with no probelms. For the last two years I have been towing the boat with a Jeep Cherokee, 4x4, Auto, 4.0. This has been a great match. Both vehicles had class III hitches and the trailer has brakes. The longest distance towed was 160 miles. Swaying does occur over 60mph.
I have a 1994 23.5. For the first two years of use I towed this boat over 60 miles each weekend with a Ford Ranger extended cab, 5speed, 4cyl. with no probelms. For the last two years I have been towing the boat with a Jeep Cherokee, 4x4, Auto, 4.0. This has been a great match. Both vehicles had class III hitches and the trailer has brakes. The longest distance towed was 160 miles. Swaying does occur over 60mph.
B
Bob Zanowicz
Automatic tranny a must
Disagree with the comments above. I have a '94 Ranger supercab 4X4 with 4.0L, 3.73 rear end and 5 sp tranny. The problem is the clutch, that is the weak link. With most trucks, especially the compact trucks, the automatics are much stronger. I just bought an '87 H23 and found out the hard way about towing. Needless to say, I'm looking for another tow vehicle! Keep in mind, most of your wear comes from backing in & out of parking spaces and launch ramps. It's not just the distance. Good luck B
Disagree with the comments above. I have a '94 Ranger supercab 4X4 with 4.0L, 3.73 rear end and 5 sp tranny. The problem is the clutch, that is the weak link. With most trucks, especially the compact trucks, the automatics are much stronger. I just bought an '87 H23 and found out the hard way about towing. Needless to say, I'm looking for another tow vehicle! Keep in mind, most of your wear comes from backing in & out of parking spaces and launch ramps. It's not just the distance. Good luck B
J
Joe R
93 Taurus
I pull my H240 with my 6cyl passenger car. I'm right at, or a little over max wt of 3500 lbs. We have towed over 2,000 miles with no problems. We are a little sluggish going up steep hills but so far so good. There can be some sway at high speeds especially when windy. 50 to 60mph works fine. We have an extra cooler for the transmission. DONT USE OVERDRIVE OR CRUISE CONTROL when towing!!!!! I didn't want to buy my new boat a new truck, so we do fine with the car. (Keep the boat in the slip most of the summer) You could rent a truck for a day when launching & retrieving. Or even when taking a long trip. (save your car that way)
I pull my H240 with my 6cyl passenger car. I'm right at, or a little over max wt of 3500 lbs. We have towed over 2,000 miles with no problems. We are a little sluggish going up steep hills but so far so good. There can be some sway at high speeds especially when windy. 50 to 60mph works fine. We have an extra cooler for the transmission. DONT USE OVERDRIVE OR CRUISE CONTROL when towing!!!!! I didn't want to buy my new boat a new truck, so we do fine with the car. (Keep the boat in the slip most of the summer) You could rent a truck for a day when launching & retrieving. Or even when taking a long trip. (save your car that way)
R
Rick Webb
Joe, I'd Bet Your Over
I have a 23.5 and tow with a Gran Marqis. I have not wieighed mine but I bet with motor and all the other stuff on board the boat it easily is over 500# the empty boat is 2000# the trailer I've read is 1000#. I do not think you are on your way to problems but it does not seem like it is a good idea to push any further than you are.
I have a 23.5 and tow with a Gran Marqis. I have not wieighed mine but I bet with motor and all the other stuff on board the boat it easily is over 500# the empty boat is 2000# the trailer I've read is 1000#. I do not think you are on your way to problems but it does not seem like it is a good idea to push any further than you are.
C
Chane
Tow vehicle
Gordon: I have a 1986 H23. It is stored at the "Mast-Up" storage in Marina Del Rey, CA. I retrive and launche H23 every time with my '94 2WD Chevy S-10 Pick-up. The truck is equipped with 4.3 ltr. V-6, 3.71 rear end. The trailer is equipped with 10 ft extended toung and 15" wheel. This combination seems doing a good job for me.
Gordon: I have a 1986 H23. It is stored at the "Mast-Up" storage in Marina Del Rey, CA. I retrive and launche H23 every time with my '94 2WD Chevy S-10 Pick-up. The truck is equipped with 4.3 ltr. V-6, 3.71 rear end. The trailer is equipped with 10 ft extended toung and 15" wheel. This combination seems doing a good job for me.
O
Olaf
Questions to Joe and Rick
Joe and Rick, Either of you use a weight distribution hitch? Did either of you get a factory installed tow package, or what other measures did you do to your car (besides trans cooler) for towing;like beefing up the rear springs, air shocks or air-lift bags? Rick, what size engine are you towing with? Reason asking cause I'm thinking of towing a 23.5 with a Chev Caprice with 4.3L small block V8. The hitch on this car is really low to the ground and doesn't take much weight for it to drop,which surprised me for this size of car. Thanks, Olaf
Joe and Rick, Either of you use a weight distribution hitch? Did either of you get a factory installed tow package, or what other measures did you do to your car (besides trans cooler) for towing;like beefing up the rear springs, air shocks or air-lift bags? Rick, what size engine are you towing with? Reason asking cause I'm thinking of towing a 23.5 with a Chev Caprice with 4.3L small block V8. The hitch on this car is really low to the ground and doesn't take much weight for it to drop,which surprised me for this size of car. Thanks, Olaf
R
Rick Webb
Olaf,
I would imagine your Caprice will do fine. Our present Gran Marquis is a 4.6 and has the handling package wich has the auto leveling shocks. On our old Gran Marqis I added beefed springs as the one that were on it at the time were dead anyway. If I had not already added new shocks I would have also put on air shocks. Hope this helps.
I would imagine your Caprice will do fine. Our present Gran Marquis is a 4.6 and has the handling package wich has the auto leveling shocks. On our old Gran Marqis I added beefed springs as the one that were on it at the time were dead anyway. If I had not already added new shocks I would have also put on air shocks. Hope this helps.
- Status
- Not open for further replies.