Towing a 25.5

[Dan]

Has anyone ever towed a 25.5 with a V8 Ford Explorer or similar vehicle?

 

[Cliff Ruckstuhl]

We did!

We hauled our 25.5 350 miles each way to Lake MI. 2 years in a row with our Jeep Cheroke with the HO 6 cyl. It worked real well. I think the V 8 would do better, But than again, it's not a Jeep.

 

[Dan]

Any special preparation?

Did you have to do any special preparation to the vehicle or the boat other than the usual boat stuff. I am familiar with securing the mast, rigging and removing the rudder. I also plan to remove the batteries and carry them in the vehicle along with any other heavy items although I can't think of any others that are easily removed. My goal is to minimize the weight of the boat on the trailer as much as possible for the trip. I am going to be towing for about 1200 miles one way. I am not looking forward to the trip but will be happy when the boat is home and in the water.

 

[Ken Shubert]

Tow Package ?

Does your V8 Explorer have the tow pack installed? If not, you may want to install a transmission cooler, assuming you have an automatic. I've used the V8 Explorer to tow and it will out pull my V8 Dakota and stay coolers. Good choice!KenS/V Wouff Hong

 

[Dan]

Tranny cooler

I have a transmission cooler to put on already and I am having a new Drawtite receiver hitch installed this weekend rated to 7500lbs. I am not planning to pull the boat out of the water with this package, just towing from one place to another. I will use a larger vehicle (likely with 4WD) when I need to pull it out of the water. I am going to make my own tongue extension as well to keep the vehicles out of the water during launch and load.Thanks for your replies,Dan

 

[Dan]

Weight Distributing Hitch?

Cliff,Did you use a weight distributing hitch when towing your 25.5? Do you think it is necessary?

 

[Cliff Ruckstuhl]

No

No I did'nt it was just a regular hitch and we had no problems. It did make the Jeep Squat a little. A friend had the same boat and Jeep and he added air shocks to get the squat out.Cliff

 

[Dan]

Thanks

I am leaving today to pick the boat up. I was told by the trailer manufacturer that I should not use a weight distributing hitch with their aluminum trailers. I will let you know how the Explorer handles it.