Does anyone know where I can rent a vehicle to tow my Hunter 26 water ballast from Denver to Corpus Christy and back ? I have been towing a Mac 26 down there for 5 years with my 95 Explorer with no problems (that I want to talk about). Now I have this much heavier boat and I just don't feel like it is a good idea to tow a boat and trailer that's about the same weght as the vehicle 2400 miles. I have towed it over the continental divide in Colorado on short trips without a problem but I'm afraid that the transmission may not be up to that long a trip.
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Ken Shubert
It's all downhill!
There are NO hills that amount to anything on that trip and it'll all be on freeways. An Explorer with a V8 will easily pull it and even a V6 probably would, but slower. You might want to drive 55mph and not 70mph but you'[ll get there just the same. I worry more about stopping than pulling with my H23.5. We put everything possible in the tow vehicle which takes some strain off the trailer makes things more stable. That includes the fuel, water, outboard, anchors, .... even the rudder assembly. If you have passengers to carry too, then why not rent a Suburban? Be sure to fill us in on the details when you get back. Ken S/V Wouff Hong
There are NO hills that amount to anything on that trip and it'll all be on freeways. An Explorer with a V8 will easily pull it and even a V6 probably would, but slower. You might want to drive 55mph and not 70mph but you'[ll get there just the same. I worry more about stopping than pulling with my H23.5. We put everything possible in the tow vehicle which takes some strain off the trailer makes things more stable. That includes the fuel, water, outboard, anchors, .... even the rudder assembly. If you have passengers to carry too, then why not rent a Suburban? Be sure to fill us in on the details when you get back. Ken S/V Wouff Hong
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Harvey Small
Six words
There's only six words of advice for towing with your vehicle: Transmission Cooler Transmission Cooler Transmission Cooler!!!! Any transmission place can add one and it'll protect your tow vehicle better than anything.
There's only six words of advice for towing with your vehicle: Transmission Cooler Transmission Cooler Transmission Cooler!!!! Any transmission place can add one and it'll protect your tow vehicle better than anything.
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Rick Webb
I'd use the Explorer
It is of course downhill on the way to Corpus Christi but it will be up hill on the way home also, but I think you would be OK. You definitly want a transmission cooler and if you are not already I would switch to a sythetic motor oil. The synthetic reduces engine operating temps significantly and up there in the mountains it flowd a whole lot better in the winter so it would be a good deal for you all the way around. I moved from Denver in the early 80s to Austin Texas made many trips to Corpus as my sister lived there. I am assuming you will be coming out I70 and down I35 vs down I25. It is about 200 miles longer but the way to go with a trailer. Other than that go to UHaul or Ryder I have put cars inside of the trucks just make sure ther is a ramp on the other end you can use to. Using 2X6s to get them in and out is scarey. If your interested I can give you some places to stop along the way let me know.
It is of course downhill on the way to Corpus Christi but it will be up hill on the way home also, but I think you would be OK. You definitly want a transmission cooler and if you are not already I would switch to a sythetic motor oil. The synthetic reduces engine operating temps significantly and up there in the mountains it flowd a whole lot better in the winter so it would be a good deal for you all the way around. I moved from Denver in the early 80s to Austin Texas made many trips to Corpus as my sister lived there. I am assuming you will be coming out I70 and down I35 vs down I25. It is about 200 miles longer but the way to go with a trailer. Other than that go to UHaul or Ryder I have put cars inside of the trucks just make sure ther is a ramp on the other end you can use to. Using 2X6s to get them in and out is scarey. If your interested I can give you some places to stop along the way let me know.
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Jim Hopper
Transmission cooler
Thanks for the advice. On transmission coolers. I went through this once before. I asked the Ford dealer to put a transmission cooler on. He said it already had one since I have the towing package. I didn't even know it did. Are you guys talking about an additional transmission cooler in addition to the factory one that comes with the towing package? Also we have always taken I-25 to Raton and then through Amarillo. With a heavier boat I am seriously thinking about taking the 1-70, 1-35 route. As for renting a Suburban that you can tow with. WHERE!!!! Haven't found a place. The rental agencies don't allow towing. Thanks again dudes.
Thanks for the advice. On transmission coolers. I went through this once before. I asked the Ford dealer to put a transmission cooler on. He said it already had one since I have the towing package. I didn't even know it did. Are you guys talking about an additional transmission cooler in addition to the factory one that comes with the towing package? Also we have always taken I-25 to Raton and then through Amarillo. With a heavier boat I am seriously thinking about taking the 1-70, 1-35 route. As for renting a Suburban that you can tow with. WHERE!!!! Haven't found a place. The rental agencies don't allow towing. Thanks again dudes.
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Sam Kurtz
Transmission Cooler an Absolute Must
Definitly add the largest cooler you can fit. They are not much money and easy to install if you are the least bit mechanically inclined (I think most boat owners have to be). The 60 or 70 dollars you spend is cheap insurance. Going 70 to 35 is only a couple of hundred miles further but most of that time will be made up the the higher speed that you can maintain especially dragging your boat behind you. I would also second the idea of using synthetic oil in all of your vehicles it made a big difference in ours when we lived in C Springs.
Definitly add the largest cooler you can fit. They are not much money and easy to install if you are the least bit mechanically inclined (I think most boat owners have to be). The 60 or 70 dollars you spend is cheap insurance. Going 70 to 35 is only a couple of hundred miles further but most of that time will be made up the the higher speed that you can maintain especially dragging your boat behind you. I would also second the idea of using synthetic oil in all of your vehicles it made a big difference in ours when we lived in C Springs.
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Jay Hill
Where to rent a truck
As previously mentioned for towing services, U-Haul and Ryder also rent vans and pickups. Of course, you have to deal with driving 2,400 miles with "Rent Me for 19.99 a day" plastered all over the vehicle, but hey, maybe they'll cut you a break for the advertising??? Good luck! P.S. Personally, I'd trade in the Explorer for the Expedition or the Excursion with V8 or even turbo-diesel if available. You could then pull the boat with the cruise on 77 mph and have little to worry about but highway patrol. (Disclaimer: I am in no way condoning the pulling of a trailer at an unsafe speed. I am merely exemplifying the power of the larger vehicle.) Problem is that once traded-in, you now have a gas-guzzling monster vehicle to drive around. maybe you can find a dealer to let you take one for a "test drive"???
As previously mentioned for towing services, U-Haul and Ryder also rent vans and pickups. Of course, you have to deal with driving 2,400 miles with "Rent Me for 19.99 a day" plastered all over the vehicle, but hey, maybe they'll cut you a break for the advertising??? Good luck! P.S. Personally, I'd trade in the Explorer for the Expedition or the Excursion with V8 or even turbo-diesel if available. You could then pull the boat with the cruise on 77 mph and have little to worry about but highway patrol. (Disclaimer: I am in no way condoning the pulling of a trailer at an unsafe speed. I am merely exemplifying the power of the larger vehicle.) Problem is that once traded-in, you now have a gas-guzzling monster vehicle to drive around. maybe you can find a dealer to let you take one for a "test drive"???
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Michael Bell
No overdrive
If you question your vehicles capabilities, especially the transmission, make sure you don’t have it in overdrive. Even though… I towed my H26 the first time with my Ford Aerostar. It had the trailing package – including an oil cooler. The van pulled it OK. Even handled OK. But the first hill I encountered, I smoked the transmission. Currently drive a Dodge Ram pickup. By the time you get the boat loaded for vacation, you’ll be glad to have the extra muscle.
If you question your vehicles capabilities, especially the transmission, make sure you don’t have it in overdrive. Even though… I towed my H26 the first time with my Ford Aerostar. It had the trailing package – including an oil cooler. The van pulled it OK. Even handled OK. But the first hill I encountered, I smoked the transmission. Currently drive a Dodge Ram pickup. By the time you get the boat loaded for vacation, you’ll be glad to have the extra muscle.
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Ken Shubert
Check SailCast for winds on I-70
You might checkout the wind forecast before you trailer a boat across the prairies of E. Colorado and Kansas. Gusty North or South winds on this stretch make trailering exciting sometimes with the only solution being to slow down. Ken S/V Wouff Hong
You might checkout the wind forecast before you trailer a boat across the prairies of E. Colorado and Kansas. Gusty North or South winds on this stretch make trailering exciting sometimes with the only solution being to slow down. Ken S/V Wouff Hong
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Steve Wright
Get Radial Tire on you trailer
I pull my Hunter 26 with a Ford Explorer, but I switched to radial tires. They make all the difference in the world.
I pull my Hunter 26 with a Ford Explorer, but I switched to radial tires. They make all the difference in the world.
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Russ King
Wheelbase, towing package, etc.
I saw a police video on TV, where some guy was using one of those small SUV (sport utility vehicle) to tow a camper trailer. A gust of wind put the whole works into the ditch. The police were right behind the guy, and recorded the whole thing. The message: don't use a toy to pull a large trailer. You need weight in the tow vehicle, you need a long wheelbase so you don't end up in the ditch, and you need a trailer towing package. And you need to drive a little slower, and more carefully. A transmission cooler installed as part of a factory-approved towing-package is fine, you shouldn't need more. I personally would prefer a 3/4 ton truck, not a 1/2 ton (pickup), to tow the H26 or H260, and I would never tow with a SUV (Explorer, Blazer, etc.). I have towed campers in wind conditions that were "exciting"; I wouldn't want to handicap myself with an inferior tow vehicle.
I saw a police video on TV, where some guy was using one of those small SUV (sport utility vehicle) to tow a camper trailer. A gust of wind put the whole works into the ditch. The police were right behind the guy, and recorded the whole thing. The message: don't use a toy to pull a large trailer. You need weight in the tow vehicle, you need a long wheelbase so you don't end up in the ditch, and you need a trailer towing package. And you need to drive a little slower, and more carefully. A transmission cooler installed as part of a factory-approved towing-package is fine, you shouldn't need more. I personally would prefer a 3/4 ton truck, not a 1/2 ton (pickup), to tow the H26 or H260, and I would never tow with a SUV (Explorer, Blazer, etc.). I have towed campers in wind conditions that were "exciting"; I wouldn't want to handicap myself with an inferior tow vehicle.
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Ron Mehringer
Russ, How 'bout Expedition, Suburban, etc.
Russ, you said you wouldn't tow with an SUV. How about with the larger SUV's like the Expedition, Suburban or even the Durango? I would think that either of the first two would be more than capable. The Durango can definitely handle weight, but has a smaller wheelbase. I bought an H26 this fall and this spring I'll be buying something to tow it with. Just not comfortable with the idea of using my GMC Jimmy. Pickups are impractical for me, so I'm considering the vehicles listed above. I'd like to hear what people think. God bless Ron M
Russ, you said you wouldn't tow with an SUV. How about with the larger SUV's like the Expedition, Suburban or even the Durango? I would think that either of the first two would be more than capable. The Durango can definitely handle weight, but has a smaller wheelbase. I bought an H26 this fall and this spring I'll be buying something to tow it with. Just not comfortable with the idea of using my GMC Jimmy. Pickups are impractical for me, so I'm considering the vehicles listed above. I'd like to hear what people think. God bless Ron M
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Mike Pajewski
Expedition works great!!!!!!!!!
Ron, You are right, the Jimmy won't cut it. I towed my 23.5 with a 95 Blazer. It was less than adequate. When I moved up to the 26, I bought a 97 Expedition. We have towed our 26 with the Expedition and have been more than happy. Hell, coming back from the Apostle Islands on Wisconsin 58, we passed a Jeep Grand Cherokee pulling a U-Haul up hill. We also routinely tow a 28 foot travel trailer also. The Expedition is great tow vehicle, and if it isn't big enough, I know the Excursion would be. Mike Pajewski H26 "Loon"
Ron, You are right, the Jimmy won't cut it. I towed my 23.5 with a 95 Blazer. It was less than adequate. When I moved up to the 26, I bought a 97 Expedition. We have towed our 26 with the Expedition and have been more than happy. Hell, coming back from the Apostle Islands on Wisconsin 58, we passed a Jeep Grand Cherokee pulling a U-Haul up hill. We also routinely tow a 28 foot travel trailer also. The Expedition is great tow vehicle, and if it isn't big enough, I know the Excursion would be. Mike Pajewski H26 "Loon"
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Ron Mehringer
Thanks Mike!
It's always good to hear first-hand accounts from people who own the same boat. Strange thing about the Expedition. When they first came out, I really hated them. Not to offend anyone, but I thought they were kind of a rude car...huge, gas guzzling, etc. I always joked with my wife that it will be my luck that one day I'll have to drive one. I guess that day is coming soon! Now that I look at the Expy as a means to sailing, it's starting to look pretty good to me. Go figure. God bless, Ron Mehringer
It's always good to hear first-hand accounts from people who own the same boat. Strange thing about the Expedition. When they first came out, I really hated them. Not to offend anyone, but I thought they were kind of a rude car...huge, gas guzzling, etc. I always joked with my wife that it will be my luck that one day I'll have to drive one. I guess that day is coming soon! Now that I look at the Expy as a means to sailing, it's starting to look pretty good to me. Go figure. God bless, Ron Mehringer
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Larry Barnes
Up and Over!
What's really important? Figure that out and spend the money there. My experience towing a Hunter 26 is that it's big, not that it's heavy. It's bigness requires a long wheelbase. If a Suburban is on your list then that's the ticket. You don't have to have 4X4 or 454 or whatever it is today. The 350 fuel injection engines today are more than enough muscle. The 2 wheel drive model is a lot less expensive to buy and to run. It's 3 inches closer to the ground so in my book it's more of a highway machine (the Silverado looks good too!). Of course the towing package is mandatory. If you keep the speed at around 60 mph you won't have any surprises, and the fuel is spent over a longer run. Climbing the pass is what I do (I live in the Canadian Rockies). I just put it in 2nd and wind it up to 3k rpm and let it do the job. It doesn't work to hard and the heat never even kicks in the thermostat for the additional cooler fan. Yea, I could go faster, but I'm in this for the long haul. I love my wife, my life, my boat and sailing so I'm committed to getting her and it there and doing that! Nothing else matters! The Suburban 2X 1500 has done the job and I like to drive it. All the best! Larry Barnes "CNTRL SEA"
What's really important? Figure that out and spend the money there. My experience towing a Hunter 26 is that it's big, not that it's heavy. It's bigness requires a long wheelbase. If a Suburban is on your list then that's the ticket. You don't have to have 4X4 or 454 or whatever it is today. The 350 fuel injection engines today are more than enough muscle. The 2 wheel drive model is a lot less expensive to buy and to run. It's 3 inches closer to the ground so in my book it's more of a highway machine (the Silverado looks good too!). Of course the towing package is mandatory. If you keep the speed at around 60 mph you won't have any surprises, and the fuel is spent over a longer run. Climbing the pass is what I do (I live in the Canadian Rockies). I just put it in 2nd and wind it up to 3k rpm and let it do the job. It doesn't work to hard and the heat never even kicks in the thermostat for the additional cooler fan. Yea, I could go faster, but I'm in this for the long haul. I love my wife, my life, my boat and sailing so I'm committed to getting her and it there and doing that! Nothing else matters! The Suburban 2X 1500 has done the job and I like to drive it. All the best! Larry Barnes "CNTRL SEA"
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Russ King
Suburban was first
The Suburban was the first recreation tow vehicle on the market, and from what I read, it's still the champ. I agree with Mike and Larry. I don't know the other brands; after my experiences with other Chrysler products (new and used), I wouldn't buy one ever again. But that's my opinion. Today the crew cab/extended cab trucks are really challenging the Suburban. The Suburban is built on a truck body, too, so you're getting a "truck-tough" tow vehicle. The biggest problem with a truck has always been finding room for the family; the extended cabs available now address that issue. I like the idea of an extended cab truck, simply because I can keep flammables (gas tanks, propane, etc.) and other smelly stuff in the truck box, away from the passenger compartment. And still haul lumber, etc., when I need to, or carry extra passengers (passengers in the rear seats, NEVER in the truck bed). A lot of years ago, I hitched a ride with a trucker who was carrying a load of tent trailers. He told me that he hated carrying them; they were too light, and his rig (tractor trailer) would be all over the road on a gusty day. He said a heavy load was a lot easier to pull. Extrapolating what he said, a big, light, water-ballast boat will be harder to haul than a heavy keel boat with its built-in ballast. But stay away from short wheelbase tow vehicles. You're paying a premium for them, and they're not as good (or as safe) as a tow vehicle with a longer wheelbase. They are toys for urban cowboys.
The Suburban was the first recreation tow vehicle on the market, and from what I read, it's still the champ. I agree with Mike and Larry. I don't know the other brands; after my experiences with other Chrysler products (new and used), I wouldn't buy one ever again. But that's my opinion. Today the crew cab/extended cab trucks are really challenging the Suburban. The Suburban is built on a truck body, too, so you're getting a "truck-tough" tow vehicle. The biggest problem with a truck has always been finding room for the family; the extended cabs available now address that issue. I like the idea of an extended cab truck, simply because I can keep flammables (gas tanks, propane, etc.) and other smelly stuff in the truck box, away from the passenger compartment. And still haul lumber, etc., when I need to, or carry extra passengers (passengers in the rear seats, NEVER in the truck bed). A lot of years ago, I hitched a ride with a trucker who was carrying a load of tent trailers. He told me that he hated carrying them; they were too light, and his rig (tractor trailer) would be all over the road on a gusty day. He said a heavy load was a lot easier to pull. Extrapolating what he said, a big, light, water-ballast boat will be harder to haul than a heavy keel boat with its built-in ballast. But stay away from short wheelbase tow vehicles. You're paying a premium for them, and they're not as good (or as safe) as a tow vehicle with a longer wheelbase. They are toys for urban cowboys.
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Russ King
Full-Size Vans are OK, too
The title says it all. One big advantage with a van is that you can make or buy a camper version, complete with toilet, stove, and bed. Good for overnighting on cross-country trips, or for guests (privacy is a luxury!). If you go with a van conversion, watch the gross weight (gvwr). Good luck!
The title says it all. One big advantage with a van is that you can make or buy a camper version, complete with toilet, stove, and bed. Good for overnighting on cross-country trips, or for guests (privacy is a luxury!). If you go with a van conversion, watch the gross weight (gvwr). Good luck!
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Jay Hill
A Recommendation...
Of course I'm biased in this opinion, but the Ford F350 Crew Cab with long bed (not "dually" but single rear wheel) is the longest wheel base available in production trucks today. With a camper shell on the bed it's great for hauling anything in any weather. The four, full-sized doors are great and the truck has tons of room for six people in the cab. Get the 7.3L TurboDiesel (18-20 mpg while towing) and you will likely forget (except for the rear view mirror) that you are towing a boat. Base weight is roughly 7,200 # and will haul everything. (I moved a H31 at 9,900 # with it.) Disadvantages: Engine Noise, Sheer size (I like) Advantages: World's best air conditioner, fuel mileage, smooth ride, etc.
Of course I'm biased in this opinion, but the Ford F350 Crew Cab with long bed (not "dually" but single rear wheel) is the longest wheel base available in production trucks today. With a camper shell on the bed it's great for hauling anything in any weather. The four, full-sized doors are great and the truck has tons of room for six people in the cab. Get the 7.3L TurboDiesel (18-20 mpg while towing) and you will likely forget (except for the rear view mirror) that you are towing a boat. Base weight is roughly 7,200 # and will haul everything. (I moved a H31 at 9,900 # with it.) Disadvantages: Engine Noise, Sheer size (I like) Advantages: World's best air conditioner, fuel mileage, smooth ride, etc.
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Dean Eiland
When are you going to Corpus?
Larry, I was thinking about taking my H26 to Corpus this spring for a few days. When are yo going? Dean "Chateau du Vent"
Larry, I was thinking about taking my H26 to Corpus this spring for a few days. When are yo going? Dean "Chateau du Vent"
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Dean Eiland
When are you going to Corpus?
Larry, I was thinking about taking my H26 to Corpus this spring for a few days. When are you going? Dean "Chateau du Vent"
Larry, I was thinking about taking my H26 to Corpus this spring for a few days. When are you going? Dean "Chateau du Vent"
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