towing

[Geoff A.]

I have been thinking about buying a different tow vehical. I currently tow with a 93 Jeep Cherokee but it has a lot of sway when towing and I have a hard time stopping (ok with trailer brake but when I am backing down a ramp with the trailer extended I find it hard to stop). Does anyone tow with a full size bronco? The wheel base is about the same but it is a bigger truck. Would it tow better? Thanks.Geoff

 

[Randy]

Safety

Geoff your point is one that all should take note in...just because your vehicle will pull the boat dosent mean its safe to do so...... On the other side of the picture, I pull my 22 with a one-ton dulie crew cab and my trailer is tandum axel... If your looking into a the purchase of a vehicle to pull the boat with....An easy choice would be a 3/4 ton truck....and it dosent have to be 4-wheel drive... I used to pull the boat with a 95 dodge 1500 series....until the third transmition...

 

[Dave Bolton]

Check the tongue weight

Geoff,Your comment about "lots of sway" suggests that there is not enough weight on the tongue. I have read somewhere that 7%-9% of the total towing weight is a good rule of thumb. I tow with a Ford Expedition (which is overkill, but thats what I have) and I also experience more sway when I don't have the boat pulled as far forward as I should (like now). I would first try putting as much weight up front as possible and see if the situation improves. About your difficulty in stopping ... You didn't mention whether your Jeep is 4WD or 2WD. I take it pretty slow when I am backing down a ramp. I would just question whether it is your vehicle or the ramp (some ramps are more slippery than others). Also, are the tires in good shape. I guess I would advocate trying the simple things first (maybe cause I'm a cheapskate).Good LuckDave in Denver

 

[Bob Walker]

Mountains no problem - its the ramps

Just finished towing my c22 from the Rockey Mountains to the coast of B.C. and back with my f150 6 cylinder 1/2 ton pickup. Had to take some of the steeper hills in 3rd gear but other than that didnt even know the boat was there. The only weak link was pulling it out of the water at a steep ramp on the coast - overheated the clutch - I've read before that the longer the wheelbase the better the tow vehicle.

 

[Geoff A.]

I bought the bronco

I bought my friends full size bronco and it feels much better pulling the boat. The jeep is just too light. I do need to still check my weight up front. The bronco gets worse gas milage but feels better on the ramp and just in general. It is still short but wider and much heaver. Thanks.