Ok all you 26 and 260 owners, what do you tow your boat with and are you happy with the results? Any Durango owners out there? My GMC Jimmy (Chevy Blazer) can tow 5000#, but is probably marginal at best with the 26. At least that's my guess, since I haven't tried it yet. Most people are telling be to replace the Jimmy with a Suburban or Expedition. Suburban is undoubtedly the king of SUV towing, but more vehicle than I want. Expedition is big, but I don't think the wheelbase is any longer than a Durango. Looking for advice. Thanks Ron Mehringer Hydro-Therapy
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Joe Baker
Chevy Astro
We have pulled the H-26 thousands of miles with a 4.3 liter V6 all wheel drive Astro. We keep up with most traffic and have had no towing related problems.
We have pulled the H-26 thousands of miles with a 4.3 liter V6 all wheel drive Astro. We keep up with most traffic and have had no towing related problems.
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Jim Schaff
Towing My H26
I used to tow my H26 with a Ford 150, V-8, 2X pickup with heavy duty towing package. It handled the boat pretty well and is much smaller than the boat so it looked impressive (at least I imagined it did) going down the highway. ( Look at that lil' ol' truck pulling that big ol' boat!) Problem is, on these 75 mph Interstates, I just couldn't keep up, especially on an incline. The truck worked hard, too. Then I found a new Chevy 3500, 1 ton utility van with a Vortec 7400 engine and extended wheelbase. It was all set up for towing. That van is almost as big as the boat. All it has on the inside is two seats (comfortable), radio, heater and air conditioner. But boy does it have cargo room and pulling power! I'm sure it doesn't look as impressive going down the road but I can pull any hill, pass any slow poke, and go as fast as I want to and still feel safe and in complete control. Now, if I could just pass a gas station without stopping once in a while . . . ! Jim Schaff s/v Morning Glory
I used to tow my H26 with a Ford 150, V-8, 2X pickup with heavy duty towing package. It handled the boat pretty well and is much smaller than the boat so it looked impressive (at least I imagined it did) going down the highway. ( Look at that lil' ol' truck pulling that big ol' boat!) Problem is, on these 75 mph Interstates, I just couldn't keep up, especially on an incline. The truck worked hard, too. Then I found a new Chevy 3500, 1 ton utility van with a Vortec 7400 engine and extended wheelbase. It was all set up for towing. That van is almost as big as the boat. All it has on the inside is two seats (comfortable), radio, heater and air conditioner. But boy does it have cargo room and pulling power! I'm sure it doesn't look as impressive going down the road but I can pull any hill, pass any slow poke, and go as fast as I want to and still feel safe and in complete control. Now, if I could just pass a gas station without stopping once in a while . . . ! Jim Schaff s/v Morning Glory
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Larry Barnes
Suburban
Ron, Ask yourself,"what am I buying this vehicle for?". It's true, you have to live with it 52 weeks of the year. SUV is a lousy concept because it's designed to attract a crowd who want to look sporty and yet be status oriented (90% of them drive to the market with the kids). That means it has to stand taller and drive on all four wheels, which costs lots of bucks when you buy it and when you fill the tank. They are a hybrid that don't really do anything very well except flip over and stear squirrly (pardon the attitude!) I was faced with the same problem. For me, the answer came in a 2 yr old Chev. 2X4 350 V8 Silverado, Suburban. This truck, and believe me that's what you need, didn't cost 1/2 what the new 4X4 models do. It sits 3.5 inches closer to the ground and has amazing seating and storage options. It's a pleasure to drive and it gets 17 mpg towing. It has all the gadets and turns some heads so it serves me very well. It's a station wagon on a truck frame. Your concern about wheelbase is well founded. Good luck, have fun, Larry Barnes
Ron, Ask yourself,"what am I buying this vehicle for?". It's true, you have to live with it 52 weeks of the year. SUV is a lousy concept because it's designed to attract a crowd who want to look sporty and yet be status oriented (90% of them drive to the market with the kids). That means it has to stand taller and drive on all four wheels, which costs lots of bucks when you buy it and when you fill the tank. They are a hybrid that don't really do anything very well except flip over and stear squirrly (pardon the attitude!) I was faced with the same problem. For me, the answer came in a 2 yr old Chev. 2X4 350 V8 Silverado, Suburban. This truck, and believe me that's what you need, didn't cost 1/2 what the new 4X4 models do. It sits 3.5 inches closer to the ground and has amazing seating and storage options. It's a pleasure to drive and it gets 17 mpg towing. It has all the gadets and turns some heads so it serves me very well. It's a station wagon on a truck frame. Your concern about wheelbase is well founded. Good luck, have fun, Larry Barnes
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Russell
Towing
I tow a 240 with a Dodge Dakota 4x4 with the 5.2 liter, 318 CI V8. I tried towing it with a V6 Dakota, but on anything but flat land, it was very uncomfortable. The good news is that your trailer will have dual axles which will help, but in my opinnion I would opt for something with a decent wheelbase and a V8. I hear of people towing with v6 engines all of the time, but I think it really depends on the terrain. Russell
I tow a 240 with a Dodge Dakota 4x4 with the 5.2 liter, 318 CI V8. I tried towing it with a V6 Dakota, but on anything but flat land, it was very uncomfortable. The good news is that your trailer will have dual axles which will help, but in my opinnion I would opt for something with a decent wheelbase and a V8. I hear of people towing with v6 engines all of the time, but I think it really depends on the terrain. Russell
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Harry Plaganis
BIGGER IS BETTER
Dear Ron, I always want to pull my 26' with the best unit I can afford, so I went with a Ford 4WD Crew Cab with a 460ci. and I converted to Propane to save on fuel cost and so the engine will last longer also.I wanted a truck that my wife would feel good about when towing the boat.And the kids can fit real nice to, and extra cargo room is nice. If you end up using the truck to tow as much as I do you will want to go big time. I think if you cheap out on the truck you might find your self on the side of the road.Last year at the end of summer when the Columbia River in Portland OR.got low I had to use 4WD to get up the ramp, lot's of sand was left on the ramp that you couldn't see when launching.Be Prepared Good Luck Harry P.P.
Dear Ron, I always want to pull my 26' with the best unit I can afford, so I went with a Ford 4WD Crew Cab with a 460ci. and I converted to Propane to save on fuel cost and so the engine will last longer also.I wanted a truck that my wife would feel good about when towing the boat.And the kids can fit real nice to, and extra cargo room is nice. If you end up using the truck to tow as much as I do you will want to go big time. I think if you cheap out on the truck you might find your self on the side of the road.Last year at the end of summer when the Columbia River in Portland OR.got low I had to use 4WD to get up the ramp, lot's of sand was left on the ramp that you couldn't see when launching.Be Prepared Good Luck Harry P.P.
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Dave Condon
toe vehicle
Can two squirrels in a cage be used in a toe vehicle? Several questions to ask. How often do you plan tow which is the biggest question. If it is only twice per year to take to the water and bring home, and you do not have anything, rent a vehicle for exsample a ryder or u-haul. If you have a vehicle which you do in this case and plan to tow allot, then there are several suggestions. Good class three tow hitch. Heavy duty shocks. Extra transmission coooler for the automatics. Larest radiater that can be installed. Plan on as if you are driving on snow and ice. Acceleration will be longer and allow for extra braking. Going uphill with any load will slow you down. I think my big buzzle butt does slow me down some. Ha! Be careful going downhill not to speed up and if being caautious going downhill, shift to a lower gear and go slower. I have a customer with a 6 cylinder ford explorer pulling a 26 up and down mountains alll the time. Just remember that you will need to take extra time getting there. You do not need to be a speedy Gonzales when towing anything. Crazy Dave
Can two squirrels in a cage be used in a toe vehicle? Several questions to ask. How often do you plan tow which is the biggest question. If it is only twice per year to take to the water and bring home, and you do not have anything, rent a vehicle for exsample a ryder or u-haul. If you have a vehicle which you do in this case and plan to tow allot, then there are several suggestions. Good class three tow hitch. Heavy duty shocks. Extra transmission coooler for the automatics. Larest radiater that can be installed. Plan on as if you are driving on snow and ice. Acceleration will be longer and allow for extra braking. Going uphill with any load will slow you down. I think my big buzzle butt does slow me down some. Ha! Be careful going downhill not to speed up and if being caautious going downhill, shift to a lower gear and go slower. I have a customer with a 6 cylinder ford explorer pulling a 26 up and down mountains alll the time. Just remember that you will need to take extra time getting there. You do not need to be a speedy Gonzales when towing anything. Crazy Dave
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Ron Mehringer
Thanks & one more question
Thanks to all who have provided towing advice. This forum and you all are a treasure chest of knowledge & experience. I really don't want to buy a new vehicle, so based on the input I think I'll get a hitch installed on the Jimmy and give it a try. This summer I don't expect to have to tow more than 100-200 miles each way and will probably only do that once or twice (most of the time my 26 will remain on Lake Hopatcong). hen I do tow, I'll have my wife take the kids and luggage in her car. Last question, is a load distributing hitch a good idea? Most every tow center I've talked to says that it would be overkill. What do you think. Thanks again. Ron Mehringer Hydro-Therapy
Thanks to all who have provided towing advice. This forum and you all are a treasure chest of knowledge & experience. I really don't want to buy a new vehicle, so based on the input I think I'll get a hitch installed on the Jimmy and give it a try. This summer I don't expect to have to tow more than 100-200 miles each way and will probably only do that once or twice (most of the time my 26 will remain on Lake Hopatcong). hen I do tow, I'll have my wife take the kids and luggage in her car. Last question, is a load distributing hitch a good idea? Most every tow center I've talked to says that it would be overkill. What do you think. Thanks again. Ron Mehringer Hydro-Therapy
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Mike Pajewski
Equalizer won't work
Ron, I tow my 26 with an Expedition. I have an equalizing hitch for my travel trailer, but it won't fit the boat trailer and still be able to use the tongue extension feature as the spring brackets attach to the A-frame. You would be taking the bars off to launch. A true pain. We towed our 23.5 with a 95 Blazer. For short trips to and from the lake it will probably handle the 26. When I visited Lake Hopatcong in 96, we used the launch ramp at the State Park. Bring plenty of fenders, as the floating dock is not well padded and has some sharp spots. Mike Pajewski H26 "Loon"
Ron, I tow my 26 with an Expedition. I have an equalizing hitch for my travel trailer, but it won't fit the boat trailer and still be able to use the tongue extension feature as the spring brackets attach to the A-frame. You would be taking the bars off to launch. A true pain. We towed our 23.5 with a 95 Blazer. For short trips to and from the lake it will probably handle the 26. When I visited Lake Hopatcong in 96, we used the launch ramp at the State Park. Bring plenty of fenders, as the floating dock is not well padded and has some sharp spots. Mike Pajewski H26 "Loon"
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Ralph C. Regar
Towing the H26/260
When making the jump to the H26/260, the subject of towing always causes a debate. For those of you who are able to afford a new vehicle: congratulations to you! A truck or Suburban with a serious engine is probably the best. If you choose a SUV, remember two things. First, they are not all created equal. Choose one that is heavy enough and with a large enough engine to handle the trailer/boat/gear that you will be towing. Second, remember that it isn't a car! They are not as stable or as maneuverable as a car. I have seen so many of them flipped over in snow or in minor accidents that I have determined that SUV should stand for "Sometimes Upside-down Vehicle." Please be careful! In any case, being CHEAP and having a wife who does not like either of the aforementioined vehicles, here is what I have done to tow my H260. When the time came to decide whether to overhaul or trade my 1975 Buick Electra, I did a little arithmetic. The cost of a remanufactured engine, plus serious attention to the rest of the driveline along with a new stereo system and some cosmetic work cost a small fraction of what a new vehicle capable of handling the H260 would have cost. I now have a comfortable, powerful and stable vehicle which my wife does not hesitate to drive and the warranty on the remanufactured engine is better than what I would have on a new vehicle. The gas mileage on this vehicle is about the same as what you would get on a new truck or SUV which is capable of towing the Hunter. Also, I now get as many comments and compliments about the car as I do about the boat! Good luck in making your decision and enjoy your new Hunter! Ralph C. Regar Shambala
When making the jump to the H26/260, the subject of towing always causes a debate. For those of you who are able to afford a new vehicle: congratulations to you! A truck or Suburban with a serious engine is probably the best. If you choose a SUV, remember two things. First, they are not all created equal. Choose one that is heavy enough and with a large enough engine to handle the trailer/boat/gear that you will be towing. Second, remember that it isn't a car! They are not as stable or as maneuverable as a car. I have seen so many of them flipped over in snow or in minor accidents that I have determined that SUV should stand for "Sometimes Upside-down Vehicle." Please be careful! In any case, being CHEAP and having a wife who does not like either of the aforementioined vehicles, here is what I have done to tow my H260. When the time came to decide whether to overhaul or trade my 1975 Buick Electra, I did a little arithmetic. The cost of a remanufactured engine, plus serious attention to the rest of the driveline along with a new stereo system and some cosmetic work cost a small fraction of what a new vehicle capable of handling the H260 would have cost. I now have a comfortable, powerful and stable vehicle which my wife does not hesitate to drive and the warranty on the remanufactured engine is better than what I would have on a new vehicle. The gas mileage on this vehicle is about the same as what you would get on a new truck or SUV which is capable of towing the Hunter. Also, I now get as many comments and compliments about the car as I do about the boat! Good luck in making your decision and enjoy your new Hunter! Ralph C. Regar Shambala
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Rick Webb
Right on Ralph
We just picked up a new Gran Marquis to replace the 85 we had been using. As often as we tow ours it does not make sense for us to have a big truck around all the time and I do not beleive any of the SUVs are a much better tow vehicle than is my Mercury. Given my druthers I would use one of the mid 60's four door Lincoln Convertibles but my wife made me give up cars when we got the boat. Oh well.
We just picked up a new Gran Marquis to replace the 85 we had been using. As often as we tow ours it does not make sense for us to have a big truck around all the time and I do not beleive any of the SUVs are a much better tow vehicle than is my Mercury. Given my druthers I would use one of the mid 60's four door Lincoln Convertibles but my wife made me give up cars when we got the boat. Oh well.
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Ron Fraboni
Blazer Works
I have successfully towed my H26 for five years on 1-2 long trips per year with a Chevy Blazer with proper size hitch and tranmission cooler installed. You won't break speed records, but it hauls nicely. Have to use regular drive gear most of the time, not the overdrive usually used. Gas milege won't be good, but most of the year you will get the usual good mileage from this type of vehicle. Good luck.
I have successfully towed my H26 for five years on 1-2 long trips per year with a Chevy Blazer with proper size hitch and tranmission cooler installed. You won't break speed records, but it hauls nicely. Have to use regular drive gear most of the time, not the overdrive usually used. Gas milege won't be good, but most of the year you will get the usual good mileage from this type of vehicle. Good luck.
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