Has anyone weighed their Hunter 26? I'm a prospective H26 owner, looking to buy the smallest tow vehicle I won't regret. I estimate the weight at 4000 lbs, based upon specs for boat and trailer. I've been told the actual weight is 5500 lbs!
what size towing vehicle for Hunter 26
- Thread starter joegeodesist
- Start date
- Status
dusty_rhoads@sra.comAdd in contents
Be sure to add in the contents including sails, anchor, bedding, everything stored on the boat. With all that you're probably close to 4,000, then add the trailer and you're over 5,000. The size of the tow vehicle also will be dictated by the distance of the tow. If you're looking at highway driving you'll probably want a dually pick-up for the lateral stability it provides. If you need to break quickly with a sight turn of the wheel to avoid something while you're doing 65 mph, the boat may keep going straight! With a dually that is less likely to occur. Remember that the smaller the vehicle the harder you are on the transmission. Hope this helps.
Be sure to add in the contents including sails, anchor, bedding, everything stored on the boat. With all that you're probably close to 4,000, then add the trailer and you're over 5,000. The size of the tow vehicle also will be dictated by the distance of the tow. If you're looking at highway driving you'll probably want a dually pick-up for the lateral stability it provides. If you need to break quickly with a sight turn of the wheel to avoid something while you're doing 65 mph, the boat may keep going straight! With a dually that is less likely to occur. Remember that the smaller the vehicle the harder you are on the transmission. Hope this helps.
Nothing less than a full size
I wouldn't reccoment anything less than a 1500 pick up or SUV, maby like a 91 full size blazer, those are pretty cheap, have a 350 engine, and were built pretty well.
I wouldn't reccoment anything less than a 1500 pick up or SUV, maby like a 91 full size blazer, those are pretty cheap, have a 350 engine, and were built pretty well.
longer wheel base is better too.
Not only a full size vehicle but the longer the wheel base the better. It also depends on the distance you will be towing. If it is just a few miles you can get away with a smaller rig. Remember the launch location will also determine how much traction you will need. A four wheel drive is also an asset.
Not only a full size vehicle but the longer the wheel base the better. It also depends on the distance you will be towing. If it is just a few miles you can get away with a smaller rig. Remember the launch location will also determine how much traction you will need. A four wheel drive is also an asset.
Launch vs Tow
For a tow vehicle, you want a 2wd, long wheelbase, manual transmission, dually is nice too. BUT for a moving/ launching vehicle, you want an automatic 4wd short wheelbase. Both need to be up to carrying the weight, but the big problem is that the ideal vehicle at the begining and end of the tow is terrible for the drive. Most people feel the most dangerous/important part of the whole thing is maneuvering the boat around in the lot or ramp, so obviously a compromise is best. No semi's or bronco II's. BTW having "low range" is a HUGE asset for any low speed maneuvering, esp reversing and ramps/grades, and that is a feature you only get with 4wd.
For a tow vehicle, you want a 2wd, long wheelbase, manual transmission, dually is nice too. BUT for a moving/ launching vehicle, you want an automatic 4wd short wheelbase. Both need to be up to carrying the weight, but the big problem is that the ideal vehicle at the begining and end of the tow is terrible for the drive. Most people feel the most dangerous/important part of the whole thing is maneuvering the boat around in the lot or ramp, so obviously a compromise is best. No semi's or bronco II's. BTW having "low range" is a HUGE asset for any low speed maneuvering, esp reversing and ramps/grades, and that is a feature you only get with 4wd.
F150
I use a 2wd extended cab with the standard engine & transmission. It does just fine for 5 hour highway tows, up 7,000 ft and down 7,000 ft mountains. The long wheel base is the key for highway driving and the trailer breaks are key to the down hill runs.
I use a 2wd extended cab with the standard engine & transmission. It does just fine for 5 hour highway tows, up 7,000 ft and down 7,000 ft mountains. The long wheel base is the key for highway driving and the trailer breaks are key to the down hill runs.
Determine Your Towing Need
I think what everyone has replied is to determine what you need the tow vehicle to do. In my case, I went with a Toyota 4Runner with a V6. I need it to launch in the Spring and tow home and then to the dealer for storage in the Fall. With gas prices and ethanol cutting your fuel economy 15 to 20 %, nobody wants to feed a V8 unless it is necessary. I went on a 400 mile trip and the V6 had a difficult time to make it up some big hills, with four additional adults and a dog in the SUV. On the flat, it tows fine. I still don't regret not getting a V8. Also, I hate to rig and de-rig and waste three hours of sailing time, so I keep my boat in a slip and all I have to do is take the sail cover off and start the motor. If you plan to trailer sail and you have big hills and a lot of boat gear and people to haul, I think you need a V8. Otherwise, I think a V6 with a 5000 lb towing capacity would do fine. My two cents, Barry
I think what everyone has replied is to determine what you need the tow vehicle to do. In my case, I went with a Toyota 4Runner with a V6. I need it to launch in the Spring and tow home and then to the dealer for storage in the Fall. With gas prices and ethanol cutting your fuel economy 15 to 20 %, nobody wants to feed a V8 unless it is necessary. I went on a 400 mile trip and the V6 had a difficult time to make it up some big hills, with four additional adults and a dog in the SUV. On the flat, it tows fine. I still don't regret not getting a V8. Also, I hate to rig and de-rig and waste three hours of sailing time, so I keep my boat in a slip and all I have to do is take the sail cover off and start the motor. If you plan to trailer sail and you have big hills and a lot of boat gear and people to haul, I think you need a V8. Otherwise, I think a V6 with a 5000 lb towing capacity would do fine. My two cents, Barry
Best 26/260 Tow Wehicle
For a long time I believed the best tow vehicle for these boats was a diesel equiped Ford E250 van. I read an article in the auto section of the NY Times two weeks ago that changed my decision. The "new" best tow vehicle is a diesel equiped Volkswagon "Touareg" SUV.
For a long time I believed the best tow vehicle for these boats was a diesel equiped Ford E250 van. I read an article in the auto section of the NY Times two weeks ago that changed my decision. The "new" best tow vehicle is a diesel equiped Volkswagon "Touareg" SUV.
Jeep
I've towed our 94 H-26 down to Kentucky Lake behind a 1992 Jeep Cherokee Laredo - In Line 4.0 liter six cylinder with 5 speed manual transmission. I drive very conservatively, take a lot of time to stop - and watch the temperature gage very closely. We made this trip with this vehicle three times without incident. I now use a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee with a 4.3 Liter V8 and automatic with towing package. It tows much better.
I've towed our 94 H-26 down to Kentucky Lake behind a 1992 Jeep Cherokee Laredo - In Line 4.0 liter six cylinder with 5 speed manual transmission. I drive very conservatively, take a lot of time to stop - and watch the temperature gage very closely. We made this trip with this vehicle three times without incident. I now use a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee with a 4.3 Liter V8 and automatic with towing package. It tows much better.
F250 Turbo diesel (yeah baby)
I know you are looking at a minimal vehicle.....but just gotta say how sweeeet the turbo diesels are..and high teen mileage under tow, I had an f150 (93 auto v8) and the H26 cooked the tranny near Barstow Ca. (yuch), I found a place to store her then rented a car and went truck hunting...got me a 250 with the 7.3 turbo..still can't wipe the smirk off my face when I pass cars on the slopes hauling the monster boat!!!!!
I know you are looking at a minimal vehicle.....but just gotta say how sweeeet the turbo diesels are..and high teen mileage under tow, I had an f150 (93 auto v8) and the H26 cooked the tranny near Barstow Ca. (yuch), I found a place to store her then rented a car and went truck hunting...got me a 250 with the 7.3 turbo..still can't wipe the smirk off my face when I pass cars on the slopes hauling the monster boat!!!!!
- Status