towing a boat - Page 2

'Eye Finder · 10-20-2008, 03:05 PM

Make sure you have a transmission cooler. I towed my 18' Lund to Minnesota with a Jimmy and fried my tanny w/o using overdrive. The thing that sucks is that I was told about the tranny cooler and didn't put one on. Lack of a $60 part cost me about $2200.

bassnbaseball · 10-20-2008, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 'Eye Finder

Make sure you have a transmission cooler. I towed my 18' Lund to Minnesota with a Jimmy and fried my tanny w/o using overdrive. The thing that sucks is that I was told about the tranny cooler and didn't put one on. Lack of a $60 part cost me about $2200.

Ouch.

dacoach · 10-28-2008, 03:10 PM

Thanks for some replys.
My facts were wrong. 1997 16.5 foot alumacraft full windshield boat. Weight unknown. Roller trailer. 115 johnson motor not a 150. 185 hp v6 plain equinox fwd.
Before I invested in hitch and transmission cooler just wanted to see if anyone has one pulling a boat already?

Once to the resort a friend can put the boat in the water with his truck. I just need to pull it.
Thank you,
Dacoach

Big Johnson · 10-28-2008, 06:10 PM

Dacoach,

Still need the weight of the total boat and trailer loaded with all your goods to really make a judgment call... If the total weight of this unit is under 3,500 lbs you should be okay... A weight distribution hitch like they use on RV's would certainly help you out a whole bunch...

I have an 11,000 lb. travel trailer and a 12,000 lb. flatbed trailer that I pull all the time and the flatbed meets the max rating for my 2004 Chevy 2500HD CC SB Duramax Diesel with 5 Speed Allison Transmission. I use an Equalizer 12,000/1,200 lb. distribution hitch with built in sway. It makes a huge difference pulling. It transfers a portion of the tongue weight to the tow vehicle. It aids the rear of the tow vehicle to maintain a normal drop and applies weight to the front of the tow vehicle too. It will make a tremendous difference when braking.

If the boat package meets your weight requirements, then tow it in Drive only and don't plan on running 65mph... You will be doing your vehicle a favor if you can hold it to 55 mph...

Also, any trailer in Nebraska that weighs over 3,000 lbs. must have brakes on the trailer per DOT.

10-28-2008, 06:10 PM	#24 (permalink)
Big Johnson Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Columbus Posts: 243 Thanks: 39 Thanked 47 Times in 23 Posts	Dacoach, Still need the weight of the total boat and trailer loaded with all your goods to really make a judgment call... If the total weight of this unit is under 3,500 lbs you should be okay... A weight distribution hitch like they use on RV's would certainly help you out a whole bunch... I have an 11,000 lb. travel trailer and a 12,000 lb. flatbed trailer that I pull all the time and the flatbed meets the max rating for my 2004 Chevy 2500HD CC SB Duramax Diesel with 5 Speed Allison Transmission. I use an Equalizer 12,000/1,200 lb. distribution hitch with built in sway. It makes a huge difference pulling. It transfers a portion of the tongue weight to the tow vehicle. It aids the rear of the tow vehicle to maintain a normal drop and applies weight to the front of the tow vehicle too. It will make a tremendous difference when braking. If the boat package meets your weight requirements, then tow it in Drive only and don't plan on running 65mph... You will be doing your vehicle a favor if you can hold it to 55 mph... Also, any trailer in Nebraska that weighs over 3,000 lbs. must have brakes on the trailer per DOT. __________________ Regards, Rob Johnson

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

10-20-2008, 03:05 PM	#21 (permalink)
'Eye Finder Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Hartington, NE Posts: 153 Thanks: 5 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Make sure you have a transmission cooler. I towed my 18' Lund to Minnesota with a Jimmy and fried my tanny w/o using overdrive. The thing that sucks is that I was told about the tranny cooler and didn't put one on. Lack of a $60 part cost me about $2200.

10-28-2008, 03:10 PM	#23 (permalink)
dacoach Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 12 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks for some replys. My facts were wrong. 1997 16.5 foot alumacraft full windshield boat. Weight unknown. Roller trailer. 115 johnson motor not a 150. 185 hp v6 plain equinox fwd. Before I invested in hitch and transmission cooler just wanted to see if anyone has one pulling a boat already? Once to the resort a friend can put the boat in the water with his truck. I just need to pull it. Thank you, Dacoach