Unlimited jd

iTrader: (5)

My 7.3 tows my hawk just fine even when the trailer brakes weren't working. It's about 12k on the aluminum trailer

Beak Boater

Will it tow it? Sure, but what kind of towing you talking, to the boat ramp and back, or to poker runs all over the US. Stopping it is far more important than towing it. EOH brakes are a must. I have a 2000 F350 Dually with a 7.3. Biggest boat I towed any distance was a 37 Outerlimits on a steel Myco, that had only surge brakes. Their was no way you could stop that rig in a panic stop situation. I towed 5 Fountains the largest was a 38 on a steel Myco with EOH brakes, the thing stopped as if it wasn't even behind the truck.
Whether you are legal, or not is another question. Personally having towed from MD. to Fl. a couple of times, If you are planning on towing any distance, you will be more comfortable in a bigger unit. You will have to add an auxiliary fuel tank, or you will be stopping every a lot for fuel towing that Skater, if you are going any distance.

offshorexcursion

iTrader: (5)

The Trailer is MORE important then the truck. The Trailer Handles the weight of the boat, stops the boat, controls sway and stability. A larger truck should NOT act as training wheels for a inadequate trailer.

Yes, if your truck is in good condition it will tow your boat.

At least you have a stronger hitch then the local walmart special!

machloosy

Is it a dually or a SRW? If it's dually, make sure the trailer is in perfect working order and you're good to go. I agree from past 7.3 experience, that if you're doing any heavy hauls even for short distances, an EGT gauge is a must. Keep in mind that the skater likely needs permits due to width, that makes you a DOT target. Make sure the whole rig is within GVRW for that truck. But from a safety standpoint, a dually long wheel base truck will tow that boat without issue.

Sydwayz

iTrader: (1)

I can't believe anyone is endorsing this.

You are following your wife to the Lake House; she is in her Mercedes C300; and your 8 year old daughter is in the backseat. The light ahead changes to yellow, and your wife stops due to someone turning left in front of her. You stomp on your brakes, and burst a brake line on the trailer. Your rig is not slowing, and you are now starting to slide as your truck is being pushed by that 15,000 lbs behind you.

Finish the story.

machloosy

This will happen to any truck. F-450/550. Hell I've seen this happen to full rigs. A "rig" set up takes longer to stop then any sedan or SUV period. That's why above I said "make sure the trailer is in PERFECT working order" and also "make sure the whole rig is within GVRW limits" I think numbers are around 14k/23k for that truck... So no one is advising him to do anything dumb. We've towed a Tiger with a SRW 2500 cummins single cab. Was it safe? Hell no, but we didn't get in any accidents because we drove smart (admittedly young and dumb), so the driver is just as important. If you are following your wifes c300 like you're driving your yukon, yeah you're f'd.

drpete3

Another towing thread. Its about to get good........................

skater40

You should have a larger capacity truck such as a freightliner sport chasis,F-650 or Kodiak.These all have the higher towing capacity and the big air brakes to match.I would not recommend anything that does not have dual rear wheels and electric brakes.

LubeJobs42

iTrader: (2)

I would do it and I am always very careful and cautious with everything I do!!

Scott B

Legally, no. Physically, sure but in an accident situation you are not gonna be happy. Your insurance company might be though...