shunter2005

A friend of my SIL is considering the purchase of a 38 ft. offshore boat. He wants to drive up north, get it and drive back. Is a Ram 3500 a large enough vehicle to tow this boat 1500 or so miles without problems? From what I have read here, most that have that big a boat, usually have a larger tow vehicle. True or not? Just curious to know.

Thanks

Expensive Date

1 ton should be fine.

Sydwayz

iTrader: (1)

Depending on the boat, it could way as much as 15,000 lbs, maybe more.

What drivetrain is in the truck?
Is it the Cummins diesel or Hemi gas?

Dodge can make some pretty 'short' 1-tons; speaking directly to the shortbed/quadcab trucks. The longer the better when it comes to towing. If the trailer is not set up well, as in too much or too little tongue weight, it may do a lot of bucking going down the highway which would make for a terrible and potentially unsafe trip.

Need to know the drivetrain/specs of the truck, and most important: the boat/trailer setup to give overall best advice. Pics would help too as experienced folks can estimate from a trailer/boat side view picture if tongue weight is going to be an issue or not.

shunter2005

Hmmmmm... Unfortunately, I don't have any of the data on the truck. I assumed it was diesel, but I don't really know. I will try to get further info from my SIL in the next couple of days and let you know.

Thanks

FIXX

iTrader: (2)

should do it no problem,,also tell him to plan his trip around the weather,,slight snow will make him get pushed around if the breaks are not up to par..also make sure the engines and the exhause are drained..the water could freeze in motion..

kevlar382

It will pull it just fine. Hope he enjoys his new boat.

3pointstar

I've got to add my two cents--

You could probably get a go-cart to pull anything -- the biggest problem is always stopping. Regardless the size of the truck make sure the truck and trailer breaks are up to the task and you shouldn't have a problem.

3pointstar

rjstick

iTrader: (1)

The other thing for him to watch out for - particularly a trip that long - is the condition of the trailer and tires in particular. I'd go ahead and replace the tires if they've been sitting for any length of time. Not fun or safe to address while towing.

Rattlesnake Jake

iTrader: (2)

What did the previous owner tow with. A 3500 Ram should do fine. Also what 3pointstar & rjstick said.
That's my 2¢.

ALL_IN!

iTrader: (1)

Check in advance that your truck is equipped to manage the brakes on the trailer. If surge, no issue - but if EOH, you need to have a brake controller in working condition. ...otherwise you will have no brakes!