Towing 25 Outlaw, 272 or 275
 

Wondering what those of you with a 25 Outlaw, 272 or 275 were using as a tow vehicle. I have a '99 Tahoe (4x4, 5.7L, 3.42 gears, 265-75-16 tires) which is only rated at 5500 lbs. Considering whether I will have to get a new truck or install new gears. Anyone else pulling with a similar vehicle? - How's it do?

Mike

I pull a 30 footer on a heavy steel trailer with a 96 1500 4x4 burban with a vortec 350. stock gearing. Does remarkably okay.

Did add airbags (despartly needed them) and upgraded the brakes, and stong tires.

Your biggest problem will be the wheel base, but with a 25 footer, you'll probably be okay.

mike- i pulled a 272 w/ a '98 Tahoe w/ 3.42's through the hills in Missouri to LOTO several times. it wasn't the ideal tow vehicle, but it did fine. i would recommend installing air bags. they made a world of difference for me. i also made sure my trailer brakes were adjusted properly and the boat was low on fuel as well. you should be fine.

jbk

More is BETTER!

I pulled a 272 on Myco trailer with a 2000 GMC Denali (350 V-8)and it was very weak in my opinion.

Pulled it OK, but slow up hills, struggled to get to 70 MPH and wiggled to much for safety.

Bought a 2001 Excursion V-10 with 3.73:1 ratio and pulled the boat to Miami last fall and never knew it was behind me. I was so impressed, it pulled it like it only weighted 1000 lbs instead of 6000 pounds.

Towing capacity on Denali was 6000 lbs and Excursion was 10,000. Boat and trailer weighted in at 6000 lbs with gear. This left a very good safety margin that main towing fun instead of stressful.

Now I have a 36 Outlaw. It weighted 8400 Lbs drive off the crane and the Myco triple axle trailer weighted 2200 lbs. This is 10,600 lbs before gear and any fuel. The Excursion would pull it, it squat down about two inches in the rear so I had to add air bags, and it strained a little more than I like up hills. So I bought a 2002 Ford F-350 Crew Cab Powerstroke with 4:10 rear end.

It is a real truck and handles the 36 very well. I just pulled it 500 miles round trip to the coast last weekend and could not be happier.

If you are just going to pull to a local lake a couple times a month, then no problem, just take it slow and easy and most half tons will get the job done.

If you really want to make it easy on you and the truck, buy something with a much higher towing capacity than you need.
There really is a big difference.

Good luck
Mark

F-250, V-10, 3.73, Auto...
It's the ideal truck for boats 25'-30' IMHO

POWERSTROKE

I have a 25 Outlaw and tow with a 2001 2500HD chevy Crew Cab. 8.1L 496. Usually I can't feel the boat back there and the truck rides very smooth even without a load/tow. I have towed all over the place and even up to 95mph (I know it's stupid but I had to try it) No problems even with the biggest hills. The truck is definitaly overkill for this boat but one of my best purchases.

POWERSTROKE

I use a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab to tow my 25 Outlaw. 5.9L, 3.92 rear...it is a capable tow vehicle for this boat, but is in need of airbags for added safety IMO. I definitely know the boat is back there without them. Braking is good on this truck (Dodge upgraded brakes for 1/2 ton's this year). I had looked at 3/4 ton trucks, but I chose this one for a daily driver because steering is precise and the ride is smooth. Hope this helps. :)

Racing_Fan: my dad uses the same truck to haul his 28 cat around. Had a 25 outlaw that he pulled with a F150 supercrew and then the dodge. Seemed to do allright to me.

Alright guys, here is my situation. In a year to year and half I am looking to buy my first boat(have a couple of bills to get rid of first). I am 95% I am going to get a baja. I am leaning toward a hammer or an H2X (maybe a 24 Outlaw if I find a really good deal on one). I am currently leaning toward an H2X for more cuddy space.

Here is the biggie. I have a 2001 Ranger supercab 4x4. It has the 4.0 V6 which is supposed to crank out 207 hp. The tow rating for the truck is supposed to be 5600 lbs. It already has a class III hitch on it. I know that the H2X is going to put me close to or a little over the limit. As of right now, I would mainly be towing 1-5 miles to a ramp roughly 90% of time. The only thing that worries me a little is when I would bring it home from the lake (I would probably keep it at my dads at the lake quite a bit). The haul from the lake is roughly 100 mi. The route I would take would invole about a 1/3 flat straight interstate, 1/3 moderate hills road still straight, and 1/3 flat two lane straight highway. Only about 3 towns to go though to. I would do this maybe 2-4 (counting a trip down 1 time and a trip back 1 time) max a month.

So what do you guys think. I know I would upgrade the brakes on the truck and have the trailer double checked so it can help the truck has much as possible. Right now a new truck and boat are not in the budget. It would have to be one or the other. And I know what my vote is.

P.s. Speed of hauling is not an issue. I don't pull my ski or fourwheeler than 60 now.

Boating Fool, I think you are pushing your limits with the Ranger. I would think you should be o.k. with anything that is a 1/2 ton with a V8.
I have a '98 Yukon with the 5.7 liter that I pull a 272 with. I am surprised how well this package works for me. I have a Dorsey trailer under the boat. This thing pulls straight and stops straight, regardless of how quick I have had to stop.
I recently put new tires on this Yukon. I bought 10 ply tires and this made a difference for the better too. I have no complaints pulling with this set-up 500-700 miles, regardless of the conditions. Hilly terrain or whatever. Heck, I bought the boat in Oklahoma and pulled back to Columbus, OH. 1200 miles and the set-up is great!!!!
I have a friend with a 272, he has a 1/2 ton Dodge with the small V8 (318?) and he needs more motor for this set up, but it doesn't bother him to stuggle up the hills. Although, he sure wishes he had more motor when I go by him!!!!!!!

Thanks everyone for the input. I'd certainly like to buy a new tow vehicle and a new boat, but that's twice the cash; not happening.

Luv-N-It: What gear ratio do you have in your Yukon?

Mike

Mike, I know its not the 4:11, therefore, it should be the 3:42. I'm tellin' ya dude, I don't have one problem at all with this package. I mean it, from a dead start to a dead stop! Up the hills, taking corneres or whatever. The new 10-ply tires really make it nice. Very little sag on the rear end (full tank of gas and gear in the back). I don't get the occaisinal tire roll in corners anymore either.

I have pulled the boat out of some "hellish" ramps with inlcines. I have never used 4 wheel drive yet. I just make sure I don't break/spin the tires coming out of the water. It may take a few extra seconds doing it this way, but, oh well. I'm not abusing the vehicle or tires either.

I also pulled a 24' Sea Ray with it too. Same weight capacity too. Never any problems. Although, the Sea Ray had an Eagle andem trailer under it, and it pulled fine, but would sway a tad. The Baja has a Dorsey trailer under it, and it pulls straighter and I feel more comfortable pulling it faster too then I did the Sea Ray.

Luv-N-It:

I have the 3.42 ratio in my Tahoe and pull a 1997 232 Islander. I estimate the usual tow weight to be around 4800 - 5000 lbs. I definately know the boat is back there; particularly up hills. Before I put the larger tires on the truck, it pulled very nicely; but the taller wheels decreased the ratio and I really noticed the difference.

I thought the only gear ratios available on the Tahoe/Yukon with 4x4 were 3.42 or 3.73. The 3.73s would be nice.

Mike

I agree, I know mine is back there to, but I guess what I'm saying is that the Yukon does not "struggle" with the hills. I just push the pedal down more and I have no problem staying at the speed I like. No valvas chattering or rattling. NOBODY FLYIN' BY ME.

You are right they came with a 3:73 or 3:42. Mine has the 3:42. Sorry about my ignorance.

Was size tires did you go to? I just went to the LT245 75 R16 10 PLY. My old ones were the P245 75 R16. I could see if you changed the tire height it would drag you more, becuase its the same theory of going to a higher gear.

Luv-N-It:

Ignorance ... hardly.

I went from the stock LT245-75-16 to a LT265-75-16. I wanted a little more ground clearance and traction for mild offroading when I hunt. Apparently, a LT285-75-16 will fit; however, this is a somewhat rare tire and it's cost reflects it. The bigger tires really fill out the wheel wells nicely - looks much better.

Mike

Hey Mike, where do you boat at in your area?

Luv-N-It:

We boat in Kentucky; on the Ohio River, Taylorsville Lake, Nolin River Lake, Barren River Lake and Dale Hollow Lake. In fact, we just got back from Dale Hollow; spent a week camping. Awesome lake - just beautiful.

That is cool. Do you overnight on your boat? I know we (my family) overnight a lot on our 272. I am surprised how much room we have on the 272.

Does Dale Hollow have a noise/exhaust ordinace? Man, I would love to go there. Heard many, many good things about Dale Hollow.

The family and I are going to Cumberland this weekend. 5-1/2 hr total driving time.

Have you been to Kentucky Lake?

Luv-N-It:

No we don't sleep on the boat; it's an open bow. We looked at a 272 the other day and were impressed with the room as well. I was previously interested in a 25 Outlaw, but there is no room in the cockpit.

I'm not aware of a specific noise ordinance at Dale Hollow; there probably is one, but I've never had any problems and I run straight exhaust.

Hope you have a nice trip to Lake Cumberland. It's been many years since I've been there; but I have a number of friends to go there and speak highly of it. To me, I like Dale Hollow soo much, that for the same drive time, I always pick DH over LC.

Take care.

Boating Fool: I too think you would over tax the ranger. But why don't you try something like this first: rent a car-hauling trailer and pull it on those kind of hills empty, then with a small car on it, then with a full-size car on it (but only if you are comfortable with the way the small car/trailer feels). I'm estimating that the full size car and trailer would be within 1000 pounds of the boats/trailers you are thinking of. Remember, getting the rig going is not as important as keeping it under control and getting it stopped.

If your truck is a 2001, you might be able to trade it for a similar aged full-size truck and not be that different in costs.

Mike, I was considering an 25' Outlaw too. I agree, little room in the cockpit. The Outlaw would have been my choice for "me", but with kids, I need more room.

If you have kids, or if you are planning on kids, you will appreciate the 275 more. I have two kids. One is a toddler, so its nice having a bigger cockpit.

Good luck with the purchase, take your time, get a good feel for your purchase, sign the papaers, and let it rip!!

Happy and safe boating,

Mike

I own a 272 (hopefully not much longer) and I tow it with a Navigator. It tows great, smooth ride.:)

Thanks for the input guys. Because of the size I will probably have to go with a hammer(don't even have a boat and I have 2 footitis). Smaller and lighter. Like I said, most of my pulls will be less than 5 miles to a ramp. One is about 5 from the edge of the town where I live to the ramp in the middle of town. The other is about a mile from my dads driveway to the ramp. That short of distance doesn't bother me. Anyways I could always use my dad truck when I am down there. It was just that occasional pull back to IN from KY that bothered me.

I have pulled a 14ft trailer loaded down with 4 wheeler and numerous other items on it when my dad moved from IL to KY. I had just gotten the truck. To boot I had the bed loaded down with stuff also. It ran though the forementioned hills at 65. with out a problem.

The most I would have this truck would be would be 2 seasons at the most. But right now I am stuck with it.

Here is a funny one: My cousins had a '95 260 that they pulled with Cherokee:eek: People use to tell them "yeah I saw a boat pushing a truck down the road the other day"

BoatingFool, FYI:

I have a 2001 4runner, similar power and capacity to the Ranger. I also have a 2001 Hammer.

I'll tell you this, the boat, trailer, gear, and some gas EASILY weight 5,000 pounds. Acceleration does not exist. Handling is OK at best. Stopping is fine thanks to the surge brakes.

Hills SUCK. I have to floor it all the way up a TEXAS hill (not a big hill) to keep it at 60.

I'd try to tow something of similar weight first, to make sure you'll be comfortable doing it.

dloftis, Thanks for the info, I was wanting to hear from someone with hammer or H2X. Accelation and speed are not what I want or need. Just get the boat there safe. Plus as far as I am going whats an extra minute or two. I would not pull any faster than 60 for fear of having to stop quickly.

I know I won't be making any 200-500 mile trips pulling a boat. 100 at the most. And that 100 miles, the boat will be low on fuel, and most of the gear will not be in it. About the only thing in it would be life jackets, bumpers, ropes and the things that have to be in it. Nothing more.

Aren't you putting yours up for sale. Just curious what are you asking. I am starting to look and get prices and putting numbers together. I am still more than a year away. So hopefully you can sell yours for your sake. If not let me know.

Your ranger should pull the Hammer OK. Be REAL careful though. The boat will push the truck around pretty good, and you really have to watch the slippery ramps if you don't have 4wd. I tow mine a lot and it scares me sometimes. I'm currently in the market for a 3/4 ton truck, it'll be overkill for the Hammer, but I'm going to upgrade before I get ANOTHER truck... so better to be prepared.

I'm not ready to sell the Hammer, just trying to get an idea of how much it was worth. My next boat will be in the 30' range with twin power. I can't afford it yet, and even if I could... a> the insurance would be impossible (I'm under 25) and b> I'm still getting comfortable with handling this little boat, I'd hurt myself or someone else with a 30'er with that kind of power.

FWIW, check out www.boattraderonline.com --- Plenty of Hammers on there with fair prices.

I have been watching boattrader pretty close lately. Just curious if don't mind, what does your insurance run. I am almost 27 so by the time I get a boat I will probably be 28. I am little worried about it too. Insurance and cost is one reason why I am not looking for a 25 or 26 ft cat. That is what I would really like to have. I really like my dads 28 cat. So far price range for me will be 20-30 thousand range. Probably go with a short term loan so I can have it paid off quicker and upgrade quicker. Which by then I should have a new truck. I just hope my company is still part of the Ford X plan then.

Hey Boating Fool,

I had an opportunity to pull my 24 Outlaw with a V-8 Dakota. There was plenty of power but with a truck that small, I had issues with the tail wagging the dog. I imagine a Ranger would suffer the same way. I also had to install an air suspension on the Dakota.

I've owned the following trucks and have towed with all of them:

1997 Ram 2500 with V-10 and 4.10
1998 Dakota with V-8 and 3.55
2001 Ram 1500 with V-8 and 4.10
2002 Ram 2500 with Cummins and 3.55

The V-10 towed the best but could not be used as an everyday driver. Back then it didn't matter. I was single, rich, and had a Toyota truck as an everyday driver. Now that I'm married and poor, my tow vehicle has to also server as my everyday driver. As a result, Diesel was the only way to go.

As far as insurance - I pay about $900 a year. My 24 Outlaw was about $450 a year.

Insurance varies by boat, horsepower, driving record, credit record, boating experience, boat storage location, and a few other things.

Call a few places and ask for quotes. They shouldn't give you a hard time.

I had a 1998 272 that I pulled with my 98 Tahoe, 350, 3.73 gears, and tow package. It was more than enough truck. I now tow a Formula 311 with the same truck with airbags and stiffer tires. It will do the job but it is asking alot. Hope this helps.

Boating Fool,
I think you will be surprised by the insurance cost. I have followed a lot of threads in regards of insurance. If you do a search, you will find that State Farm Insurance is very reasonable. I don't know who you have now, but all of my insurance, since I've been 16, and I'm now 32, has been with State Farm. I have never, never, had an issue with them as far as making a claim or anything. My rates have not went up, unless it was a corporate raise across the board or whatever.

Anyhow, I would check with State Farm. For my 96 272 w/502 I pay around 750 and that is full coverage and loan value of the boat.

Dude, you get your boat next year and I would love to come down and hang out with you for a weekend.

Later,
Mike

Luv-in-it
 

I have everything right now with state farm. Truck, renters, 4wheeler, and jet skis. I will of be dropping the jet skis. I am going to start checking around next summer. I know I can get a 10% discount though liberty mutual because of the company I work for. Anyways I have been with state farm forever too. I after I get my quotes, if they are higher I will threaten with packing up moving to another company. Maybe that will bring down.

Probably won't be next year. I did some math yesterday and I don't think it will happen at least during boating season.

But I don't have to have a boat for you come down. I can talk dad into letting me take the cat and he can go out on his jet skis. If not and he still has the ranger fish and ski, I'll take it.

Hey a little late, but won't hurt a bit. We have a 29 Outlaw & pull w/a 2002 Chevy Z71 4x4 Suburban V-8 ntow 10,000lbs. Does good averall, but slow on the Texas hills in Austin. I need to get the transmission cooler to be safe. We haul at least 50 miles each way to get to the lake. But, for the long huals to Austin or anywhere else....we'd need to get a tranny cooler to be safe.

Not sure on this air bag thing ya'll are talking about. Our boat does drop the back end a bit . We were just gonna get some different shocks put on. we definatly have a tricky time if the boat has fuel & we are stopped at a high hill. I'm sure everyone that encounters hills w/ fuel onboard would run into this too. We just fill up the tank in the Z & have the boat on 1/4 or less.

We love the truck & it does great, but we are/would definatley like to get an F-350 for greater ease & capacity, from what we hear. Hope this helps. Don't want an X b/c way too much on fuel & too big for me & my 2 kids, cuz that'd be my everyday vehicle. I'm just fine w/ my Z burb.