Been looking at a 43 XC and thought my 2500 HD duramax could handle it until I saw the boat in person and though that I was looking at Noah's Ark. It kind of scared me with how big it is but then again size is one thing, weight is another. I definitely wouldn't be towing over any large mountains that's for sure. Mostly in north Ohio and MI so everything there is pretty flat. As far a stopping the trailer has 6 surge brakes, the Allison does a incredible job and I will be tuning the truck to simulate a exhaust brake.

What does everyone else use to tow a 43?

I would not tow any large boat without EoH; especially not that kind of load.

Remember, Surge Brakes only work when the truck and trailer are in a straight line. If you are going around a curve or start to jackknife, that boat is going to push you right around as the coupler is releasing it's pressure to the brake calipers. And what happens if you lose trailer brakes? What happens if you lose truck brakes?

Good point. I'll have to factor that in if I buy.

3/4 or 1 ton diesel. I've had all the mfgs trucks and several 43s and a 46. All with surge also. No issues. EOH would be a nice feature though. Eric pulls his 43 with a 650

We use a 3/4 ton, short box extended cab to pull our 43gt. We put EOH brakes on. We had surge brakes previously and they sucked.

I heard 1 43 got hauled all over TX and up to Nebraska and it didn't have any brakes....

You will love owning a black thunder! Sweet boats and the only option IMO for overnighting! Your truck will easily tow the BT.

I was going to ask if anyone had heard of that loon who did that......

Agreed, the 2500HD duramax will have no issues. 65-70mph with EOH and you should be fine.

65-70 is for homos/sax-players and Prius owners. 80-90 and they pull that speed with no problems. Face it, you put it in the ditch at 60 or 80 and the show over. I'll do some research to see who that guy was hauling without brakes....

He'll, I have to add another 43 named Grail Seeker that had its brakes mia... Lol

The only problem with 80-90 is.... "Oh, hi officer." Just because you have big boobs Chris doesn't mean you can get out of a ticket. It doesn't work that way for dudes......