gotime34

I have always kept my boat in the water at the marina, but now that I am getting into poker runs and going on vacations with the boat and I need a tow truck.

The boat is a 1986 34' Scarab III. It weighs roughly 8500-9000 pounds. I am looking at 1997-2000 chevy 3500's. My question is...Does the truck have to have 4 wheel drive, or can I tow it with a 2 wheel drive truck without any problems?? The truck has a 7.4 litre Vortech V8 (454)...will this be plenty of power to tow it? Any help would be appreciated.

Sydwayz

iTrader: (1)

That amount of truck will be fine. However, DEFINATELY get 4WD. I rarely need it, but always use it. Its worth $1M bucks when you are sliding down the ramp with no traction.

Where are you out of? I know of two 2500 Suburban 4WD, both 1998, both with 7.4L Vortech 454, here in the DC area. One slightly lifted, black. The other nicely stock, green.

gotime34

Thanks Sydwayz...I am out of Connecticut, but the truck I am looking at is actually in Maryland, so I do not mind going down there to get a truck. What are they asking for the suburbans? I was looking for a pick up, but if they're nice I may be interested. Got any pics? Thanks for the help.

Sydwayz

iTrader: (1)

This one is owned by OSO member Aggressor 25 (sorry, its a 1997, still has Vortec motor; you want 1997 or later, 1996 has Vortec, but only single driver's airbag, 1997-on has both sides) :

http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...3&aff=national


OSO member Craig223 owned the other one, and I thought it was in the OSO classifieds. It may have sold, but you can send a Private Message to either of them for more info.

Sydwayz

iTrader: (1)

Wow, just ran across this too:

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...d.php?t=100150

gotime34

Thanks a bunch Brian, but are those going to be able to pull my boat ok? I know they have enough power, but they are not dually's. Will the frame and rear end be able to handle that much weight? My boat is heavy, probably quite a bit heavier than Aggresors 25 foot. I just want to make sure I am going to get the right truck. Thanks a lot, I appreciate the help. Matt

Sydwayz

iTrader: (1)

You're right, you would be at or over your tow rating limit. I think those are all rated at 10K lbs. I misread your first post and did not realize you are 9000lbs. with just the boat. That was my mistake. I have a 9500lbs (37 A/T) boat with fuel, trailer, and gear, I am at 12K lbs. I pull with a newer model 2500 Avalanche rated for 12K lbs. and several towing upgrades. Keep your eyes open for what may be out there. Appears as though you might be a GM man, but the early PSD Fords of 1998-2001 are plentiful, and run for a LONG time. I met a guy the other night with a 1997 Dodge Cummins with 225K miles on the original motor AND automatic transmission (lots of towing too) but that is NOT the norm. I would take a Vortec 454 over an older GM diesel anyday.

JPD Motorsports

don't know aht your price range is, but you might be able to get a decent mileage new body style diesel for a good price, look for them in TX and OK, lots of them running around out here. My good friend has a car lot here and has some 1998 454 duallys as well along with 3/4 tons, he only deals in 3/4 and 1 ton trucks, if you like pm me and I will get the info for you since you not afraid to drive, and if you could find it do a 4wd, but there are guys that tow without it as well even in lowered duallys on here.

gotime34

Thanks for the info Hard On, but Maryland is only a 6 hour drive for me, where as Texas or Oklahoma is a 3 or 4 day trip. I was looking for something a little closer to home. 6 or 7 hours each way is about the most I would drive. My price range is about 8k-12k. I'd rather spend 8 but I will probably have to spend 12 to get what I want. Thanks anyways.

f311fr1

I tow a 43 Ft Black Thunder @ 14K on the trailer with a '97 Chevy crew cab dually. You will need to do a brake conversion on the truck to get any braking from the rear. New master cyl and adjustable proportioning valve. Also get a new alum rear end cover that holds an extra 2 quarts of lube and replace the stock receiver hitch with an after market HD version. You should be fine. 4WD would be nice but not required and will cost you 1MPG to haul around. Joe Murray