26 foot 6000 pounds.... how much truck?
 

Hello folks.

Just got promoted at work. Now I can keep my boat. :D

Have been hauling it with a 305 chevy 2wd and using a hoist to launch. Would like to launch and recover off of the trailer and leave it in the water less.

Trailer 1500 pounds. Boat almost 6000.

How much truck do I need to launch and recover this boat?

I know that my CK1500 with a 5.0 will not be enough.

How big do I have to go?

Thanks.

Re: 26 foot 6000 pounds.... how much truck?
 

how far do you have to tow? most half tons with the right gear ratio will put you in the 7500 lb rating range, i would probably look at a nice 3/4 so you never half to worry about it.... ;) 4WD will be real nice if your gonna start ramping it too.... with all the new truck incentives lately, used trucks have become almost free, a lot of good ones just sitting around...

Re: 26 foot 6000 pounds.... how much truck?
 

Agree, 3/4 ton at least. Four wheel drive if possible, if not, make sure you get a limited slip rear end. I used to tow my boat with a half ton, after purchasing my 3/4, I would never go back. Pulls better, stops better and I feel safer in emergency situations.

Re: 26 foot 6000 pounds.... how much truck?
 

Don't need more than a 3/4 ton. Just be sure the truck has a factory towing package installed. It will make all the difference.
When selecting a tow vehicle you need to account for the weight of vehicle passengers, gear, and fuel in the boat. If you get a truck with a 7000 lb. towing limit you are only allowing for 1000 lbs. of passengers, fuel, and gear. Way too close.

We tow my 5000 lb. (w/trailer) Formula with a '97 F-250 Ford which has a max limit of 8300 lbs. and a factory towing package. It consists of not only a proper hitch and electrical system, but an engine oil cooler, power steering cooler, extra transmission cooler, larger radiator, larger alternator.

Re: 26 foot 6000 pounds.... how much truck?
 

Thanks guys. I never ramped the boat because I knew I didn't have enough truck. I did pull it 330 miles once. Long story.

Anyway... I will look around at 3/4 tons with factory packages and see what is out there. Slinging the boat is a drag and I can only do it at my yacht club. I want to leave it in the water less, too. I used to leave my boats in almost all summer. Too much cleaning and running to check the boat.

Since I posted this... 3 guys from Buffalo all want to come see my boat.

Re: 26 foot 6000 pounds.... how much truck?
 

Make sure you check the tow ratings of the truck and the HITCH. Most of the half-tons are rated for 7000-7500 lbs. That is WITH a weight distributing hitch. I agree, you are going to want to be in a 3/4 ton something. Check these threads for more info:

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...d.php?t=113118

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...vy+hitch+balls