cd 25 tow vehicle

getzold · Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2008 6:19 pm Post subject: cd 25 tow vehicle

Any CD 25 owners towing with a Jeep Commander or Grand Cherokee with the 5.7L Hemi? Looks like the towing capacity at 7,200# would be pushing the limit.

Gerry Etzold

JamesTXSD · Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2008 6:53 pm Post subject:

We were originally going to use a one ton chassis Dodge van with a camper converstion. According to the mfg, the tow rating was about 8K pounds. From discussion with other CD-25 owners, we figured we'd be over that weight, and decided to get a diesel pick-up (15,000 pound tow rating). When we weighed our boat, equipped for cruising, less than 1/4 tank of fuel, full water (dingy and motor were in the truck), it weighed about 8,400 pounds on the trailer.

No experience with the C-Dory, but we did have a Grand Cherokee Limited (360 ci) that we used to tow a sailboat that was around 4,500 pounds on the trailer, and it was marginal. I don't know about the Commander, but the Grand is built with unibody construction... IMHO good for the ride, but not as good for towing.

HTH

RJD Wannabe · Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2008 7:24 pm Post subject:

I had similar Jeeps with a 16 ft bow rider, it was "OK," but I wouldn't even use them on a 22, let alone a 25 if you are dealing with anything more than local stuff.

journey on · Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2008 10:02 pm Post subject:

I towed Journey On with a short wheelbase 1/2 ton truck, and all went well (with the towing.) A few problems keeping everyone happy. Anyway, with any lighter vehicle you need a big V-8 (360 sounds fine,) transmission cooler, and the biggies: electric/hydraulic brakes and an equalizer hitch. Those two things really stabilize the boat/trailer combination.

Boris

thataway · Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2008 10:18 pm Post subject:

My personal opinion is that the Jeep would be too light for the 25. (3900 lbs curb wt). I perfer to have the tow vehicle as close to the weight of the boat and trailer or greater if possiable. For whatever reasons, it seems as if many vehicles have had the tow capacity increased over the last few years. For example earlier Cherokee's were rated at 5,000 lbs. I suspect that with the 7400 lbs, that there is a reqirement for a weight distribution hitch.

The light vehicles could be used for short drives, especially on flatter terrain and less traveled roads.

Even with the heavy RV (about 18,000 lbs) or the Excursion ( curb weight 7100 lbs) I am going to an equalizer hitch.

Dora~Jean · Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2008 10:23 pm Post subject:

Fishtales, soon to become C-Hawk, tows his 22 cruiser with a Grand Cherokee V-8, no problem. But I agree with others, not the CD-25. You need a heavier vehicle and longer wheelbase, plus when you load up the CD-25 for cruising, most will weigh in at 8,000+ lbs. Your tow rating, by the way, includes any gear in the tow vehicle and passengers!

I have a 2003 Expedition (new chassis, higher rating), it is at the low end of towing my 'lighter than most' CD. Make sure you go 4 wheel drive, makes it a breeze at the ramps. Good luck.

thataway · Posted: Sat Mar 08, 2008 10:58 pm Post subject:

My son tows the C Dory 25 for several miles from its storage in Dana Point to the launch ramp with a 2003 Expedition, which is rated at less tow capacity than the 2008. The boat is kept light-minimal if any water, fuel about 1/4 and little gear etc. We have both agreed that the C Dory 25 is a bit for that truck to tow up or down the Cajon for example. Even my one ton Road Trek would struggle on grades, because of the gross combined weight. The Expedition weight is about 1600 lbs less weight than the Excursion.

getzold

Wow, Those were quick responses and validated my concerns. OK, so what about a 1/2 ton pick-up like the Toyota Tundra - it has a tow rating of 10,300 with the 5.7 v8, but only weighs 5500 lbs.

journey on · Posted: Sun Mar 09, 2008 12:51 pm Post subject:

My son just bought a Tundra. With a V-6, since he will not tow Journey On. They're impressive trucks. He got the SR-5 model, with an extended cab. The tow rating for a V-6 is 4500 lbs. We took a short trip in it with 3 adults and 2 grandchildren and it was quite comfortable. 18" wheels, 5 speed, etc, etc, etc.

All the toys for boys.

Boris

Anita Marie · Posted: Sun Mar 09, 2008 1:56 pm Post subject:

I tow my 25 with a 1Ton Dodge/diesel dually. This is a lot of truck but if you are traveling any distances I think you should get as much truck as possible. The comfort/trust comes from the larger brakes, longer wheel base and of course the drive train.
I'm glad DeNag has a 22 or we would be talking about Fords. Smile

Nan-C · Posted: Sun Mar 09, 2008 3:32 pm Post subject:

I agree with Anita Marie on the need for as much truck as you can get if you are going to pull long distances. Jim/Wild Blue frequently advises advice seekers to factor in their intended uses.

We pulled our 25 back from CA last summer with a short wheelbase, 1/2 ton 5.3. It was not fun. Running 45 was OK unless we were on two lane roads blocking traffic. Running 25 and dropping going up to Tahoe from I-80 was not OK. The only pleasant part of the steep, narrow, winding Tahoe road was the appreciation other drives expressed as we pulled over at every chance and that was offset by my fear that the truck would simply squat and poop out when I tried to restart. After Tahoe we were constantly stressed by the prospect of problems that, thankfully, did not occur.

I will say that neither the cooling nor the transmission ever overheated, and the truck was just fine after 1800 miles. Also, it was more than OK pulling up a steep ramp. If we were going to stay within a couple hundred miles of home, I would have kept it. I even considered doing the CA trip one more time, but my wife objected. What's a guy to do when his wife insists he buy a new diesel truck? Hindsight says she was right. Life really is too short to drink cheap wine or cheap beer or to tow the boat with less than enough truck.

Regards to all,

Greg