Towing CD-25's

uvicgrad85 · Posted: Sun May 24, 2009 2:16 am Post subject: Towing CD-25's

If you were in the market for a truck that could tow a CD 25 on a 2006 King 7000 B2VR Tandem Axle Galvanized Trailer with ease, as well as lighter loads, where total annual mileage was under 3,000, what would be your choice?

Doryman · Posted: Sun May 24, 2009 2:51 am Post subject: Re: Towing CD-25's

journey on · Posted: Sun May 24, 2009 10:31 am Post subject:

I'd go for any full sized 1/2 ton pickup with a 350 (or equivalent) V-8. Disk brakes fore and aft. You may need an equalizer hitch, but try it first. That'll get you through the flatlands and over the mountains.

To get my comments in first, I've been towing and launching boats since the 70's and never needed 4-wheel drive. A lot of people feel more comfortable with it, though.

I've found that surge brakes work well with equalizer hitches, but I didn't know better. However, electric/hydraulic brakes are wonderful, and can be added to any boat trailer.

Boris

uvicgrad85 · Posted: Sun May 24, 2009 11:49 am Post subject:

The boat would be based on Vancouver Island about 10 miles inland from Mill Bay, which is about 15 miles due west of Sidney BC.

It's unlikely the boat would be towed any further than 100 miles to Port Alberni or 140 miles north to Campbell River. I simply don't see towing it off Vancouver Island. We have a pretty big playground here.

My existing European SUV can tow 6,000lbs, but I figure the CD 25 with trailer could easily weigh 7,000lbs++

The towing vehicle would double as a utility vehicle for lugging dirty, nasty stuff around, which seems pretty common when one lives outside the city.

As mentioned, even with all the other requirements, I doubt the truck would see more than a total of 2,000 miles a year, (with under 750 miles towing). None of my vehicles average more than 5,000 miles a year to begin with.

With this requirement, it makes no sense to buy new. However, I do want a truck that can handle the towing requirement with ease and a truck that is reliable.

So. What would buy? And more importantly, what truck brands would you specifically avoid?

Thx

damason · Posted: Sun May 24, 2009 12:16 pm Post subject:

I bought a used 2000 Toyota Tundra with 4-wheel drive for $9999.00. We need the 4-wheel drive to pull the CD-25 out of the boat slips here in Florida with the sand and algae on the boat ramps. I do not use this truck for much else and it is only used to pull the boat from the house to the boat ramp. 17 mpg driving and 10.5 mpg pulling the boat. I am really pleased Laughing

with this purchase.

thataway · Posted: Sun May 24, 2009 4:53 pm Post subject:

My favorite is the 7.3 L Diesel Ford Excursion. You can pick them up in good condition for around $10,000 (occasionally less). Mine has 155,000 miles on it and still runs like new. They have a 10,000 lb towing capacity (with a equalizer weight distribution hitch)--for the short runs I don't think you need a weight distribution hitch. I towed my c Dory 25 for over 5,000 miles with out. It tows better with the WD hitch.

The Excursion is the biggest SUV--bigger than the Suburban, but a good Suburban would be a second choice for me.

eNORMous · Posted: Sun May 24, 2009 11:58 pm Post subject:

I have a 2003 Ford Super Duty F-250 4x4 w/ the 6.0 Turbo Diesel + towing package and it pulls my 25' Cruiser w/ no problems. The diesel is exceptional for over the hills (when required). The one thing I would certainly get on any truck pulling a 25' Cruiser is the towing package. Not only do you have the braking ability of the engine/transmission, but you also have the heavier duty radiator & transmission. IMO, the trailer package is a must.

My only additional option I will invest in on my next truck is dual wheels. Even though the F-250 pulls that amount of weight with no issues, and the stability is pretty darn good (I have the Super Crew w/ an 8' bed), dual wheels add a significant amount more stability and virtually remove all sway. Yep, dualies on the next truck pulling the 25' Cruiser.

If you've ever pulled a horse trailer with dualies, and then pulled the same trailer without dualies, you'll know why dualies are far more superior.

m2cw

Doryman · Posted: Mon May 25, 2009 1:09 am Post subject:

marvin4239 · Posted: Mon May 25, 2009 8:16 am Post subject:

Ditto what Warren says. When I was full timing one winter in Saint Louis I got caught in a snow storm. Most of the duallie's had a heck of a time manuvering around the campground where the single axle's could easily go. I would wonder how the dualies do on a steep ramp? I would think 4 wheel drive would be a must.

eNORMous · Posted: Mon May 25, 2009 8:50 am Post subject:

Warren wrote:

JamesTXSD · Posted: Mon May 25, 2009 9:16 am Post subject:

In staying with the original question, I think a dually truck would be real overkill for3,000 miles per year. Decreased mileage and increased parking problems. Plus, I find myself singing "I like big butts..." everytime I see one without a load. Wink

Big Red (GMC Sierra w/Duramax and Allison) has been a real champ towing the CD-25; but we tow a lot. We like the truck so much that we decided to go with a 5th wheel when we decided to get another RV. It's not a dually, and it does just fine with a load AND a tow. And while it's a very comfortable daily driver, it also seems like overkill for a vehicle that will see only 3,000 miles per year.

I think Dr. Bob's idea of a diesel Excursion makes a lot of sense, especially with the current demand/price being low. IIRC, Scott (that used to work for the C-Dory factory and previous owner of C-Puffin) on occasion pulled his CD-25 with a diesel Jeep Liberty! That seems like UNDERkill (if that's a word), but for such limited miles, I'd try to find the least expensive option that is still safe.

Best wishes,
Jim B.

thataway · Posted: Mon May 25, 2009 3:34 pm Post subject:

We pulled the C Dory 25 with the 30 foot RV last summer, which has dual rear wheels, but it is heavily loaded (and rated for that road). No problem pulling up steep ramps, but again the weight is on the rear axle, and there is a very low gearing. One of the problems with pickups is that when towing they are light in the back. Often putting several people in the bed or even carrying sand bags etc, will increase the ability to pull up a ramp without spinning the rear wheels. I would only consider a dually pickup if I was carrying a camper on the back--otherwise, single. I haven't noticed any perticular sway problems or cornering issues with any boats I have towed. But I have the trailer set up with a bit more tongue weight than some others may.

journey on · Posted: Mon May 25, 2009 7:27 pm Post subject:

Well, here is what we used for a year to pull Journey On. the only problem was from the passenger seat, so now we have something modern (and more expensive):

Boris

JamesTXSD · Posted: Mon May 25, 2009 8:15 pm Post subject:

journey on · Posted: Mon May 25, 2009 9:53 pm Post subject:

Let's see Jim, I don't know who sits next to you, but in my situation, that's the Admiral, and we respect her thoughts. First mates don't give orders to Capn's

Still Boris

Jim, I've been over the edge