Tow Vehicle

C-Hawk · Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2005 2:22 pm Post subject:

Tom-
Thats why we call it a "boater home" Laughing

Sea Wolf · Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2005 4:47 pm Post subject:

Tom-

Right on target!

Using the boat as a camper eliminates facilities duplication, moving of materials back and forth, provides the built-in patio/deck, and scores better on style points as well. Surprised more people don't relate their camping / "Boaterhoming" experiences on the site, but many boats are moored in the water and many have not discovered the simplicity of having just one RV / boat combo instead of a fleet of vehicles.

If now i could just persuade my wife to give up the 38 foot motorhome and its home style kitchen, flush toilet, shower, bathtub, 120 volt power anything generator, AC, satellite TV, etc., etc...... Hmmmm.....?

So maybe Boaterhoming is more of a Spartan experience suitable for men or women who like to keep it simple, but it sure makes for a simple, complete, on and off the water travel package without a lot of unnecessary complications! Off to Eagle Lake tomorrow with just that thought in mind! Joe.

C-Trial · Posted: Mon Jun 20, 2005 6:48 pm Post subject:

I use two tow vehicles. The whimpy one is my 1999 Landrover Discovery (maybe 200 hp?), which does just fine in flat to moderate hills but would not be my first choice since my tow rig is a 2002 F350 Crewcab with a highly modified Powerstroke (intake, exhaust, chip, injectors and transmission). We set it up to tow larger horse trailers--definitely overkill on our little C-Dory; you wouldn't know the Dory is behind you. When we're not towing the big rig gives an honest 19 mpg (improved from about 13 highway mpg when it was stock). Have no idea what happens to fuel consumption when we tow (never wanted to check). It's a fire breathing torque-dragon. The Dory is pretty light and doesn't buck wind like a big travel trailer or fifth wheel. Any v-6 SUV would be a more than adequate starting point (Explorer, Trailblazer, 4-Runner, etc).
C-Trial

starcrafttom · Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2005 1:11 am Post subject:

1995 ford ranger super cab v-6 4x4 with 195,000 rated at 4000lbs towing. it works just fine so far. never liked going fast up hill anyway. I have not had it over the pass yet but have gone to portland several times. the fuel pump went out today so I will be under the truck for a few days fixing that sob. who the hell decided to put the pump in the dam tank??? I just want to take a stick to some one. Twisted Evil

Forty Two · Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2005 2:13 am Post subject:

I like those older truck. We tow with an 1985 F-250 pre-powerstroke diesel. Cost $4000 4 years ago, 165000 miles, a little rusty, but pulls like a mule. Only put 3 to 4 thousand miles a year on it - I figure it will launch the boat for about 20 more years.

Phantom · Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2005 11:45 am Post subject:

We tow the 25 with an '05 Chev Duramax/Allison 2500HD 4X4.

Overkill. Very Happy

El and Bill · Posted: Tue Jun 21, 2005 12:37 pm Post subject:

Boater Home!! Right on! We usually live "in the boat" when we are moving between put-in places -- easier, since like Joe said, it "eliminates facilities duplication, moving of materials back and forth, provides the built-in patio/deck, and scores better on style points as well."
The Alaska camper in the bed of our F-250 is there for "camping" when we aren't towing the boat.