Tow vehicle for CD22

Mike_J · Posted: Sun Jun 10, 2012 10:53 pm Post subject: Tow vehicle for CD22

I have been browsing this forum to get ideas advice and have found some advice, though most suggestions seem to be for CD-25s...
I currently have a 2004 GM Safari, which, though rated to tow 5500#, but only 2000# without weight distributing hitch and sway control Sad

I reckon a ready to launch CD22 is between 4000 and 4500 lbs and you can't use a WD hitch or sway control with surge brakes, so my Safari is out I think.

So I am looking at a half ton truck of some sort and am considering the following specs:

4x4 extended cab or 4 door "crew"
5+ litre engine
6.5 ft box (want to be able to sleep in it if I get a canopy or a camper)
Automatic (4 or 6 speed?)
Electronic Locking differential or Limited slip?
Trailer package and heavy duty payload?

Any thoughts on whether this would be a good fit for towing the CD-22?

Looking forward to towing and launching Natural C-lection easily!

Paddle-2tc · Posted: Sun Jun 10, 2012 11:27 pm Post subject:

Hello Mike,
A truck with the specs you describe will tow and launch the CD22 easily. I've been towing with my farm truck - a regular cab long box F150 4x4 with the 4.6 litre engine and limited slip diff. Easily handles the weight, the 4.6 is a bit anemic on steep hills but whats' the hurry.

Try searching the forums, lots of discussion re towing and tow vehicles.

We will be towing to Nanaimo this summer so our paths may cross. We originally purchased Blue Skies in Victoria so it's a return home.
Bill

Mike_J · Posted: Sun Jun 10, 2012 11:33 pm Post subject:

Thanks Bill, that gives me confidence. When are you heading out this way? That is a decent tow distance from SK!

Paddle-2tc · Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2012 12:52 am Post subject:

We hoping to go to the Comox get together at the end of July followed by a tow to Port Mcneill where we will meet up with my wife's sister and brother-in-law who have a North Pacific trawler. They are familiar with the area so will be good guides. Blue Skies will be staying in Nanaimo after that - we are still waiting for a slip - no parking for boats at our condo.
Bill.

Mike_J · Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2012 1:09 am Post subject:

Port McNeill will be a good place to start - great cruising in the Broughtons. Just came back from a kayaking trip there.

ferret30 · Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2012 2:22 am Post subject:

We have a 2004 Silverado 1500 Z71 4x4 extended cab with the smallest V8 (I think it's a 4.6L?). It is great for pulling our 22, and it gets about 18 mpg hwy without the boat. I don't think you'll need a half ton unless you're doing lots of trips over passes...

Mike_J · Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2012 10:04 am Post subject:

Thanks. The silverado 1500 is definitely on my list along with the sierra 1500 and the F150 and the ram 1500. I thought all of these were "half tons", though what matters is that any one of them would be fine towing the CD22.

ferret30 · Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2012 12:20 pm Post subject:

No, you're right, they are 1/2 ton. I must have spent too long on the boat yesterday Smile

Dreamer · Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2012 1:01 pm Post subject:

John Frazey (johnf) showed up at the Sequim gathering last year with a beautiful new F-150 with the Eco-Boost V-6. He was very happy with it's towing capability and mileage. He tows a CD-22 with it. You might drop him a PM for details now that he's had it for a while.

ghone · Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2012 2:04 pm Post subject:

That new 3.6 is a brute with twin turbos. Outpulls the 5.4 in my truck. A freind test drove one and he's pretty sure he got air under the tires when he matted it off the line. Good economy too Much better than mine The engine may be more complex long term but lots of capability. My 07 f150 lariat has been plenty for long tows Just was looking at Peterbilts this morning maybe one of those? With a cummins. For when the Ranger 31 beckons. Enjoy shopping ! George

thataway · Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2012 5:19 pm Post subject:

We went thru this recently. I had a Honda Pilot which was 10 years old, and had towed a 22 with it on relitatively short hauls (although over some moutains). I wanted a unit I could sleep in the back under way.

You can use a weight distributing hitch with surge brakes. Many of us have done that--and they work well, if set up properly.

We ended up with a Yukon XL (1500 chassis) 4 x 4, Hi Low range and neutral transfer case so we could tow it 4 down. It has over 6' 6" sleeping room in the flat back, with the rear seat out, and mid row folded. We got the bench seat second row--and a large ice chest sits on the seat, so we have food as we drive. The smaller seat folded forward allowed me to nap as Marie drove.

The reasons we went with the bigger vehicle is the weight, and smoother driving. We drove 7500 miles, and zero problems towing 5500 of those miles. I prefer having a vehicle which weighs more than the load. We saw several trailers out of control at higher speeds with light trucks.

Otter-BelleHavenMarina · Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2012 6:18 pm Post subject:

Depending on what your needs are, vans also make good tow vehicles. We have a 12-year-old Ford E350 with a 4x4 conversion that we love for its huge secure storage ability on long trips with the family and critters. Will likely replace it with another one.

Mike_J · Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2012 1:58 pm Post subject:

I am now the proud owner of a new GMC Sierra 1500 5.3l 4x4 with a tow package etc. thanks for the feedback! Now to get some time on the boat!

ghone · Posted: Mon Jun 18, 2012 4:36 pm Post subject:

Nice truck
That will do the job. CoolSmile

bridma · Posted: Mon Sep 30, 2013 7:04 pm Post subject: Tow vehicle for CD22

Hi Mike,

You have had your new vehicle over a year now. How's it working out? Whats your MPG like towing and not towing? I'm planning a vehicle upgrade in 2014, and still undecided on what to get.

Martin.