Trailering a 22ft cruiser

journey on · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 4:42 pm Post subject:

Just a random thought. They (the manufactures) put transmissions in trucks, so that one can go up hills with a load. Yes you go up slower, but that's part of physics and life. It does not hurt the truck. If it's really hot, get a bigger cooler, since all auto trannys come with a cooler. Just take it easy.

Boris

breausaw · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 6:21 pm Post subject:

starcrafttom · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 9:29 pm Post subject:

Going slower is no crime. I find it funny that people want to tow a loaded boat up a big long hill and not slow down. You do not have to have a big truck to pull your boat. My 95 ranger pulled the Susan e over the hill to ucluelet. Highway 4 hits about 3000 feet on the pass. I just down shift to second and let off the gas alittle so I can hold speed with out maxing the rpm. To many folks have to peg the rpm to feel good or something. Having driven concrete trucks for 10 years you get ok with going slow up hill. All the older trucks have hand throttle set. you just set the rpm and let the truck crawl. on the pull in to ucluelet I never got over 40mph up or down hill. Thats another thing I really liked about my ranger and the 5 speed. if you put it in 3rd it would not get over 40 down hill even with the boat. hated to sell that truck, 250k and still going strong.

Now all that being said I do like pulling with my f350 v10. a lot less worry but I dont tow at 70mph up hill either.

azygos · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 9:31 pm Post subject: Trailering,Thanks

A big thanks to all those who responded to my concerns ref: trailering the 22 footer with a toyota 4.7l, v8. Look forward to meeting some of you on the water as I'm new to the site and the boat. Again, thanks so much. azygos

DaveS · Posted: Tue Dec 02, 2008 11:15 pm Post subject:

Here are the results from weighing my 3/4 Ton 4x4 Dodge Diesel Pickup on the Washington State Patrol scales.

Truck with 3/4 tank fuel..........................................7,940 lbs.
22' C-Dory with full fuel tanks and 1/2 tank water......4,720 lbs.
(on a dual axle King Trailer).

Therefore a total Gross Combined Weight of............12,660 lbs.

This truck is Gross Combined Weight Rated at 16,000 lbs. which leaves only 3,334 lbs to spare for vehicle driver, passengers, coolers (full of beer Wink

), additional 1/4 tank of diesel in truck to "fill er up", and anything else that is thrown into the back of the truck or placed neatly in the C-Dory.

Doesn't take long to add up the pounds.... Disgust

.

Matt Gurnsey · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 12:19 pm Post subject:

Actually, the weight figure is the carrying capacity of the trailer, not it's GVWR (at least for King and EZ Loader). Your figure of 3300 pounds leaves a 400 pound margin of error, which is usually more than enough for most owners.

And it's the factory (Fluid) that suggests the 3700 pound capacity single axle trailer.

If a customer wants tandems we are happy to oblige, but a well built trailer should be able to carry it's rated capacity.

Can I also make the notation that there is more to it than just "adding an axle" to a trailer. The trailer is designed for it's load, so the single axle on the 3700 is a usually much heavier axle than the ones used on a 4000 or 4600 pound trailer. Even if an owner wanted to add an axle, it is usually cost prohibitive from a parts and labor standpoint. Usually better off to trade the single in to get the tandem. (plus adding an axle might void the warranty on a newer trailer) especially if the axles are welded onto the frame (not the norm, but I have seen some).

My point is that the trailer is designed for the rated load. If you feel 3700 is too small, fine, but 4600 may be oversized (imo) and adds 300 pounds to the amount being towed above the 3700. That can be important when factoring in how much the rig can tow.

We feel that the 3700 would be adequate for most owners, but if tandem is preferred we would recommend the 4000 pound capacity. One advantage to the tandem is that is sits lower because it uses 14" wheels rather tha 15's.

This may get into a similar arena as single or twin engine choice. I can make an argument why a buyer should go either way. Ultimately, I leave it up to their discretion. But I also won't oversell just to line my pocket. Just not my style.

Matt Gurnsey · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 12:39 pm Post subject:

Capital Sea · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 2:46 pm Post subject:

I pull behind a Toyota access cab 4x4 with the tow package and the loaded boat is well within the load capacity. I think it depends on where you intend to tow. If long grades are in your future then a tandem is always nice as you get four breaks working for you. This is also nice in the event of an urgent stop.

Captains Cat · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 2:50 pm Post subject:

breausaw · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 3:42 pm Post subject:

Matt Gurnsey · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 3:54 pm Post subject:

Interesting.

But I was talking about the factory install. We have seen numerous seal failures and problems with condensation in the hub itself. We've also seen some corrosion that has us concerned about longevity of the sealing surface.

But I am glad they are working for you. We've moved away from recomending EZ Loader because of the hubs, so it's good to get your real world feedback.

lloyds · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 6:08 pm Post subject:

I too continue to you my EZ Loader trailer with the oil bath hubs. Mine have gotten a little milky over the past couple years but the Honda dealer I go to for service said there wasn't any reason to open them up just yet.

journey on · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 7:41 pm Post subject:

Matt, where can I find service instruction for the oil bath hubs? The hubs came with the trailer, and I've had no troubles in 3 years of salt water, so I'm somewhat afraid to touch them. If it ain't broke don't fix it. However if I can find the hub manufacturer's recommendations, I'll think about it. Jays recommendation sound reasonable, but I'd like to see what the factory recommends.

Also, who makes them?

Boris

Bad Boy · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2008 8:11 pm Post subject:

Matt Gurnsey · Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2008 12:16 pm Post subject:

The milky oil has been the biggest issue we have seen with these hubs. Followed by getting the seals sealed after a bearing job. The culprit is condensation. The bearings warm up going down the road, and then the hub is dipped in cold water. Instant condensation in the hub.

EZ Loader changed to a smoked hub so the color of the lube can't be seen.

Being just the sales monkey, I don't touch the tools too often, but I will check with our service depatment and see what they have to say. the only issue I really have with these is if a leak develops, the oil escapes and bearing failure can't be far behind.