Les is right on the money. Power isn't really a big criteria. You can haul a C-Dory with a 400 HP gocart. The longer a wheelbase is the better. Control and stopping ability should be your main concern. To sum up what Les says for safe towing, get a tow vehicle large enough so that the size of the tow vehicle is a non-issue.
Tow vehicle considerations for C-25
- Thread starter matt_unique
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matt_unique
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Is there a trailer option that weighs less than 2000 lbs for the C-25?
I just finished a 1300 mile trip Excursion 7.3 diesel with trailer only (about 900 lbs)--and got 20 miles a gallon. Comming back with the boat on the trailer it was 10 miles a gallon--the big Excursion really handles the boat better than a lighter truck--and the Excrusion rides very nicely. Also the 2500 Suburban might be a good match, especially if you find a diesel.
No sway even in 25 mph cross winds--very happy the way it towed.
No sway even in 25 mph cross winds--very happy the way it towed.
matt_unique
New member
I was just looking at the Magic Tilt trailers website, they have AL trailers rated for up to 8200 lbs that weigh 880 lbs. That is a significant advantage for people like me who want to minimize tow weight as it relates to tow vehicle needs.
Here's a stupid question....why would consumers want steel if AL trailers at less than half the weight are available? Certainly galvanized steel would be more durable, but it also seems efforts could be made to minimize corrosion issues...fresh water rinse...etc.
Here's a stupid question....why would consumers want steel if AL trailers at less than half the weight are available? Certainly galvanized steel would be more durable, but it also seems efforts could be made to minimize corrosion issues...fresh water rinse...etc.
On the question why go with steel vs Alum. When I bought mine, aluminum trailers were scarce, esp on the West Coast, mfrs were just beginning to work out the designs for the larger boats. Secondly, a C-Dory is a 'very strange' boat for trailer mfrs to deal with due to its flat bottom and all. First time they saw my CD-25, Pacific had to scratch their collective heads for a week before deciding an approach, and even then they had to redo 30% of the fab (extend axles out to 102").
Warren, Not much room needed on the tongue for the Equal-I-Zer hitch. You just need about 2.5" on each side at 32" behind the hitch ball center. See Dreamer album, page 4. It keeps my F-250 level and has eliminated the sway. Now, if it would only add 50 HP, I'd be a happy man.
The Aluminum trailers are very popular on the East Coast, esp Florida. They last very well--especially if wrinsed off after each use. we use an insectide sprayer and spray down the frame and brakes after each dunk.
I would say that they probably last equally with the galvanized steel if cared for.
I had to use the specs off one of the on C brat's trailer for the specs on my CD 25, but they came in very close. I had to use jacks to put the bunks exactly after the boat was loaded, but I didn't have to move any one support more than 3/4"--most less than 1/2 inch.
I would say that they probably last equally with the galvanized steel if cared for.
I had to use the specs off one of the on C brat's trailer for the specs on my CD 25, but they came in very close. I had to use jacks to put the bunks exactly after the boat was loaded, but I didn't have to move any one support more than 3/4"--most less than 1/2 inch.
We bought a new 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche before we bought a boat. It is rated at 7000 lbs. for trailering. It trailered our 20 foot Trophy just fine and it would have towed a CD 22 as well. The only problem is we traded for a 2004 CD 25 that weighs over 8000 lbs. depending on how it’s loaded. After towing the 25 for approximately 2500 miles the transmission started acting up so we traded up to a new 2007 “Classic” (old body-style) Silverado crew cab short box with the Duramax diesel and Allison transmission (rated at 12,000 lbs towing capacity). Most have some brand loyalty but the big three light truck manufacturers diesels all have their strong points. On the other hand the Allison 6 speed automatic is a hands down, no contest king of automatic transmissions (the same basic transmissions that go in larger trucks). We towed from Vancouver Wa. to Whidbey Island for the Lopez gathering last weekend and were really pleased with the performance. The transmission, (with cruise control set) down shifted from 6th to 5th only twice pulling a grade each way. Bottom line IMHO, if you are towing a 25 or a Tomcat a HD ¾ ton would be a minimum. For and Excursion/Suburban type tow vehicle only Ford offers a diesel and neither have the Allison.