Hi Michael,
We’ve been trailering our TC255 for 13 years now (is that a record?). We didn’t plan on much distance towing at purchase, but over the past 10 years typically trailer over 1,300 miles one-way to our next cruising grounds. We were never happy with the real life on the road performance of two new GMC HD2500 gassers, getting 6 MPH on a typical Florida hill with the feeling that those trucks were at the limit of their capability, although they both exceeded all the required spec ratings. For short, non challenging conditions they were just OK. The 2019 Ford F250 4WD diesel with HD towing pkg has been fabulous in comparison. None of them would make much sense as a daily commuter. If life is fair, we’ll get back some of the diesel cost premium when it’s time to sell. I’d recommend looking for a used diesel truck whose owner has already eaten the depreciation…it’d be cheaper than our three new trucks in the long run to get to our happy place.
Our 2015 EOH Float-On trailer weighs 2,000 lbs per VIN stamp. In typical cruise mode, the boat and trailer weighed 11,040 lbs on the CAT scale in Mar 2016 and 11,060 lbs in Dec 2016 with an adjusted tongue weight of 1,100 lbs. These weights are very close to the other 3 TC255 owners who have posted actual certified weights here (one weighed without unhitching his boat, so add the tongue weight).
Our weights are with less than ¼ boat gas (full is an extra 900 lbs since gas weighs 6 lb/g), no water or black water and after we had learned to pack light…i.e. all our clothing including footwear and rain gear for six weeks fits in two brown paper bags.
It’s a great, almost ideal, non-overwide trailer boat for a cruising couple. The downsides are the additional expense and complexity compared to other C-Dorys. For example, there are up to eight water pumps (not including the engines), each of which has a 12 month warranty and a 13 month life expectancy (plus or minus 2 weeks).
PM or call if I can help with any questions. Good luck in your search.
John
