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Caved on tow vehicle

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OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/17/2014 : 13:31:04

I'm the one that usually chimes in on those "tow vehicle" threads stating that a 1/2t pick-up is adequate to tow a C25. The majority of people with C25s at our marina use 1/2t trucks. Anyhow, after launching the boat this season, my Chevy 1/2t suddenly (and intermittently) wouldn't shift from 1st to 2nd until the RPMs got higher than normal. So I took it our local independent transmission shop. They pulled the pan, cleaned the filter/screen, put in fresh fluid + an additive, changed the magnet on the pan (I forget his exact comment about the magnet), and cleaned governor (which is external to the transmission). The truck now shifts correctly and smoother than ever.
I explained my driving habits while towing . . . using "D", no jack rabbit starts, no accelerating up hills and so on. I even had an auxiliary cooler installed. Then I asked (reluctantly) if towing 6,000 lbs. was a stretch for the 700R4 transmission and he replied "it's pushing the limits."

As we have long term plans to trailer the boat to some distant destinations, we thought it might be a good time to move up to a 3/4t. <i><b>There, I said it!</b></i>

Anyhow, flying to Baton Rogue this weekend to pick up a 2001 Chevy 3/4t, 6.0L pick-up. It's a cream puff with only 48K miles.

Edited by - OJ on 08/18/2014 13:43:04

Davy J
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1511 Posts

Response Posted - 08/17/2014 : 13:49:10

OH, how I love a tow vehicle thread.......

Repeat these three words..... Three times....and get your deposit back......

Cummins Turbo Diesel.... Cummins Turbo Diesel..... Cummins Turbo Diesel.....

Towing, never have another problem.

Edited by - on

OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 08/17/2014 : 13:57:02

quote:
Originally posted by Davy J

OH, how I love a tow vehicle thread.......

Repeat these three words..... Three times....and get your deposit back......

Cummins Turbo Diesel.... Cummins Turbo Diesel..... Cummins Turbo Diesel.....

Towing, never have another problem.

1/2 or 3/4t?

Edited by - on

Davy J
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1511 Posts

Response Posted - 08/17/2014 : 14:37:37

I'm not sure of a 1/2 ton Cummins. But, don't worry, your new Chevy will do just fine.....

Now let's talk about those folks with Jeeps.....

Edited by - on

OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 08/17/2014 : 16:12:17

There are people that tow a C25 with a Jeep?

Edited by - on

islander
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3992 Posts

Response Posted - 08/17/2014 : 16:51:07

I think(could be wrong) that 6.0L 3/4 comes with 4.10 gears. If so I hope you own a gas station.

Good luck with it!

Edited by - on

worane
1st Mate

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Australia
36 Posts

Response Posted - 08/17/2014 : 17:46:06

Yes, I have an old Two ton J 20 Jeep which has a six liter v8 running duel fuel that would eat that towing job for breakfast.

Edited by - on

Captmorgan
Navigator

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USA
220 Posts

Response Posted - 08/17/2014 : 18:25:07

shat is that jeep rated to tow?

Edited by - on

hewebb
Admiral

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USA
761 Posts

Response Posted - 08/18/2014 : 05:06:06

Restored 1964 CJ5
I just passed the 1k mile mark since total rebuild. Haven't tried to tow the boat with it yet.

Edited by - hewebb on 08/18/2014 05:09:05

OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 08/18/2014 : 06:00:44

quote:
Originally posted by islander

I think(could be wrong) that 6.0L 3/4 comes with 4.10 gears. If so I hope you own a gas station. Good luck with it!

Hi Scott and thanks for the heads-up.

The 2500HD came with the 4.10 differential. The truck we are acquiring (2500 light duty) comes with 3.73.

When you look at the charts, it is interesting to see the change in towing capacity based on rear end ratios.

This truck also has a towing package, but the previous owner (one owner vehicle) only had a ball on the bumper . . . which implies to me he towed light loads.

Edited by - on

OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 08/18/2014 : 06:04:31

quote:
Originally posted by worane

Yes, I have an old Two ton J 20 Jeep which has a six liter v8 running duel fuel that would eat that towing job for breakfast.

I beleive that was before Jeeps became recreational vehicles. That's a keeper!

Edited by - OJ on 08/18/2014 06:06:03

sdpinaz
Navigator

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USA
193 Posts

Response Posted - 08/18/2014 : 08:09:58

Nice new truck! I want one....it will more than be enough and make you feel so much safer.

Towing capacity for 2001 2500 light duty 2WD long bed/single cab 6.0L V8 with 3.73 rear end is 10,800 lbs
weight distributing hitch and sway control required over 5,000 lbs trailer weight on light duty models.

if you ever tow something bigger, take it easy on that tranny with a 3.73 rear end matched up to the 6.0L and towing the boat, it will be the weak link, (not that it is all that weak). not only is the 2500 much heavier than a 1500, but the 6.0L is more powerful than the 5.3, stressing the tranny that much more. Make sure the new truck does not have oversized tires and make sure it has a beefy tranny cooler and maybe put a guage on the dash. It will be nice having the 2500 brakes!

What truck did you have before? a 700r4 is pretty small for a full size truck, I thought the largest they were usually installed in was in some chevy Tahoes and some suburbans, but they were mostly used in their smaller suv's and smaller trucks like the S-10 and in the newer colorado I am surprised it could handle towing the C25, anyway It doesn't matter any more, if you drive the new truck the same way it will last forever

Edited by - on

OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 08/18/2014 : 13:11:41

quote:
Originally posted by sdpinaz

Nice new truck! I want one....it will more than be enough and make you feel so much safer.

Towing capacity for 2001 2500 light duty 2WD long bed/single cab 6.0L V8 with 3.73 rear end is 10,800 lbs
weight distributing hitch and sway control required over 5,000 lbs trailer weight on light duty models.

if you ever tow something bigger, take it easy on that tranny with a 3.73 rear end matched up to the 6.0L and towing the boat, it will be the weak link, (not that it is all that weak). not only is the 2500 much heavier than a 1500, but the 6.0L is more powerful than the 5.3, stressing the tranny that much more. Make sure the new truck does not have oversized tires and make sure it has a beefy tranny cooler and maybe put a guage on the dash. It will be nice having the 2500 brakes!

What truck did you have before? a 700r4 is pretty small for a full size truck, I thought the largest they were usually installed in was in some chevy Tahoes and some suburbans, but they were mostly used in their smaller suv's and smaller trucks like the S-10 and in the newer colorado I am surprised it could handle towing the C25, anyway It doesn't matter any more, if you drive the new truck the same way it will last forever

Scott, thanks for all the not-so-common knowledge. It is duly noted! Yeah, bigger brakes will add peace of mind.

The current truck is a 1991 Chevy 1/2t, 2 WD, HO 5.7 liter. The tires have very stiff sidewalls and it corners extremely well. I have shocked a few people with its quickness and handling (without a boat and trailer in tow)!

Yes, regarding the more powerful engine placing more strain on the transmission, I will be resorting back to conservative driving

, towing or not.

Edited by - OJ on 08/18/2014 13:50:34

islander
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3992 Posts

Response Posted - 08/18/2014 : 14:58:23

quote:
The 2500HD came with the 4.10 differential. The truck we are acquiring (2500 light duty) comes with 3.73.

OK I said that I wasn't sure. You didn't say if it was the HD or not. That 3/4 will be like night and day and with the 3.73 you will only have to stop at every other station

I think you will be very satisfied!

Edited by - on

OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 08/18/2014 : 17:32:17

quote:
Originally posted by islander

. . . you will only have to stop at every other station . . .

Edited by - OJ on 08/18/2014 17:33:09

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3754 Posts

Response Posted - 08/18/2014 : 18:43:01

Wow! I'd take a mighty deep breath before I hitched up anything to a CJ ot TJ wheelbase.

Edited by - on

shnool
Former Capri-25 Tech Editor

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USA
1032 Posts

Response Posted - 08/18/2014 : 18:51:40

Ok, just sold my 2012 Chevy 2500 HD, with 4:10 gears, and 6.0...
The moniker for HD is standard as of 2007 for all 2500s.
The 1500 SD and 1500 HD were a 2000ish thing.. not sure on the 2500s, but I suppose it was a similar time.

As for fuel mileage with the 4:10s.... the 3:73s DON'T get better, unless it's the old tranny that is only 4 gears. The 6 speed auto tranny got 15.8mpg highway empty on my truck which was a crew cab long bed. After MUCH discussion we discovered the 3:73 actually did worse (because it's underpowered to push the truck except on flat ground)... Look up "silveradosierra.com" and my nickname, and you'll see what I mean.

Now, saying cummins... Um, yep, cummins 5.9 is the best engine hands down, but dodge/ram couldn't make a reliable truck to save it's life. Sorry my RAM2500 was a screaming POS. Talk about blowing out locking hubs left and right. $400 each, and you'll be lucky to get 20k out of them... the transmissions? forgetaboutit... only one worth a darn was the 6 speed manual tranny with the 5.9 cummins.

I've done some towing too... my boat is my small trailer.

here's what I started with when I had my capri 22...

That dodge was a pretty truck too, but I must have put $12000 in repairs in that thing before I gave it away to make the bleeding stop.

Here's the last truck/trailer.. I loved that truck and I think you'll love YOURS too... good luck and that 6.0 is a great engine.

Edited by - shnool on 08/18/2014 18:54:44

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4275 Posts

Response Posted - 08/18/2014 : 19:34:05

Dodge makes some nice looking trucks but they area POS as are most Dodge/Chrysler products. How many 10 year old ones do you see on the road? Very few.

Just my opinion.

OT - When my dad was a kid his family had a horse named Music that looked kinda like the horse on the left. He hated that horse. Every time you pulled back on the reigns to slow down or stop the horse would plant it's front legs and duck its head throwing whoever was on its back.

Edited by - GaryB on 08/18/2014 19:39:31

worane
1st Mate

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Australia
36 Posts

Response Posted - 08/18/2014 : 21:04:48

Dave 5041. I think you may be taking even deeper breaths by the time you reached the first good corner!

Edited by - on

sweetcraft
Admiral

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USA
816 Posts

Response Posted - 08/18/2014 : 21:10:46

I use a 3/4 ton Ford with super cab and 8' bed. My 25 was weighed by a travel lift and it was right at 6,000 lbs. There hadn't been time to load it like normal for the NW trip which I make everyother year since 79. The long wheel base, sway preventors and a large transmission cooler in series with the tow package cooler. oil temp guage gives me peace of mind for the transmission. The 91 250 bought used still gives us a safe ride. It isn't worth much but it tows and yes the 460 engine is not ecconomical but no monthly payments. Planning a winter cruise and return to the NW next season so travel is still good and safe.

Edited by - on

Tomas Kruska
Admiral

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Czech Republic
522 Posts

Response Posted - 08/19/2014 : 01:14:46

Just want to share my experience with towing. A little smaller boat but still 2000kg of the boat including the trailer.

I have 2007 Kia Sorento 2.5CRDi, 5speed auto, 4x4 with reduction.
Plenty of power and capable of towing 3500kg trailer. This car is very popular in UK for towing heavy caravans.
Average diesel consumption with this trailer is about 11 l/100km (26 MPG).

Edited by - Tomas Kruska on 08/19/2014 01:17:00

Davy J
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1511 Posts

Response Posted - 08/19/2014 : 03:39:29

quote:
Um, yep, cummins 5.9 is the best engine hands down, but dodge/ram couldn't make a reliable truck to save it's life.

quote:
Dodge makes some nice looking trucks but they area POS as are most Dodge/Chrysler products. How many 10 year old ones do you see on the road? Very few.

I find these comments interesting, as I have had two Ram 2500 Cummins diesel trucks. A 1995 that went 12 years and 278,000 miles before it finally ate it's transmission. And my current 2008 Dodge Ram, that other than a A/C compressor, has been almost repair free...

Maybe they don't like the cold weather.........

Edited by - on

OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 08/19/2014 : 19:52:56

More evidence above of what makes this site great. The sharing of knowledge and experience . . . even with a gentle jab

thrown here and there

Anyone ever gone off-roading with their C25?

You wouldn't need a launch strap with a Unimog!

Edited by - OJ on 08/19/2014 20:00:46

pastmember
Master Marine Consultant

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2402 Posts

Response Posted - 08/19/2014 : 20:18:41

Yummm Unimog axles.

Edited by - pastmember on 08/19/2014 20:19:18

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4275 Posts

Response Posted - 08/19/2014 : 20:25:26

quote:
Originally posted by OJ

More evidence above of what makes this site great. The sharing of knowledge and experience . . . even with a gentle jab thrown here and there

Anyone ever gone off-roading with their C25? You wouldn't need a launch strap with a Unimog!

Or a wrecker if you drop the trailer off the end of the ramp!

Edited by - on

sdpinaz
Navigator

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USA
193 Posts

Response Posted - 08/20/2014 : 10:37:15

just think of how many C25's you could own for the price of a new Unimog...... You wouldn't need to tow any of them, you could just have a C25 in every port.....

Edited by - on

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