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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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What tow vehicle do y'all use?

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delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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4479 Posts

Response Posted - 02/05/2007 : 10:54:23

Clambeach, you're killing me with your mileage numbers! The only time my '99 F-250 gets that kind mileage is downhill, engine off, with a tailwind and helium in the tires.

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Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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3704 Posts

Response Posted - 02/05/2007 : 11:05:30

DItto what Kevin said. In fact, if you tow with ANYTHING you must have trailer brakes. Otherwise that 6,000+lbs of boat and trailer is going to push your tow vehicle around at the worst possible moment!! When you buy the boat make sure the trailer brakes work. The brakes on my C22 trailer were corroded and non-functional. You cannot assume that the brakes are actually functional. Take the trailer to a shop and get them checked.

One thing I learned when moving from the C22 to the 250WK is how much of a difference that 2,000lbs of extra boat makes. With the C22 the Yukon handled it like there was nothing behind us. With the 250WK I knew it was back there and that is with $500 worth of equalizer hitch thrown in.

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ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 02/05/2007 : 13:08:29

>"Clambeach, you're killing me with your mileage numbers!"

I think those numbers were pretty common for the first generation of both the Ford and Dodge turbocharged diesels.

I've heard the later models don't get nearly the fuel economy. I suspect the manufacturers engaged in an un-needed horsepower race at the expense of effeciency. (The early powerstrokes 'officially' had 215hp, which is plenty with the available torque). Between the replacement cost and the good fuel mileage I have good reason to take good care of the one I have.

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delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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4479 Posts

Response Posted - 02/05/2007 : 13:14:36

I agree (sorry for the topic hijack). While I seem to be getting noticably better mileage after the 4" intake & exhaust upgrade, I'm still probably going to have to get a chip so I can modify the engine's performance. Apparently you can have a number of settings like "tow", "economy", and "performance". The last thing this truck needs is more horsepower, I've got plenty as it is, I'd gladly give up some for better mileage. And the ability to change as necessary is pretty alluring, but probably expensive. I haven't looked into the cost of a chip & programmer.

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JaimeZX
1st Mate

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USA
34 Posts

Response Posted - 02/05/2007 : 17:50:24

Very interesting, thanks guys. I was looking at the Durango as a stopgap measure; I figure I can afford one of those by July or August and a boat by this coming winter. Then another 2-3 years (and probably just one move) down the road I'd upgrade the Durango to a Ram 2500 (or equivalent.) Unless I find a 2500 for around $8k...

My preference would be to get a boat with a trailer, but if I have to build my own it would definately have brakes on it.

Guess overall my plan seems okay to everyone. I appreciate y'all's input. :)

Warm regards,

Jim

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Gary B.
Admiral

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USA
969 Posts

Response Posted - 02/14/2007 : 04:48:43

My suggestion if you are on a budget? Forego the 4 WD. I have never owned one, yet towed a C25 since 1983. Since about 1998, I have towed mine with a '78 Ford F-250 Club Cab with a 460 automatic. I NEVER have needed 4 WD, although I will admit to having to let some air out of my back tires a few times on a wet or sandy steep ramp.

My truck cost me $3900 when I bought it. It is pretty and tough, but the mileage sucks. I get 10-11 empty and about 8-9 towing the boat or with the camper on......But, hey, one can buy a LOT of fuel for the $30,000+ I saved in not buying a NEW PU!

Like Leon, I don't think a huge engine is all that necessary, but WEIGHT in the tow vehicle and good brakes on trailer is a must. It's stopping these behemoths that worries me.....

Gary B.
s/v Encore! SR/SK #685

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britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 02/14/2007 : 07:07:21

Gary, I'm still smarting from those numbers! When we decided to give up on letting our 1995 Chevy Blazer 2 door wimp tow JD the 70miles each way trip to the launch site every trip, we did our due dilligence and selected the F150 4x4.
I opted for the work truck model, less to go wrong, but had the towing capacity and those tiny rear seats. The admiral wanted comfort, we ended up with what I call a 'luxury' truck.

the good news is that now after 9,000 miles on the clock, we are getting much better mpg. 12.2 around town and 11.+ towing (at least, that's what the guage says!)

Totally agree about 'one can buy a lot of fuel for the $30,000...'

FYI, 12 trips a year minimum = 12 *140 = 1,680miles if we just go to our nearest viable launch ramp.

At 10mpg (low side) thats 168gallons. That's 32gallons less a year than a friend puts in his smudgeback every trip!!! True! we might put in 32gals per year in the outboard...

Paul

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