First Boat - Towing question?

[OspreyVic]

Please try doing a search on "towing". I did and 118 threads came up. Lots of reading with many good posts.

We use a 2005 Explorer 4x4 for our 210. Small enough for daily driving and easy to turn and park, at least easier than a pickup.

Towing to me is a safety issue. Florida, where we live, is flat, so I could use a much smaller vehicle. That is unless I want to be able to stop in a safe distance or the wind has blown seaweed all over the ramp making it slicker than glass.

It is all about choices, and my choice would not work for everyone. If I have to tow my 210, I want a vehicle that is safe. Even at 45 MPH, a small vehicle with 5,000 or so pounds pushing it, will take a long time to stop, unless you hit someone else and the boat joins you in the front seat - ouch!!. If you opt for a small tow vehicle, please think of safety before loading any loved ones into it with you.

And remember that storm factor. What place in line will you be in when all your neighbors want their boats out of the water on the same few days before the storm hits? Some large bills in someone's hand might help - especially if you have more large bills than your neighbor.

I agree with wpschaef. Bigger is better and the more research you do, I think you will arrive at the same conclusion.

Good luck with your decision.

[Fishin' DC's]

If you go with the F150, be sure and tow it with overdrive "OFF". This was a $4200 lesson I just learned.

[BarryB]

If the Ranger is a 4 cylinder. Nope, not enough power to tow. My 4 cylinder Toyota Tacoma is rated at 3,500 lbs. I believe the 21 footer is way heaver than that.

However, you can rent a U-Haul pickup with tow hitch when needed. I use one for a weekend when my truck was on the mend. $19.95/day plus ??cents per mile.

[boostjunkie1]

Do yourself a favor and get at least a F250 Gas, 4X4 for what you are wanting to tow. When I get the chance to buy another truck it will be a used 6-Spd Cummins. I have owned 3 of them and towing now with a V6 Tacoma 4X4, 6spd really stinks. Your fuel mileage will make up for everything else..... Ford Rangers are NOT made to take on what you are looking at. Guy with the Backhoe/Ranger combo = WOW!!!!!!! You have some golden EGGS there buddy .......

[BigBird]

Dude dont use your ranger long term for pulling. Rent a Uhaul for a day if you have to move it far. I used to watch a guy in SC pull a 18' with a s10. His buddies had to throw rocks under tires to stop when backing down ramp. Wow--scared me just watching!
I sold my f350 crew cab as my kids dont want to ride with the old folks much anymore. I bought an older suburban and it doesnt know my 190 is back there. The mileage is better than the truck I had.
Fyi- There are alot of cost concious folks worried about fuel right now that would trade you an SUV for a smaller truck. A dealer told me he wasnt trading in any suvs currently unless they were give aways.
I find blending into traffic and stopping are the biggest reason for a larger pull vehicle.
Remember to have a tranny cooler with any vehicle you get. I thought since i had a larger vehicle with my last boat/camper that it would handle it. Tranny repair guy laughed and told me that others assumed that and that kept him in business. Killed it in the mountains. He said the $100 tranny cooler would eliminate most issues with pulling vehicles.
Stay safe and Good luck and let us know what you decide.
Lindsay