Tow Vehicle

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Tuna Talk

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What is the smallest truck you need to pull around (local, no highway or long distance) and launch the 265 Express or 283 Release?
 
Something big enough to not get pulled into the water when you launch either of those rigs.

I pull my 228 with a F350 dually.

Do you currently have a truck and wonder if it's big enough? Or looking to buy one and don't want to go to small?

A little more info to your question could be helpful for us to give an answer.
 
When I got my 265 in 2011 I pulled it with a 2002 Suburban 1500 with the 5.3L gas engine. No more than 10 miles from my house to the ramp at the marina where I kept it in a slip the remainder of the year. That truck was 'rated' for the weight (if the boat was mostly empty) but in no way did it feel safe or comfortable. The one hill I had to traverse required that I run up on the approach to ensure I made it. I'm sure air bags would have helped and I don't believe the trailer was properly set up for the boat (PO bought it just prior to the sale of the boat and the first time the boat was on it was when I put it there). The bigger gas engine would also have been beneficial.

For the past 7 years I've pulled it with a GMC Denali HD; 2500 with the 6.6 Duramax Diesel and can pass others while going uphill if the need arises. I believe the boat is better balanced on the trailer now than it was back then but this is also just so much more truck in every respect. Everything is bigger and stronger, power on demand and I'm much more comfortable towing in any conditions - though the width of the 265 still causes me to tighten my grip on occasion.

Ultimately it's what you feel comfortable with but having towed with both, in my opinion I'd say a 1/2 ton platform is the minimum and that's only if you're truly staying local, which includes local speeds. There's no way I would have put that first rig on the highway or gone much over about 45mph, not only do you need to get up to speed - you've got to be able to stop it as well. Would suggest the biggest engine you can get, I have no thoughts on the smaller diesels they're putting in those trucks, haven't driven one and don't know anyone who has one but they could provide a good power option.

Launching is another page in that story and I'd think would depend a lot on the quality and slope of the ramp(s) you use. I like having something heavy holding the rig in place when I stop on the ramp and at a bit over 8K pounds, the diesel gives me that.
 
Y'all know 3/4 of towing is not pulling the boat , but stopping it. My Tundra is rated for 11,000 pounds . I would to a 265 but here is the rub. I would definitely have electric over hydraulic brakes on the bad boy for sure. Regardless of your tow vehicle insist in that kind of brake system .
 
265 with 4wd 1500 5.3 locally and at ramp with full load of fuel.
 
265 pulled by a diesel 2500 Ram. I barley feel her back there when towing (usually an hour tow to fish but had pulled her down and back from San Diego, 8+hours one way). I had a F250 v10 gasser and she struggled pulling the boat up grades. A 1500 is the smallest truck I would tow her with and that would only be locally with airbags. If you plan to tow her on the highway with a 1500 get yourself a few new pairs of underwear...you'll need em!
 
I'd want a F250 or equivalent with 4WD. That being said, if the ramp is good you can get away with a 1T truck.
 
The capability of half tons varies significantly depending on engine, trans, gearing, payload and tow packages.
A properly set up trailer and a properly set up half ton will easily tow a 265.
 
I currently have a 2016 RAM 1500, 2wd with the V6 & 8 speed transmission. I have not purchased the boat yet so I don't know if I would be towing a 265 or 283. Weight difference is only about 150 lbs so I don't think it really matters which boat I end up with. I would literally be towing the boat 4 blocks at 15 mph to the ramp...it is the launching & pulling off the ramp that has me most concerned.
 
If you had 4x4 and a 2 speed transfer case, no problem. 2wd and a Pentastar, not likely even with the best possible gear option that you would get it up the ramp.
 
I once had a 1979 searay cuddy that I towed with a 2wd drive 1997 ram 1500 years ago.. Going down not so bad. Getting the boat out was always a challenge.. Tore that truck up. Doing it.
 
Tuna Talk said:
I currently have a 2016 RAM 1500, 2wd with the V6 & 8 speed transmission. I have not purchased the boat yet so I don't know if I would be towing a 265 or 283. Weight difference is only about 150 lbs so I don't think it really matters which boat I end up with. I would literally be towing the boat 4 blocks at 15 mph to the ramp...it is the launching & pulling off the ramp that has me most concerned.
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Flat ground, 15 mph, sure... 1 wrong move at the ramp and you are gonna get your seats wet.

If it was me, I would upgrade to a 2500HD 4x4, or buy a smaller boat.
 
Would a 7.3 Excursion do the trick? How about the V10?
 
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A Excursion works. I pull my 232G with a 7.3 diesel 4x4. Never a problem and you don't feel it behind you.
 
Anyone who says a 1500 Burb or 1/2 ton pick up can “easily” pull a 265 probably hasn’t pulled one. I pull mine with a 2500 ‘Burb with the 8.1, 4.10 gears and you can tell it’s back there for sure.
I have the trailer so I can haul it out for storms, maintenance, etc. No long distance hauling, if I did , I would agree EoH is the way to go if you care about stopping853E9AD8-B4DA-4539-9ED1-B5A9361112F6.jpeg
 
I once pulled a 232 with a Tahoe. The tail was wagging the dog. A boat that size needs a 2500.
 
Maybe depends on how far you are towing if a half ton will cut it . Personally I’ve done this I was 15 minutes away from 3 harbors when I lived in Oxnard years ago. It worked but prematurely ruined the truck. 2500 with a diesel 4x4 is the ticket, tow anywhere, any ramp. No worries imho
 
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