2006 220 SD tow vehicle

J

jacktm

New Member
Oct 16, 2006
175
ny
Boat Info
boatless
Engines
boatless
I currently use and 2003 Expedition to tow the 220. Does anyone use an Explorer or something similar? I would like to downsize a little

Thanks
Jack
 
I use a 2002 Dodge Durango, 5.9L with the tow package. Runs like a beast. Passes everything on the road except a gas station. Seriously, this has been a great tow vehicle. I've read that the transmissions can get a little dicey after 80K miles. Mine has 90K and I haven't seen that yet. I suppose how hard you drive has an impact. I'm really pretty gentle. My biggest scare point was pulling a boat out of the water, but I must say that I have not had any issues.
 
I think an expolorer should be OK (not great) with a 220. I towed my 220 with a Nissan Xterra for a while, It took all she had, but was ok. After one season with the Xterra I bought a 1/2 ton truck... that made a huge difference.
 
WOW - Someone looking for a new tow vehicle other than a F-10,000 with a diesel, air brakes, dual rear wheels, and 9,000 hp!:smt043:smt038 It seems most people go overkill with their towing vehicles.

I towed my 230 weekender with my 1/2 ton chevy that has a 4.3l V-6 and it was fine. The truck shifted and worked a lot on the highway, but for towing once a weekend it worked just fine. It is a 2wd, so if the ramp was slick it would spin pulling the boat out, but I always got it out without much of a problem. :thumbsup:
 
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I have an Explorer, 2004 4x4 with the tow package, 3.73 axle, and Class III/IV hitch. Max rating is 6000#. I have comfortably towed a 180, 190, and 210 behind it. I had a Sea Ray 230 (1985) that was scary going down the road. I think an F-150 would do much better with the load spread out more.
 
I'd look at an '07 Tundra doublecab.
 
I tow my 1985 230 DA with no problems with a 2006 Toyota Tacoma. The V6 in the truck has no issues with the boat.
 
I tow my 215 EC with a 2001 ML 320. I towed the boat from Indianopolis to Atlanta with 100% inop trailer brakes. I got a little nervous on the 6% down grade at the pass in Chattanooga, but it handled that no problem. The transmission hunts if you use the cruise control, but works fine if you use your right foot.

It has a granny gear and computer traction control for pulling up a slippery ramp with the trailer wheels stuck in the mud. ML 320s are cheap on the used truck market. If you can find a good one, the deal is tough to beat.
 
berth control said:
WOW - Someone looking for a new tow vehicle other than a F-10,000 with a diesel, air brakes, dual rear wheels, and 9,000 hp!:smt043:smt038 It seems most people go overkill with their towing vehicles.

I towed my 230 weekender with my 1/2 ton chevy that has a 4.3l V-6 and it was fine. The truck shifted and worked a lot on the highway, but for towing once a weekend it worked just fine. It is a 2wd, so if the ramp was slick it would spin pulling the boat out, but I always got it out without much of a problem. :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

You can't use anything less then this
082.jpg


Seriosly Check out the Trailering Section, Some people think they need a huge truck for a twice a year tow.
My opinion, a Explorer would be ok if a V8. To me a V6 revs too much for itself let alone towing. Also I don't think an explorer gets better enough fuel mileage to make much difference.

I tow with a 75 Ford f-250 and a 1980 Chevy K-20
Used to use a 89 Chevy 1500 suburban. Bad trans now
 
jitts3 said:
I tow with a 75 Ford f-250 and a 1980 Chevy K-20
Used to use a 89 Chevy 1500 suburban. Bad trans now
Click to expand...

:smt038:lol::smt043
Nice post Jitts - but my real concern here is that your boat needs a motor and truck needs a trans. What gives!?!?:lol:

Maybe take the motor from the truck......
 
berth control said:
:smt038:lol::smt043
Nice post Jitts - but my real concern here is that your boat needs a motor and truck needs a trans. What gives!?!?:lol:

Maybe take the motor from the truck......
Click to expand...
Seriously, All my life I never saw the sence in forking over countless thousands in new cars just to loose my behind in depreciation. The only way I could ever afford to live life on my terms on my budjet is to run used cheap stuff. The Suburban was my fathers since new. This is why I'll never get rid of it. A new truck is way over my head. Its easier for me to just keep old stuff running then get new. Then comes my toys. Again could never buy new. So used cheap stuff is my only way. I have the engine and drive for the boat now. Just waiting on the intermediate housing with power steering and I'll install the thing. This post covers the whole process.
http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=14559
It does suck to have broken down stuff that always needs tinkering, but thats life.
 
jitts3 said:
S
It does suck to have broken down stuff that always needs tinkering, but thats life.
Click to expand...

:smt089 sounds depressing! Here's another option - buy a bunch of stuff on credit that you can't afford....make some late payments.......wait for Baracky to bail you out :thumbsup: Then you get the best of both worlds!! :smt038

Not to open a can of worms.....
 
If I knew then what I know now!!!!
As for depressing, Nah not too bad. My kid sister buys new everything. She couldn't dream of owning a boat. Any they make way better money.
 
Thanks for the info. I think the Petebuilt might be a little overkill.

Jack
 
I'm towing a 2006 220 Sundeck with a 100-Series Landcruiser (1998). It has a V8 and has enough weight, that towing is not problem, even though I'm at the specified tow limits of the vehicle. I am comforted by the fact that it has a transmission cooler, since that would be my one long term concern. I only do the occasional tow, weekends and stuff. Nothing hardcore (excpet the 500 miles I did when I picked up the boat first time).
 
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