Renting a truck to tow a 7,000 lb boat

[s/vfootloose]

Maybe I'm missing something but wouldn't it be easier and cheaper to have the survey and seatrial done in Virginia?

[GaryMayo]

Originally Posted by s/vfootloose

Maybe I'm missing something but wouldn't it be easier and cheaper to have the survey and seatrial done in Virginia?

Quite right! I read right over that part.

On a smaller boat, a survey might not be needed, just a good look over by someone that knows boats, or a recommendation from someone that knows that boat, like the marina manager. I purchased my mac 25 from the marina owner, selling it for someone. His word it was a good sailboat was all I needed.

Seatrial? My only seatrials came the first free moment I could get after I owned them.

[Nessus]

If not already mentioned Uship.com has boat shippers for bid. Enterprise has Dodge half ton trucks for rent (reg full size pick ups). You may blow the transmission if but the truck should do it.

[ArtM]

Originally Posted by Rhendry

I need to bring a 7,000 lb boat (including trailer weight) from Virginia to S. Florida for a survey and seatrial. My vehicle is not capable of hauling the boat that distance. Can you please recommend who I should contact for a vehicle rental. I know some companies refuse to rent vehicles for towing purposes. Your advice is greatly appreciated.

Excuse my density. Why would you need to bring a boat from one coastal state to another to do a survey?

Regarding your current vehicle, a vehicle can pull above it's rated capacity if you observe some limits:

1) Tow only on flat surfaces
2) Maintain vigilence with respect to speed, braking distances, and temperatures
3) STOP and give up if there is any sign that it is not working out
4) Ensure that your vehicle can take the tongue weight of the trailer without breaking the suspension

There's a lot of flat road on the way to S. Florida. This method requires PRUDENCE. Don't get crazy with it.

[Cormorant]

The original poster has not made an appearance here since asking his question.

[GaryMayo]

Originally Posted by Cormorant

The original poster has not made an appearance here since asking his question.

That is almost always the case with people with low post counts. They wonder in, register, ask a question, and wonder out again, rarely coming back. What remains, is still interesting stuff to kick around. I would guess a high occurrence of these posts are made up troll posts, by kids, or former members under another name just messing around.

[Rhendry]

I returned from my journey of towing a boat to Fl from VA. I rented from Enterprise Commercial per a recommendation from this thread. I can say it was an awesome recommendation. Enterprise Commericail rented me a 2013 Chevy 2500 heavy duty with an 8 cylinder diesel engine for $400 per week including unlimited mileage. The truck had 6000 miles on it. I returned it with 8300 miles. My 2007 LoadRite trialer performed extremly well too. Thank you for the recommendation. This week my wife and I hope to close on a St Francis Sailing cat. God bless and Merry Christmas.

[rgscpat]

Glad we got to hear that it all worked out well.

[ausaviator]

I loved reading this thread in particular how Americans love their big engines. In Australia a Mazda BT 50 utility cab chassis with 3.2 liter turbo diesel and 6 speed manual has a towing capacity of around 7,700lb's braked maximum and it would tow it fine. A friend also has one and tows his 26ft Bayliner with it.

[rubyjean]

Me one year ago.... Glad all went well.....

[ArtM]

Originally Posted by ausaviator

I loved reading this thread in particular how Americans love their big engines. In Australia a Mazda BT 50 utility cab chassis with 3.2 liter turbo diesel and 6 speed manual has a towing capacity of around 7,700lb's braked maximum and it would tow it fine. A friend also has one and tows his 26ft Bayliner with it.

In US designs, the engine size is rarely the limiting factor. Heavy trucks (with big engines) are necessary because the smaller trucks don't have sufficient braking or transmission cooling capability. The big engines are not necessary, but are always included in the heavy truck category.

[ausaviator]

On that note, Holden in Australia is about to release the "Commodore Ute" in the US, but it likely won't be called that. As I understand it America hasn't has anything similar to it since the El Camino.



They will likely be available in a 3.0 litre V6 or a 6 litre V8.

Do you think it will be popular? They are pretty good for towing boats.

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by ausaviator

On that note, Holden in Australia is about to release the "Commodore Ute" in the US, but it likely won't be called that. As I understand it America hasn't has anything similar to it since the El Camino.

They will likely be available in a 3.0 litre V6 or a 6 litre V8.

Do you think it will be popular? They are pretty good for towing boats.

It looks just like a Subaru outback.......but meant more for business.

I for one would like to have a Mazda bt50 or a hilux, but for some reason we're not allowed to have them here!