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Author
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Topic: Vehicles
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RyanS
Member
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posted August 12, 2005 01:45 PM
   
Hello All,I am just curious to know what people are using to tow their Sandpipers? We are looking at getting a new car soon and as of right now I don't have something that can tow the boat. My understanding is that something with a 2000# tow capacity should be fine? Ryan IP: 70.50.247.208 |
whited
unregistered
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posted August 12, 2005 03:35 PM
Check the specifications carefully.
A number of vehicles, such as my Voyager mini-van and my sister's Suburau Forrester,
claim to pull 2000 lbs but insist on trailer brakes if the total load exceeds 1000 lbs.
I'll be looking at a Toyota Sienna (3500lb)in a year or so. I wish they would go on sale. Even the base model costs just over $30K plus taxes. delivery etc.IP: 142.167.232.1 |
Pathfinder
Member
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posted August 12, 2005 04:31 PM
We used to tow Wind Chime with a 1988 Dodge Ram 350 LE 15-passenger van with a 360ci V8. We could hardly feel the boat at all.In June we bought a 2000 Ford Windstar with the 3.8 V6 and 3500lb towing capacity. I asked my mechanic to install a Reese (Cdn Tire) Class II hitch (3500lb-slight overkill, but matches van), and wiring. For the lesser amount of towing we do, he told me to tow to Parry Sound without a transmission cooler; he thought we could get away without it. The feel of the boat on behind was more noticeable than with the larger van, but we drove comfortably at full highway speed, in traffic, and had absolutely no trouble with engine overheating or any other problems. General handling, backing into Killbear campsites, and gas mileage were greatly improved over the larger van. Of course, due caution must be exhibited with the extra load. BTW, the Reese hitch ball-and-mount assembly is very easy to install into the hitch and take off, and the plastic hitch cover also goes on and off easily. I always store the assembly in a rubber tote in the back of the van when not in use. The covered hitch is hidden beneath the van bumper; you'd hardly know it's there. Once through the hassles of researching, selecting, then finding, a new tow vehicle, and getting the hitch and wiring installed, the pleasure of driving and towing has been a real joy this summer. Wind Chime and crew departing for Rendezvous 2005
 We watch autotrader.ca very closely when it comes time to buy a vehicle - to get the vehicle we want, at a price we can afford (4 kids in/out of univ  - so far). [This message has been edited by Pathfinder (edited August 12, 2005).] IP: 209.213.253.201 |
Hyprstitch
Member
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posted August 13, 2005 12:37 AM
I use my 98 f-250 to pull the Valhallabreeze.
In Colorado we need a lot of HP, and its nice to be able to pull the boat out of the water in 4 wheel drive and in low range.  IP: 207.200.116.203 |
Darcy
Member
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posted August 13, 2005 11:45 AM
Our Sienna pulls “Shortwave” very nicely. We got the van used from a (hard to believe) “reputable” used car dealer recommended by the Automobile Protection Association. If you let them know what you want, they will track down the make and call you. Here we are launching at the Rendezvous.
They're a popular van though. The dealer had 4 Siennas of various editions. By time I went home, rationalized our purchase with Lynn and went back the next morning; 3 had been sold. This left us buying a more luxurious version than I had originally intended. That been said, the leather seats, sunroof and Thule roof rack have all been enjoyed. D'Arcy, Shortwave
IP: 64.228.98.73 |
Patrick Crooks
Member
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posted August 13, 2005 06:33 PM
When I bought barefoot we towed her from Calgary to Winnipeg using my fathers Dodge Caravan. You couldn't even tell you were pulling anything.I use a 2003 Chevy Malibu (3.1 litre) with a tranny cooler and it pulls her just fine. I was told by GM to get the cooler, tow in 3rd gear, and avoid going over 100 km. They were right about the not going over 100 km because at that point you could watch the gas gauge move. Patrick IP: 207.161.56.190 |
whited
unregistered
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posted August 13, 2005 08:05 PM
Patrick...that's the distance I towed mine home from Quebec. What size engine in your dad's Caravan? Short wheelbase or 'Grand Caravan'?
I guess most of your trip was pretty flat.IP: 142.167.232.1 |
Patrick Crooks
Member
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posted August 13, 2005 10:36 PM
Don, the van was a Grand Caravan Sport with a 3.3 litre engine. I had no idea the boat was there and the gas mileage suffered only a little. It cost me just over a half tank more (40 litres) pulling the boat 1400 kms back home to Winnipeg.The one thing that I think helps though is the dual axle trailer. When I hook up to the car or van it drops very little. My tonque weight is maybe 75 lbs, but it doen't sway in winds or when semi's pass. Patrick IP: 205.200.66.40 |
whited
unregistered
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posted August 14, 2005 12:49 AM
That's the other thing...my tongue weight is closer to the normal 10 per cent...130 lbs.
It does drop my base Voyager (3.0 liter) van rear a bit.IP: 142.167.232.1 |
elmet3
Member
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posted August 14, 2005 09:18 AM
I use a 1997 Mercury Villager mini-van. The van is rated as 2000 lb towing capacity. It works well, I towed my Sandpiper 17 hours round trip to the rendezvous, had no problems. It towed well, I have spent some time making sure the boat is well balanced and supported on the trailer and it really paid off. I accelerate slowly and stop slowly, and think ahead, but otherwise it affects driving very little. No transmission cooler so I do ease up going up hills and at other times. THe engine had no trouble but i was concerned or aware that i should be considerate of the transmission. Like i said, no problems. Gas mileage was affected much less than I expected. I stayed at 100km/hr. IP: 68.248.16.70 |
Roger
Member
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posted August 14, 2005 09:50 AM
I pull a Daysailer II with a 4 liter Ford Ranger. Total weight of boat, motor and trailer is 1421 pounds with 213 of that on the tongue. It has not problem, but I do downshift on the hills, and try to keep it at 100 kph or less. (I keep a bit more weight on the tongue, otherwise, I spin the tires too easliy on the ramp.) IP: 216.55.220.27 | |
