[Rhodes22-list] A Tow Veh. question.

Fri Apr 29 07:33:34 EDT 2005

Graham,

Last March I weighed 1988 R22 Raven and her 2003 Triad single axle trailer
on commercial truck scales:

    Triad w/ spare tire                        1,240
    Raven (dry and empty)                 2,620
    combined empty weight                3,860

These weight figures surprised me.  The trailer weighs more and the boat
weighs less than other numbers I've heard.  I think Michael in now building
Triads with a heavier frame.  I also replaced the non-pressure treated Larch
bunks with stronger and more durable #1 Pressure Treated Southern Yellow
Pine and Tie-Down Engineering's bunk-glides and added a two-speed Fulton
winch. (All this to be capable of accurately adjusting tongue weight in the
parking lot).  I'm sure these improvements added some weight to the trailer.

By the time fluids, gear, motor and supplies are added for cruising, the
total combined trailer and boat weight should increase by about 500 pounds.
This is consistent with Slim's 4,400 gross weight estimate and other boat
and trailer weight numbers I've read on the list.

I use several small trailers in my business, up to 10,000 gross weight, and
am familiar with towing small loads under 10,000 pounds.  I would not
recommend pulling an R22 with any vehicle having less than 5,000# towing
capacity.  Extra capacity is better.

Suggest you keep the Astro.  Good luck.

PT

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Graham Stewart" <gstewart8 at cogeco.ca>
To: "'The Rhodes 22 mail list'" <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
Sent: Thursday, April 28, 2005 11:58 PM
Subject: RE: [Rhodes22-list] A Tow Veh. question.

I tow with an Astro AWD van and have had no problems getting up the launch
ramp. In fact I do virtually no towing except from home to the local boat
launch so I can't speak to how it handles on long hauls but I would be
surprised if there were problems. Most of the time I can't tell the boat is
there. My problem is that I keep the Astro because of this twice a year
short tow. I would like to get a smaller vehicle but am sceptical about
those that have a 3000 lb or lower limits - even for very occasional short
trips at slow speeds.

Before the Astro I had a Dodge Ram 15 passenger extended van. In spite of
the vehicle size and weight the long overhang between the wheels and the
hitch created dangerous sway that nearly took us off the road.

Does anyone have an accurate weight for the boat and trailer? If so, I would
like to know what it is.
Thanks

_________________________________________________

Graham Stewart
10 South B Edgewood Rd.
Bath, On, K0H 1G0
Tel: 613 389-1737
mailto:gstewart8 at cogeco.ca

-----Original Message-----
From: rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org
[mailto:rhodes22-list-bounces at rhodes22.org] On Behalf Of Steve Alm
Sent: April 25, 2005 4:22 PM
To: Rhodes
Subject: Re: [Rhodes22-list] A Tow Veh. question.

Bob,
This is an issue with me too.  I use a Ford E250 full-size cargo van--rear
wheel drive, V8.  I'm considering a 4 X 4 because my rear tires spin when
I'm maneuvering on grass (we park the boat in the yard sometimes) or wet,
steep ramps.  Maybe I just need better tires like Rummy says, and I hate to
give up my longer wheel base, but I'm thinking Blazer, Explorer, Cherokee,
Jimmy--I don't know.  I would think a 5600 lbs. rating would be more than
enough.  I think my boat and trailer come in at about 4400 or less.  Other
opinions, please? Slim

On 4/25/05 2:43 PM, "Bob Weber" <ruba1811 at hotmail.com> wrote:

> Hi all I am considering buying a vehicle to tow the boat.  It will be
> my full time car with only about a week of towing a year.  I am
> looking at the Chevy Trailblazer.  The transmission is rated to tow
> 5600 poundes.  Not quite the margin I wanted but with gas prices and
> the little amount I plan to tow I think it is a good compromise.  In
> my price range I can get a new 2 wheel drive version or a USED 4x4.
> Has anyone relyed on a 2 wheel drive veh. to launch and unlaunch for
> any length of time?  If so please tell me if you seriously wished for
> a 4X4.  Any thoughts are appreciated.  Thanks Bob Weber
>
>
> __________________________________________________
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