[Rhodes22-list] evaluating the used boat

[John Lock]

At 12:26 PM 10/19/2006 -0700, Chet Orton wrote:
>Thanks. I hadn't considered extra weight beyond the boat's 
>displacement. My truck has a small 6 and the rated towing capacity 
>is 3500 with a manual trans, 5000 with an automatic. I have a manual 
>4WD. The hitch I installed is rated at 5000, so I don't think it 
>will fail. It's not very hilly around here so I think it'll be 
>alright, barely. I'll probably just need to replace the clutch 
>sooner. I can drop it into 4WD Low for crawling up/down boat ramps.

The rated towing capacity is not just a measure of how much the 
vehicle will pull.  It also takes into account stopping power and 
handling issues.  If you exceed that rating you get into the "tail 
wagging the dog" issue discussed here previously.  You may also find 
you have brake problems (overheating) if used heavily.  Be careful!

Cheers!

John

"Catastrophe: a prize for the cat with the nicest buns."