I want to buy a truck with tow package to tow a pontoon. how big do i need to go and what kind of tow package

Question

I want to buy a truck with tow package to tow a pontoon. how big do i need to go and what kind of tow package

Answer 1

Excellent idea to research a truck before you purchase.  Many buy a boat thinking they have a vehicle adequate for their needs.

Listen to the ones that have answered already.  Insure you purchase a V-8 with the proper tow package.  You must also have a proper rear end as well.

You will need the weight of the pontoon (brochure indicates pontoon only), weight of motor, weight of trailer, and add approx. 300 additional pounds for gear.  It is extremely important to know full capacity of fuel tank.  Weight of fuel is 6.2 pounds per gallon, or best to round up to 7 pounds per gallon.

Pontoons are fun boats.  They require little water and great for entertaining, pulling tubes, and capable of pulling skiers with the right motor.  I fish a lot and many of my friends have opted from bass boats to pontoons and they make for wonderful fishing platforms.

Have fun, be safe, and enjoy.

Answer 2

Buy a full-size chevy with a trailer tow package, just explain to them what you need.

Answer 3

The size of the truck depends on the size and weight of the boat/trailer combination.  Determine the weight that you need to tow, then find a truck that has at least that much capacity.  

For example... If you have small boat/trailer combination that weighs in at around 3500 lbs, you can safely tow it with a Mid-size pickup like a Dodge Dakota or Chevy Colorado, or even a compact SUV.  A bigger, heavier boat will require a bigger, stronger truck.  The other side of the coin is, you don't need a big, heavy, gas-guzzling 4X4 monster truck to tow a rowboat.

Also, many states require trailers over a certain load capacity to have brakes, so be sure that your truck and trailer are set up properly to meet the safety requirements of the state where you live.

Answer 4

In my boating life I have pulled a lot of boats with a lot of different tow rigs. I got into more trouble by not having the right tow rig more times than I can count. The last tow rig I bought I fixed all my problems. I bought a 3/4 ton truck with a diesel and a tow package. All the major brands make a suitable truck but I chose a Dodge. That was a personal choice. At the time the Power Stroke had just came out and Chevy didn't have a suitable power plant. Now either one would be acceptable, it would just be a personal choice for you. I get 24 MPG without the boat behind and with the 4,000 lb boat I get 20 on normal terrain and 18 pulling in the mountains. There is much more to pulling a boat that just having the horses under the hood. You need torque more than horsepower and a stiffer suspension and stronger braking. The 3/4 ton truck has those things. They are in control of the boat and braking chores are much better. That would be my recommendation. Get a Chevy or Dodge 2500 or Ford F250  truck, preferably extended cab or crew cab for the extra riders.

Answer 5

For GM product you need a minumum V8 with a towing capacity exceeding the weight of your boat and trailer...maybe 5500 lbs.? guessing.

I recommend a 350(5.7L) or comparable engine and locking differential (option code G80 )for the launch ramps. If you go 4X4, G80 is not a given...check the glove box build sticker for the code.

Good luck.