Tow rigs for 2600 HPS w/tower

[robt]

Just curious what people are using for their tow vehicle and real world numbers.  I'm anticipating having about 6K lbs boat/motor/trailer.  I currently have an SUV that has a tow capacity of 8100 lbs, I'm thinking of trading it in on a truck might be more practical.  

Let me know your thoughts 

Thanks 

Rob

[George Seither]

Lots of variables, 8100 decent tow weight but stopping as well, JJFisherman mentioned this in a post not to long ago., I'm using a 2001 3/4 ton Chevy Duramax I've had since new for the 2300 and other items I tow, Truck 2 2016 GMC Canyon Diesel for mud boat and smaller items, Other on the sight like the Ford Eco Boost 1/2 ton, Grandson drives one as well with no complaints.

[Moderator]

For the travel and around town,  most rigs are fine. I always found that the ramps were the trouble spots.  My boat/trailer is about 5K#. On steep ramps, and those with slime or gas and oils… I need the 4WD for the pull out. 
I have a ‘20 F150 with the 5.0 and 4WD. Tows well and is civil on the Highway. 11-12 towing the boat but I get 20 mpg on the highway without the boat.

I don’t know what your area ramps are like at low tide. I would say your optimal tow rig would be 3/4 ton with 4 WD. You would have no weakness on the road or ramp.

If you do use the wife’s SUV till you get a truck, keep a long tow strap in it for a slippery ramp. So you can hook it to the frame and get a helping pull.

Just my two-cents worth.

MM

[fin-addict]

Son has a Tundra 4x4 no problem towing my rig with tower. Think rated for 11k.

[George Seither]

Ditto on MM/ Fin comments, mine 4WD and tow straps in each just different flavor truck

[robt]

Thanks for the feedback.  My normal ramps are pretty tame most of the year so not a problem.  I'm looking at the Ford 150 powerboost with tow package/ 4x4.  On paper should pull about 12500 ish.  Is the advantage of the 3/4 ton longer wheelbase or just more power?

[George Seither]

Thats the question for you, do you need a 3/4 diesel truck? What else are you going to pull? All of the new diesel will have some type of DEF issues, doesn’t matter the brand. 1/2 ton diesels give great fuel milage unloaded, anything you put a boat behind like a 26 HPS fuel economy is out the window, diesels offer more pulling torque and will do a bit better on fuel than a gas engine but a lot of folks pull with 1/2 ton trucks, last is cost all trucks are up there in cost, 3/4 tons are way up there in price! I’m sure others will chime in

hope it helps

[Moderator]

There are 3/4 ton gas trucks (GM). Towing the boat with all the gear is a full load for a 1/2 ton. You can do it for around town.  If you do plan to go on trips to the Keys or other long hauls, the 3/4 tons have better cooling systems and suspensions for the loading.
The F-150’s are fine trucks. 
I chose the V-8 because it’s simpler and sounds better. I only get 1 less mpg on the highway over the Eco boosts. 
The 2600 is on the edge of needing the diesel power.. The 4WD is essential.. 

MM

[Fish5]

Consider fuel capacity on any truck, have a good friend that had a new gmc at4 half ton. Coast is about a good hour for us. He couldn’t make round trip without refueling. He has a 22 rabalo. I have 24 trs with hard ttop. I drive 3/4 ton anyway. I have absolutely no concerns pulling, or more importantly stopping.