blewbyu Posted December 29, 2023 Report Share Posted December 29, 2023 Time for another tow vehicle. I’m looking for an SUV to haul my rig to the ramp two miles away. My rig is approximately 2500# with trailer. I’ll get a precise weight next week at an auto salvage yard. What are you guys towing your RF18 with F115? Pros, cons? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator Posted December 30, 2023 Report Share Posted December 30, 2023 Depends how far you plan on towing it, the quality of the ramps and some other things. The cars/trucks all have a max tow weight. If you only tow a mile or two you can get close to the max. If you will be towing any distance, you will need more vehicle for the braking and carrying gear & passengers. I HATE being that guy broken down out of town in July.. MM 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
searing Posted December 30, 2023 Report Share Posted December 30, 2023 I’m interested in hearing opinions here too since I’m looking for a different tow vehicle myself. I would prefer an SUV for under roof capacity over a truck. What I’m looking for I need to handle 3 or more hour trips to the boat ramp. I’ve had a number of people mention the Toyota 4Runner as a good option when not wanting a monster sized SUV or truck. For your rig and only short trips to the ramp I would think as long as it’s a Ford explorer size SUV a towing capacity of 3500lbs or more with front wheel or all wheel drive you will be more than fine. I currently have a Mazda CX-9 front wheel drive that I had well before my 16’ Bayfisher and it tows it with no issues at all. The ramp I frequent 35 minutes away is very steep and my front wheel drive pulls my boat out with ease even when the guy one slip over with a 2 wheel drive F150 needed extra bodies on his rear bumper to pull his 16’ RF out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Seither Posted December 30, 2023 Report Share Posted December 30, 2023 I Travel 1.25 hrs to either hunt with the 18' Gatortail or fish with the 2300, Pulling the gatortail with 1/2-ton 4wd Diesel Canyon, 2300 with my 2001 2500 HD 4wd diesel, The newer 1/2-ton full-size trucks and SUV's with diesel are giving crazy fuel milage and tow capacity. Depends on what manufacture you like. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toeknee217 Posted January 2 Report Share Posted January 2 You can tow 2500# with just about anything nowadays. Depending on your local ramps I would recommend something with 4WD even though I still to this date have never had to use it. 4Runner and Ford Explorer meet those requirements if you want a smaller SUV. We have a 2017 Tahoe which I sometimes use to tow our offshore boat with no complaints if you're looking for a big SUV. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fsu11 Posted January 5 Report Share Posted January 5 For the most part any SUV will tow that boat with no issues, the issue lies in the transmission longevity of towing it with a smaller suv. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrmojorisan Posted January 15 Report Share Posted January 15 My expedition Max handles my RF18 nicely Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeaSerpent123 Posted January 18 Report Share Posted January 18 I have a big truck, too big to be honest but I can tow like it is not there. Been thinking of a new truck but new truck prices are insane so curious what everyone recommends here. I tow 2 hours each way though so my circumstance is different than yours. 4X4 is a must though. I have seen trucks with a small jet ski go into the drink so what ever you choose, 4 x 4 10000% I think for you, a midsize truck or SUV would be fine. Toyota tacoma, GMS canyon just to name a few. The GMC is super nice by the way. Let us know though. P.S. Anyone know the weight we are pulling with a 18' redfisher give or take. I always figured about 3000 pounds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Renegade360 Posted January 23 Report Share Posted January 23 Tow my 21 Redfisher with my Gladiator. It does just fine at 70mph. Also just weighed it with a full tank. Boat and Trailer were 3640 total pounds. Single axle alum torsion trailer, 3260lbs on axle, 380 on tongue. So 3000-3200 sounds about right for an 18. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davej Posted January 24 Report Share Posted January 24 Toyota Tacoma 4x4. I tow my RF 18 all over the southeast withy it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lurem Posted January 24 Report Share Posted January 24 I have a 2014 Jeep grand cherokee 2WD and it tows my Maverick MA 18.5 just fine even after 10 years of ownership. I tow a short hour each way to my ramp 2-5 times a month. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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