Boat transport truck choices

[deerefan]

My boss has asked me if i can tow his boat from Baton Rouge to Destin, Fl. Its about 300 miles. According to him, the boat weighs 10k lbs with trailer. I have access to 2 trucks, my 2011 chevy 4x4, 5.3, 3.42 gears or a 2009 reg cab 3/4 ton gmc with the 6.0 gas and 4.11 gears 2wd. I feel the boat may be too big for both trucks and would appreciate some input. I am trying to upload boat pics now but the weather is limiting my cell service

 

[dodge man]

I don't know what the 3/4 ton is rated at, but I'd think it would be well within its towing limits. The question is, how much does the boat really weigh. Diamond Pilot may be able to give you some ideas on what the boat weighs, he is kind of the "local expert" on boats and has move a lot of them.

 

[deere5105]

If both available, I would go with 3/4 ton. Better setup for towing in my opinion.

 

[Stimw]

Don't even think about the 5.3 for this.
I had a 21' Sea Ray Laguna Center Console. My 5.3 with 3.73 rear end would up and down shift at 65-70 mph. The problem was aerodynamics more than weight. It pulled it great at low speed.
Years ago I had to move a couple dozen 40' open top semi trailers with a single axle International Tractor. Some trailers had tarps on top others did not. With tarps I could drive 60 mph. The ones without tarps I could only do 45 mph. That's how much aerodynamic drag there was on them!

 

[deerefan]

If both available, I would go with 3/4 ton. Better setup for towing in my opinion.

What is funny is both trucks have the same tow capacity at 9600lbs. The 3/4 ton is heavier which i think may help stability.

 

[deerefan]

Look at 1st post. I was able to attach pics.

 

[foreman Etexas]

That is a sweet boat:thumbsup: You gonna have to put it in the water? If so may wont the 4x4 but I think the 6.0 will pull it better and the 3/4ton hold the weight better(I use to pull cat backhoes on 32ft GN with a 3/4, 6.0). My folks have a 2010 avalanche 4x4 and it doesnt like the 24ft Bennington Pontoon boat. Man that boat would look good behind my dually:laughing:

 

[deerefan]

That is a sweet boat:thumbsup: You gonna have to put it in the water? If so may wont the 4x4 but I think the 6.0 will pull it better and the 3/4ton hold the weight better(I use to pull cat backhoes on 32ft GN with a 3/4, 6.0). My folks have a 2010 avalanche 4x4 and it doesnt like the 24ft Bennington Pontoon boat. Man that boat would look good behind my dually<img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=274242"/>:laughing:

No thank god. I just drop it off and leave. The one thing that scares me is i am at least 400lbs over the limit on both trucks. I have pulled many trailers in my life when farming, never a boat. I am curious as to how it behaves when being towed.

 

[Diamondpilot]

My boss has asked me if i can tow his boat from Baton Rouge to Destin, Fl. Its about 300 miles. According to him, the boat weighs 10k lbs with trailer. I have access to 2 trucks, my 2011 chevy 4x4, 5.3, 3.42 gears or a 2009 reg cab 3/4 ton gmc with the 6.0 gas and 4.11 gears 2wd. I feel the boat may be too big for both trucks and would appreciate some input. I am trying to upload boat pics now but the weather is limiting my cell service

I would tow it with the 3/4 ton but your 1/2 ton GM is not up to the task.

Chris

 

[Diamondpilot]

My boss has asked me if i can tow his boat from Baton Rouge to Destin, Fl. Its about 300 miles. According to him, the boat weighs 10k lbs with trailer. I have access to 2 trucks, my 2011 chevy 4x4, 5.3, 3.42 gears or a 2009 reg cab 3/4 ton gmc with the 6.0 gas and 4.11 gears 2wd. I feel the boat may be too big for both trucks and would appreciate some input. I am trying to upload boat pics now but the weather is limiting my cell service

I would tow it with the 3/4 ton but your 1/2 ton GM is not up to the task. 2 wheel drive and a boat ramp with that weight is asking for trouble but since you dont have to launch it I still say the 3/4 ton.

10K is a fair weight for that boat.

Chris