AndrewM
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
11/13/2003
16:42:30
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 Subject: RE: 4.7 Towing????
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Message:
sandy, we'll need a little more info in order to give you a good answer. First, what are the specs on the truck? engine, tranny, 4x2/4x4, gear ratio, etc. Also, does the weight of the boat include a full tank of fuel? How accurate is your weight estimate? Have you had it weighed?
With that being said, assuming the fully loaded boat/trailer don't weigh much more than 5,000 lbs, you should have no problem pulling it with just about any v8 combination as long as it has a 3.92 axle ratio. The 3.55s would struggle with that much weight.
With my 02 QC 4.7 auto 4.10, I would like to stay around 4,500 lbs max for a travel trailer. A boat is much more aerodynamic than a travel trailer and will tow easier. Also, you're more than likely not to tow for hundreds or thousands of miles like you would with a travel trailer. I think you should be ok.
Do remember that the most the boat/truck combo can weigh is around 10,500 lbs (GCWR) (assuming 3.92 axle with 4.7 auto tranny). Also, the most the truck can weigh (including the tongue weight of the boat trailer) is around 6,000 lbs (GVWR). My truck weighs right at 5,000 with a full tank of fuel, including myself and my father. So, that only leaves 1,000 lbs for payload and tongue weight. The tongue weight will likely be at least 500-600 lbs, which leaves around 400 lbs for stuff and additional passengers. You just need to keep these weights in mind.
Most people ignore the weight ratings and just go by the "tow rating". The tow rating is the max you can tow assuming one 150 lb driver and no cargo. Not very realistic.
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