anyone have experience towing a 20' foot boat or larger with a 2000 4.0 4x4 or similiar? braking performance? would i need to upgrade to electric brakes on the trailer? truck is standard if that helps.. in the process of getting a boat and don't want to get in a situation where i won't be able to move it around without upgrading my truck to something bigger, thanks

 

Yes, sort of.

I used to pull a 19' Galaxy (V6 I/O) with my 2000 3.0, manual trans, 4wd.

I wouldn't want to take it very far and definately not in the mountains. I took it ~25 miles in the Piedmont area of VA, a number of times. You really have to plan stops if it doesn't have trailer brakes. Forget about 5th gear entirely.

I wouldn't do it for any long distances. You simply need more truck for that, IMO.

 

The manual tranny is not rated for more than 3000 or 3500 lb. The auto is rated for more for obvious clutch reasons. I guess the flat land won't bee too much of an issue, it would be the braking and pulling out of the water I would be worried about.

 

Electric brakes on the trailer and disc brakes on the truck.

Being a manual actually hinders you. I will warn you now, it will be a b***h to pull that boat out of the water. I pulled a 16 ft futura(i think) with my 98 5spd 2.5L and the boat ramp was the only problem. Granted your boat will be harder to stop, since mine was lighter, but the boat ramp is an issue with a standard transmission. It can get very tricky, and you've got to be good with that clutch!

 

i tow a 19" lund fishing boat with 23" trailer. weight is around 3,000LBS no electric brakes came with the trailer. but, i don't have any trouble stopping.

 

It's such a piece of cake with 4Lo that I never even mentioned issues on the ramp.

I never spun a tire. You can let the clutch out at idle and walk it right out. No stress on the clutch or drivetrain whatsoever. Add gas as required.

Freddie, I have to say that 4 banger with an open differential is like an apple to his grapefruit....really no comparison.

 

I have no problems with a 19ft V6 I/O on my 2003 4.0 auto. Just make sure you take it out of overdrive when you aren't cruising on flat level highway. Starting up, slowing down, hills, and slower roads will work much better without OD.

 

I didnt have problems with traction at all, it has an 8.8 l/s rear that I put in it.

 

Oh yea, low range is great for ramps. Even when i know i don't need it for the conditions, it still makes it that much smoother. The ramp in our town is deadly though so i tend to use it any time. It has dragged cars into the water before (its on a tidal river)

 

have pulled u haul trailers twice ( they are built like a rock) and my truck felt those... felt like i was running nitrous once i disconnected it lol previous owner has a dually diesel so probably doesn't even feel the boat

 

Great advice but he has a manual. But I do agree.

 

wouldn't standard be a plus when towing? change gears when u want.. alot of automatics i have driven change too early and no transmission overheating to worry about?

 

You can manually shift an auto, to an extent. I've found it to be more than enough.

 

You'll be fine. Ive pulled a 21 footer ProCraft with mine problem, just give yourself enough room to stop. Ive got the exact engine you have too. Its gonna drink fuel like a fish drinks water though...

 

I pull my dad's 19.5 Bayliner I/O 3.0 which weighs about 3,000 lbs. I pulled it 350 miles no problems, I even was in over drive most of the time. The is with a 03' 4.0 manual trans. I did know it was there with no trailer brakes, but it pulled fine. I pull it all the time and have no problems, just drive carefully. I wouldn't tow a boat bigger than 20' or 5,000 lbs. because that would be pushing it a little too much.

Thanks,
Jason

 

looking at similiar boat except 4 cylinder and has cuddy cabin... as long as i avoid any big hills i think should be ok

 

actually the manual would have a higher tow rating but ford doesnt want to have to replace burnt out clutches under warranty, so they put a lower tow rating. you should be fine on a boat ramp w/ manual, just be careful!

 

I move my 87 searay sundancer 268 around my property with my truck. However I would NOT leave my property with it. It pushes my truck all over the place, and maxes out my rear suspension.

 

I pull a 22ft pantherjet Tahiti with my truck. and haven't had an issue with it, it has trailer brakes and that makes a huge difference, traction bars, good shocks and tires make a huge difference. I have had no problem with ramps 1st gear and 2wd has worked fine on all the wet slippery ramps i have found. i get around 17mpg towing hills haven't been much of an issue either you just have to anticipate and drive smart.