Proper tow vehicle ?

[Javi]

Originally Posted by sourdough

The biggest thing the Japanese trucks have going for them is the "perception" that their quality and longevity are better than the big 3. That was true several years ago but the Big 3 have advanced light years in that time frame and the Japanese trucks are stuck "back there" in a time warp. They still have good quality and longevity but that is matched by the Big 3 now. As I've told Toyota a number of times, when I get into my 2020 4Runner the electronics remind me of 2010 vs when I step into a Ram (Uconnect) or Ford (Sync 3?).

To avoid the dilemma of needing a new truck again in a short time because you buy another one "too short in the britches" that leaves you in "gut check" mode again I would highly recommend getting something upsized now. And yes, I, like so many others on here, have gone thru the same thing, wished I had upsized from the gitgo and went ahead and bit the bullet. Better to do it once than make it a recurring thing IMO.

Ain't that the truth...

Been there, done that....

[skunked again]

Another good reason I'm not on Facebook!! Wife has an account, doesn't use it enough to matter. Now for my general Custer tongue in cheek moment - I do have our boat listed on marketplace though. However, if it doesn't sell by this weekend, I'll pull it, and put it on consignment at a dealership. I've already called a couple of the local dealers, don't want too, it is what it is though.
I've "swallowed" the pill! LOL. Gonna start searching.
Anyway, great advice, thanks again!
Our kids are 21 & 18, they want nothing to do with camping. Given their ages, who knows when what will happen though.

[notanlines]

Gary, have you ever been up to Lake Springfield to boat? I have driven by there literally more than a hundred times and always wanted to tow the Fountain up there for a three day week-end. A beautiful lake for sure!

[skunked again]

No sir, I have not.

[jasin1]

Originally Posted by skunked again

Another good reason I'm not on Facebook!! Wife has an account, doesn't use it enough to matter. Now for my general Custer tongue in cheek moment - I do have our boat listed on marketplace though. However, if it doesn't sell by this weekend, I'll pull it, and put it on consignment at a dealership. I've already called a couple of the local dealers, don't want too, it is what it is though.
I've "swallowed" the pill! LOL. Gonna start searching.
Anyway, great advice, thanks again!
Our kids are 21 & 18, they want nothing to do with camping. Given their ages, who knows when what will happen though.

What boat are you selling? If I may ask

[skunked again]

You sure can !
It's a 1987 Skeeter Strada F120 17' long, with a 1987 115HP Mariner.
I took the top cap off. Replaced the stringers and transom, added knee braces between the stringers and transom, for strength, as I was adding a jackplate. To shorten the story, All new wiring in the boat, gauges, tires, etc., rewired the trailer, painted the boat, trailer, and engine. Extended the front deck, added storage compartments. Much more.
It sat uncovered for 17 years. The wood was paper Mache!
Some before and after pics.
I sold a perfectly good boat, got this for a project. YUP, I chose to do this. Further proof that I'm not that bright!!!

[skunked again]

notanlines - I never really had the urge to go there. I try to stay away from lakes that are beside big cities.

[sourdough]

Originally Posted by skunked again

You sure can !
It's a 1987 Skeeter Strada F120 17' long, with a 1987 115HP Mariner.
I took the top cap off. Replaced the stringers and transom, added knee braces between the stringers and transom, for strength, as I was adding a jackplate. To shorten the story, All new wiring in the boat, gauges, tires, etc., rewired the trailer, painted the boat, trailer, and engine. Extended the front deck, added storage compartments. Much more.
It sat uncovered for 17 years. The wood was paper Mache!
Some before and after pics.
I sold a perfectly good boat, got this for a project. YUP, I chose to do this. Further proof that I'm not that bright!!!

Gary that is a great restoration but.......maybe you need something a little less involved to keep you "busy"?? That's way more than I want to mess with but I know a guy that has done the same thing with an old Glastron....pretty cool and it kept him very happy.

[jasin1]

Originally Posted by skunked again

You sure can !
It's a 1987 Skeeter Strada F120 17' long, with a 1987 115HP Mariner.
I took the top cap off. Replaced the stringers and transom, added knee braces between the stringers and transom, for strength, as I was adding a jackplate. To shorten the story, All new wiring in the boat, gauges, tires, etc., rewired the trailer, painted the boat, trailer, and engine. Extended the front deck, added storage compartments. Much more.
It sat uncovered for 17 years. The wood was paper Mache!
Some before and after pics.
I sold a perfectly good boat, got this for a project. YUP, I chose to do this. Further proof that I'm not that bright!!!

Looks good! I asked because I’m looking for a boat for my daughter and her fiancé … not quite what I need as I’m looking at small center consoles or cuddy cabins …but looks like you did a great job!…might try posting on a bass fishing forum

[skunked again]

Thank You both !
sourdough- yes, definitely something less involved to keep busy! I've already replaced it with an 8' plastic boat. Might add a kayak, we'll see. My current want - is to go camping, fish at sunup, back to the camper and do whatever with my bride, then fish at sundown. A few beers or drinks in between with whoever is around ?!?!?
jason1 - I came real close to making that a center console boat. I've always liked them. Chickened out, and didn't do it. Are pontoons an option? Question for you, in your signature, what is "Aisin" for\mean?

[sourdough]

Originally Posted by skunked again

Thank You both !
sourdough- yes, definitely something less involved to keep busy! I've already replaced it with an 8' plastic boat. Might add a kayak, we'll see. My current want - is to go camping, fish at sunup, back to the camper and do whatever with my bride, then fish at sundown. A few beers or drinks in between with whoever is around ?!?!?
jason1 - I came real close to making that a center console boat. I've always liked them. Chickened out, and didn't do it. Are pontoons an option? Question for you, in your signature, what is "Aisin" for\mean?

The question wasn't directed at me but the "Aisin" is the top end transmission offered with the Ram diesels.

[chuckster57]

Originally Posted by sourdough

The question wasn't directed at me but the "Aisin" is the top end transmission offered with the Ram diesels.

As a person that has worked on autos “on the side” for 40+ yrs, I wouldn’t buy a Ram with a Diesel engine without that transmission.

[skunked again]

Thank You both !

[curtiscapk]

Excellent work on the rebuild! I redid our pontoon in 2013 from the toons up. only reused the toons, rails and motor.

[skunked again]

That's beautiful! Before getting this boat to redo, I was also looking for a pontoon. This one appeared first.

[flybouy]

Skunked, that boat you restored would look great behind that Caddy if it was restored. Just saying....

[skunked again]

That it would !! It most likely has the payload and towing capacity!

[Badbart56]

Originally Posted by flybouy

Skunked, that boat you restored would look great behind that Caddy if it was restored. Just saying....

That's what I'm talking about! Yeah, I saw that Caddy too, I'm a nut for Caddys! My first one was a 78 Coupe DeVille, my current one is a first year CTS V.

Excellent resto on the boats (both of you), you got some hours tied up in those babies!

As for truck brands, the big three are the only legitimate way to tow and remain in the parameters of safety and legality I'm afraid. Granted the Japanese trucks have their purpose but in my opinion, towing something of the size and shape of an RV just isn't one of them. I'm not a half ton fan either. The last half ton I owned was a 1983 K10. Heck, the last gas truck I owned was a 1989 C2500.

You're doing the right thing asking questions here on this forum though. These guys aren't selling you anything so they have no reason to lie to you and several have been in your shoes before. The bottom line is, it's better to have something bigger than what you think you'll need than to find out too late that you didn't go big enough to begin with.

As for brands, they all have problems from time to time. But overall, quality has improved over the years as the competition mandates it. Give them a try again. More importantly, find a dealer with a competent service department that can resolve whatever issues you may have. Ask for CSI (customer satisfaction index) numbers at whichever dealer you're shopping at. But remember too, you can get warranty work done at any dealer, not just the one you bought it from.

Enjoy the search! Ask questions here if you have any. You may be able to educate the sales people you encounter.

[skunked again]

Thank you! I have more hours than I care to think about! Honestly, I have more time invested on YouTube and boating/fishing sites. Much like this one, some very knowledgeable people.

In town we have all "big" three dealerships. The prices however?!?!?

[rhaney]

Is anyone towing a cougar 5th wheel half-ton with a F150? I am seriously considering downsizing from an F250 to the new F150 hybrid. It has a towing capacity of 14,000 pounds and a cargo limit of over 2000 pounds, all well with the Limits of my cougar half-ton. I would appreciate any comments from anyone who is towing with this combination.