Tow Vehicles

[Crestliner2008]

Lost my F-150 in Oct. due to a cracked frame & other repairs which just didn't justify putting more $$$ into it. Consequently, I'll be looking for a used truck come Feb. time frame next year. First though, I'm pulling a 15' alum. Crestliner (2006 Sportsman) with a 15 hp Yamaha on the back, along with trolling motor and two batteries, gear for two guys, etc.. Guestimate the weight to be added onto this new vehicle will be about 1500 lbs., give or take. I am seriously looking at a Toyota Tacoma 4WD pickup. I've heard good things about these vehicles as far as reliability and toughness. My main concern is whether or not the 4 cyl., w/5 speed manual tranny, can handle the haul 2 or 3 times every week during our open water season. Or should I look for a 6 cyl. engine instead? Some of the ramps I launch in are not paved; some are steep. Launching is usually never a problem. It's when it comes time to pull out where you need some muscle! So what say you all? Appreciate any opinions or suggestions. Thanks in advance.  

[Raul]

Get the bigger engine and agressive tires. My buddy Pedro has a 18 ft V aluminum powered by a 50 HP Johnson, he had it modified with aluminum decking with under storage which literally turned the boat into a 16 ft deck, the mods did add a lot of weight, he can tow it with his 4 cil Ford Ranger manual tranny, everything is fine until we have to climb a hill or pull out the boat from a steep launching site or ramp.

My friend Alfonso 's 6 cyl Cherokee ( auto ) does a lot more better job than the Ranger, needless to say that for my 8 cyl Ram Charger towing and pulling the boat out of a ramp is a piece of cake.

Opposed to what many may think the 6 cyl is NOT as fuel consuming as the 8 cyl, incredibly, we spent about 10 dollars more in gas the last trip with the Cherokee than what we spend when we tow with the Ranger ( smaller engine --> more work --> more fuel consumption ).

[Cajun1977]

fuel consumption also has alot to do with the driver and other aspects than just 4 or 6 cylinder

[HPBB]

1500lbs is a light rig and I would say that yours is well under 1500lbs.

my smaller boat is a starcraft 14SS. It is a 14 footer (14'10" to be exact)  V hull with full floors and decks, with a 15 merc, bow and transom tm's, 2 batteries, 6 gal gas, and gear. with the trailer I am still under 1000lbs.

Both trucks you stated will do ok with the boat. However if you plan on towing alot I would go with the V6. It will work so much easier than the 4.

and as said before, when towing the bigger motor will ussially get better mpg. Look at this example. I pull a Sea Nymph gls 175 ( 17'6" deep V) with all the gear and full of gas she is a heavy boat. My dad pulls a Alumacraft throfy 17(deep V 17') his boat is 6 inches smaller and weighs about 500lbs less, I carry a lot of gear and have a bigger trailer. He tows his with a Chevy S-10 with a 4.3L V6 190HP auto. I pull with a Chevy Tahoe 5.3L V8 300hp Auto. On our yearly trip to canada about 2000 Miles round trip. He ave 12 mpg, I get 16-17mpg. the big thing is how hard the smaller motor is working , at 70mph I am turning 1800-1900rpm's, he is turning 3500rpm's. a 6 works harder than a 8 , just as a 4 will work harder than a 6.

they all can get the job done, but some work harder doing it. If you plan on towing alot, or plan on getting a bigger boat in the future. I would go for the V6