I am taking my 2001 1500 to the lake this weekend and I have to put my boat in the water and pull it out. Our dock is being replaced and not finished yet. The boat is a 38 footer weighing around 14,000 lbs. I only have to tow it through the subdivision and into the water and back. About quarter or a mile. My truck says it will only tow 10,000 lbs. Will my truck be fine for this and be able to tow it? I figured I will put in 4-wheel low to make it easier. Let me know your imput if you think it will be bad for the truck?

Also my truck sits on a 6in lift and 35in tires so clearence wise it should be fine.

Thanks for the help.

 

Towing it there shouldn't be an issue. Based on what you said, it's not like you have to tow it for hours and hours to get to the lake. Getting it out of the water is where I think you should be careful though, escpecially if you have an auto trans. Your transmission would be my first concern. Next would be what gear ratio you running? With 35's, I hope it is at least 4.10 or better (4.56 or 4.88 would be better). That could make a big difference too.

 

I hope so as well [&:]

What motor? 318 or 360?

You're definitely going to need to put it in 4 low to get it out of the water. Not even sure if that will be enough. [>:]

 

Its the 360 and as far as gears, they are the stock ones on the Quad cab Lariat, so I guess they are the 4.10's probably, but not really sure.

The good news is the ramp is very flat for a boat ramp, but I do have a bit of a hill to climb once out of the water.

So you think I will make it as long as I take it slow and keep in 4-low? And that is wont kill my tranny??

Thanks again for the advice.

 

I bet you'd be okay but people will always disagree. Also don't turn in 4wd on dry pavement...thats no good for the u-joints up front.

 

you'll be fine.. i have a 2001 with the 318 and i had my tires spinning in 4wl pulling a stump out on pavement.. but i also have a 5 speed.. pulling that boat out wont be a problem.. you have the power just hope you have the traction (ramp will most likely be wet or have gravel/sand on it)

 

I don't think traction would be as much as a problem as the torque converter

 

get some kitty litter.. it will help with traction. soak up all the wet stuff.

 

I did the exact same thing last weekend with my 99 318 5 speed. All 4 tires were a spinning on the pavement, just before the the stump popped out of the ground. I got it all on video, its pretty neat to watch. (To me at least [sm=burnout.gif]) 4x4 LO definatly helps.

 

yeah it does.. thats what it's for snapped the 4 inch thick strap right in half the 1st time.. so had to use the chain