Jeff, We pulled our M23 across some truck scales and the combined boat/trailer/gear weight was 5,875 lbs. You better figure on a weight close to 6,000. We tow with a Toyota Sequoia which is equivalent in power and weight to the 1/2 ton pickup you are considering. I think it is barely adequate for the job but it was the vehicle we owned when we bought our M23. I did add air bags inside the rear coils and they work great for load leveling. If I was buying a vehicle I would opt for a 3/4 ton pickup or something equivalent with at least an 8,000 lb tow rating if possible. Actually, my personal preference would be for a 2008 or newer Toyota Tundra (11,000 lb tow rating). The smaller engine works hard when you pull all that weight and gas mileage suffers accordingly. We only get 9 to 9.5 mpg pulling the boat and we hold the speed down to 60mph. A heavier rig with a big gasoline engine would probably achieve 12 mpg or maybe better and a diesel might get 17 or 18. These figures are anecdotal from talking to others towing various boats and camp trailers with different tow vehicles - your mileage may vary. In short, you can get by with the vehicle you are considering but a bigger engine and a higher towing capacity will make towing safer and easier. I guess it depends on how much you would use the vehicle for everyday driving as opposed to towing the boat. Make sure the trailer brakes are in good working order, especially if you choose the 1/2 ton pickup - your life may depend on them. Mark Dvorscak M23 Faith -----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Jeff Packer Sent: Sunday, February 28, 2010 6:40 PM To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Subject: M_Boats: Tow vehicle for M23 Jeff here. Still lurking although I haven't posted for awhile. I'll be sure to check my centerboard pin on "Clarity" after the recent posts on them coming out I'm going to be purchasing a truck and want something to tow my M23 (possibly for long road trips). The boat is listed at 3600 lbs displacement. With the trailer and misc. gear I'm thinking its probably at least 5000 lbs I'm looking at a 2002 chevy silverado 1500 with a 5.3 liter V8. I believe the 5.3L engine is comparable to a 327 cu in. Since I won't be towing the boat all the time and I need a work truck, the 5.3L gets better mileage than the traditional 5.7L (350 cu in). Anyone have any thoughts on towing with this particular truck? I've been thinking that it would tow it fine even if I did have to slow down on hills a bit. I loved towing it with a friend's diesel pickup, but not sure I want to drive a diesel everyday. What other suggestions for a truck might someone have? By the way, projects for this year are lining the inside of the hull in cabin with wood. Building shelves all around on the inside. And building a fold down table. The cabin was left unfinished when built. This should add the comforts that I want for longer trips. I have great photos of other 23's with completed interiors thanks to all you out there that have posted them online. :-) Thanks, Jeff M23 Clarity Marcus WA _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats Remember, there is no privacy on the Internet! No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.733 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/2712 - Release Date: 02/26/10 11:39:00