I tow with a 1989 Ford F250 with a 460 motor. Way overkill, I could tow a Nor Sea 27 with this set up.But that's what I have, my Acura TL won't tow anything. I have seen M-17's towed with lots of different cars including a Subaru, a Honda Pilot and lots of others. I think the boat and all your stuff will weigh around 2500 lbs but the main issue seems to be the tongue weight. I think mine is around 300 lbs and when I tow with my camper on (with a hitch extension) I worry about that. Some people have talked about moving the trailer wheels forward on the frame to lessen the weight at the hitch. I may look into doing that at some point although when I tow without the camper the boat and trailer feel pretty good as is. I tow with my outboard on the bracket. My Potter 19 trailer had a bracket on the front of the trailer but that required me to move the motor each time I went out. A 5hp motor is not that heavy but I just don't want to mess with moving it. I do tie a line around the motor to help take the strain going over bumps and potholes and so far it works just fine, and keeps some weight off the tongue Jim Ellsworth M-17 #603 Grace ----- Original Message ----- From: <htmills@zoominternet.net> To: "'For and about Montgomery Sailboats'" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Saturday, July 25, 2009 5:44 PM Subject: Re: M_Boats: Tow vehicles for M17
I drive a GMC Sierra 1500 p/u and always tow with the outboard in the bed of the p/u...
Tod Mills M17 #408, 1987 galley model BuscaBrisas
-----Original Message----- From: montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com [mailto:montgomery_boats-bounces@mailman.xmission.com] On Behalf Of Bill Wickett Sent: Saturday, July 25, 2009 8:35 PM To: For and about Montgomery Sailboats Subject: M_Boats: Tow vehicles for M17
We are looking at an M17 and thinking about tow vehicles.
Any M-boat owners tow an M17 with a Ford Ranger or Dodge Dakota?
Ranger with a 4 liter engine is rated at 4000 lbs tow capacity. Dakota is not as clearly defined in the manuals, but says it is up to 7,000 with correct equipment. I think that would be the 4.7L V-8 and tow package. I see that the Dakota has an overdrive override for towing hauling.
I think the Ranger might be a bit narrow, but have not compared the width of the 2 vehicles. Need to do a bit of on-line research. I think the M17 on the Pacific trailer is probably 7' 6".
The mission would be for towing 1 hour from home to launch and return, with two to four longer trips each summer of 3-6 hours distance. 6 hours would get us to the North Channel of Lake Huron.
Any experiences you have to share would be appreciated.
One last question, does anyone trailer with the O/B mounted on the boat (adjustable bracket) or do you stow the motor in your vehicle? Stowing in the rear of an SUV does not seem all that safe to me, unless it is strapped down. That is why we are looking at the pickup option.
Thanks much to all.
Bill Wickett, Ontario _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats
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