Hi Bill, I have an M-17 and I towed it for years with a 1986 Toyota 4Runner. The 4Runner had a Class A(3500lb) hitch integrated in the rear bumper, 4 cylinder 2200 R engine (approx 120HP), and a manual transmission. I live in Oregon so I towed that boat up mountains (slowly) and down mountains (quickly). On the flats, which is what you have near Lake Huron, I could tow it at 60-65mph no problem. Stay out of 5th gear to reduce strain on the transmission. Make sure you have either electric or surge brakes on your trailer because your biggest problem will be trying to stop a trailer and boat that weigh as much or more than your tow vehicle. I always threw my motor in the back of the 4Runner to avoid having to run back down the road to pick it up after hitting a pothole on our fine Oregon backroads. Ian M-17 The Mighty "Seaweeble"
Date: Sat, 25 Jul 2009 20:34:55 -0400 From: billwick@gmail.com To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com 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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