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
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
Remember, there is no privacy on the Internet!
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Oh no.... On Sat, Jul 25, 2009 at 5:44 PM, <htmills@zoominternet.net> wrote:
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
Remember, there is no privacy on the Internet!
No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.392 / Virus Database: 270.13.29/2261 - Release Date: 07/25/09 05:58:00
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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
Remember, there is no privacy on the Internet!
No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.392 / Virus Database: 270.13.29/2261 - Release Date: 07/25/09 05:58:00
_______________________________________________ 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: 8.5.392 / Virus Database: 270.13.30/2262 - Release Date: 07/25/09 18:01:00
Bill, We tow our M-17, "LITTLE BREEZE" with my Toyota Prerunner Pickup with a V6. Tows great but slows to 50 on steep hills (3-4% grade). I avoid leaving the OB on the boat, preferring to carry it in the back of the truck. I towed her from Norcal to Oregon with NO problems.. Regards Arnold On Jul 25, 2009, at 5:34 PM, Bill Wickett wrote:
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
Remember, there is no privacy on the Internet!
i tow my M17, SWEET PEA, with an '05 ranger extended cab 4x4 with a 4.0L v6 engine, manual transmission. now ... the rangers are a pain to figure out the towing capacity as it depends on cab style, transmission, rear-end, suspension (2x4, 4x4 or FX4 4x4) and engine. the manual transmission versions can haul about 1/2 as much as the automatics. example: my truck can haul about 2600 lbs. the automatic version can haul over 4000 lbs. the above from my experience also fits for other trucks. you must read and research. DON'T trust the sales people ... the stories and facts i've had given to me by sales people make my roses grow great. my opinion of the ranger. i've owned two - the first was an '94 and i put 100,000 miles in 11 years (i've never had long commutes for work and thus keep miles down). the truck did great for the first 10 years. the last year was a mess of rear end and transmission issues. i never towed a boat with the '94 ranger. my '05 is about to blow it's second transmission. the first blew at 5,000 miles ... the truck has 22,000 miles now. i also have had front end issues and the brakes are almost gone. now if someone says this is because of the boat ... i only towed my M15 about 1000 miles (i live close to launch locations) and have only 400 miles towing the M17. neither boat was/has been towed across a mountain pass. the issues are either i have a truck built on a friday or monday; or just a BAD design in the '05. overall the truck tows the M17 great. more than enough power and i usually blow by others on the local hills. i keep the rig at 60-65 on highways and in 4th gear unless i'm going downhill. the trailer stays behind the truck just fine. i have no trailer brakes. i agree with others that having trailer brakes make for a safer tow. i believe it is best to have more engine than one thinks they need. my '94 had a 3.0L V6 and i felt it was underpowered ... i had instances when i was unable to keep the truck at speed when driving into midwestern (USA) winds. my camper made things worse. the 4.0L has a large reserve of horsepower. a second is to have more truck (ie towing ability) than you need. i feel my ranger is just a bit under 'sized' for my boat/camper setup. if i had the automatic transmission i'd been more comfortable. dave scobie M17 #375 - SWEET PEA visit SWEET PEA's www-site: http://www.m17-375.webs.com --- On Sat, 7/25/09, Bill Wickett <billwick@gmail.com> wrote: 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
I''ve towed a M17 with a Chevy S10, GMC 3/4 Ton Suburban and now a Toyota Tundra. S10 (or Ford Ranger) has the ooomph to get it going and keep it up to speed, but getting it stopped in a panic situation would be a different manner. If you go that route, make sure you have trailer brakes. With vehicles this light, the boat has enough weight to push the truck around if you are having to rely on the truck brakes and tire friction. A Dakota is a step up and probably adequate. A 1/2 ton pickup or one of the bigger SUV types is probably better. 3/4 Ton anything is overkill (you are now into M23 territory). The 2006 Tundra is more than enough, and I suspect the Tacoma would be too as it is now about the same size as the earlier model Tundra. Leaving a 50 pound motor on the stern is a good way to cause some damage. That is a lot of weight with some leverage to it, and bouncing around as they do is a good way to crack stuff. Don't know about the newer models, but on the older boats, with transom cutout, you have transom sandwich consisting of the hull, a plywood backing plate (which stops around the level of the cockpit sole, and the cockpit liner. Right where the plywood stops is a fulcrum point for a heavy weight hanging above and flexing the hull. I'd say don't do it. I had a special bracket welded to my trailer (along with front mast support arm) to hand the motor on. Howard On Jul 25, 2009, at 7:34 PM, Bill Wickett wrote:
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
Remember, there is no privacy on the Internet!
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
Remember, there is no privacy on the Internet!
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I tow my M17 on a Pacific Trailor with no problems. Hardly know it's back there. Joe ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bill Wickett" <billwick@gmail.com> To: "For and about Montgomery Sailboats" <montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Saturday, July 25, 2009 8:34 PM 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
Remember, there is no privacy on the Internet!
Thanks to all who offered their experiences. We went with a Ranger 4.0 liter, with 3.55 limited slip rear axle, automatic. Bill On Thu, Jul 30, 2009 at 9:43 PM, Joe Murphy <seagray@embarqmail.com> wrote:
I tow my M17 on a Pacific Trailor with no problems. Hardly know it's back there. Joe ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bill Wickett" <billwick@gmail.com> To: "For and about Montgomery Sailboats" < montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com> Sent: Saturday, July 25, 2009 8:34 PM 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
Remember, there is no privacy on the Internet!
_______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats
Remember, there is no privacy on the Internet!
participants (9)
-
Arnold Sharpe -
Bill Wickett -
Howard Audsley -
htmills＠zoominternet.net -
Ian Black -
Jim Ellsworth -
Joe Murphy -
Tom Smith -
W David Scobie