Will a 4.7L V-8 pull my 20ft boat

[hasenmyer]

I've been kicking around the idea of getting a new truck. Probably a dodge or Toyota. Obviously I know that a 5.7 will get the job done, but will a 4.7L? I have a TR-20 boa, not sure what the weight is.
Thanks
Adam

[Astro-T]

I was skeptical as well as I have a GMC Sierra with the 4.8 in it but it pull my 20"SuperPro just fine. Probably doesnt quite get the mileage it would if it had the 5.3 but.... I think whats more important would be the rear end gear ratio. I have 3.72's. Not really a mechanic kinda guy but that was suggested to me here, thats what I got and it worked out great! Hope this helps ya out!

[CatFan]

Yes, but you'll be happier with the bigger V8 IMO. Gas mileage won't be much different but you'll have more grunt.

[currituckbasser]

IMO, rearend gear ratio is more important than engine size(within reason). A 4.7L w/ 3.55-3.73 will tow any bass boat fine. 4.10 would be even better.

[MMosher]

I pull my 20 ft Champion boat/Tandem trailer all over the country with a 4.7 V8.

[481VSangler]

Gear ratio is really important, but personally I want as much engine as I can get too. Fuel economy is going to suck either way, so might as well get the most power/torque out of it.

[NJBass12]

sure, it will pull it. Like others said, gear ratio is important. Another thing to consider is the type of roads you are driving on. If you've got a lot of hills were you live than maybe you should consider the bigger v-8. If the land is relatively flat then you should be OK with the smaller v-8. I see guys towing with v-6's, they say they tow just fine. Keep in mind the smaller engine is going to work much harder and your gas mileage is going to suffer. Gas mileage may be the same or even better with the bigger v-8 when towing. For me personally, you cannot have too much power. If you can afford the bigger v-8, get it.

[skeet210]

I have a Tundra with the 4.7 and pulls my 21 ft Skeeter FX21 series. The older model with the 4 stroke which weighs a ton, and I have no problem at all. Pulls the boat better than a Chevy/GMC 5.3 liter. Plus I have 35" tires.

[Reelsore]

I have an F-150 w/4.6L 2wd with 3.73 gears and pull a 2005 TR21X and a 2007 TR20X2 with no problems. If you live in the hills/moutains, it won't be enough.

[anderdw2]

Go with the 5.7, if you go Toyota.

I pulled a heavy Glastron with it, pushing 6k lbs and now my ranger 354v. I also have a 18' deckover that we have maxed out at over 10k. Just don't plan on getting superb gas mileage at the higher weights....

[MississippiBoy]

I have a 1/2 ton Chevy with the 4.8L V-8, and pulling my 20'7" Sprint Pro Tournament is no problem. I average maybe 13-14 mpg on flat highways.

[GregInAtl]

I pull a 20'+ Stratos w/ a 2005 4.7 Ram. My dad has one too, and I'll tell you this gearing is a big deal w/ fuel economy. I get 13 mpg pulling, he barely gets 10mpg. I dont however know what gears either of us have..... sorry

[rhsvipre]

I pull my 20' jav with my '08 Jeep.....and it gets about 16-18 mpg towing depending on the situation. I have a tandem axle trailer and I was really suprised how well it will do. The jeep has a 3.8L, 4:10's and a 6 speed as I planned on towing alot with it. Now it will not accelerate like a V8 truck but but as others are saying, gearing is key, not Displacement.

[fmm1]

Yes it will. Hell a high output 4 banger will pull it. Just like my high output v6 pulls my Triton fine, and pulled a 21' just fine too. The key to towing isn't about pulling it. It's about stopping it.

[reelmin5]

I used to tow with a Jeep 6 cyl. It pulled and towed fine, but panic stops were not good! I once had the boat, trailer and Jeep slide down some loose gravel on a steep ramp a few feet, now I want a full size truck due to its curb weight and stopping ability

[Ranger391v]

2 things ........
#1 .... When people look to buy a truck, they want the biggest motor availible ..... keep that in mind if you think you'll sell the truck down the road.

#2 .... GEAR RATIO. My '03 Silverado Z-71 w/ 5.3L will out accelerate, pull hills and heavier weights WAY EASIER than my dad's '06 Silverado Z-71 w/5.3L. WHY? B/c I have 3.73's and he's got some road gear type rearend ....... sorry I can't remember exactly what it is .... 3.2x or 3.4x ratio. And supposedly from GM the '06 is suppose to have +10hp over my '03.

It's amazing the difference the gear ratio makes. His truck get's 1.5mpg better than mine while unloaded on average ...................... but you compare the 2 trucks while pulling the same load and mine is easily better .... +1 to 1.5 mpg pulling a bass boat (his boat or mine) and it's +3mpg pulling the farm tractor.

[transamz9]

I pull my Z9 with a 6 banger with 3.73's and get 18 MPG. There ain't a 4.7 ,4.8 , 5.3 , or 5.7 out there that will keep up.HAHAHA!!!