Best Truck To Pull A Boat

[Rick Pierce]

Kudo's to those that kept this thread on track those first few pages. Once the Bow Tie vs. Oval crew gets lined up, then the comments will diminish in value.

Those first pages and comments were very quality and well worth reading. There are some really solid comments in this one.

I've been toying with the F350 in a 7.3 gasoline vs. the HO Diesel on a new rig for myself. Not sure these helped me with a decision, though they did bring me to consider the diesel HO more than I did. The Expedition Max is a great rig, the small Eco Boost is just a little short loaded for a trip, and fuel mileage towing is like a Toyota Tundra. Empty I love it and it's great if you're looking for a soccer mom rig. We like it as well, if not better, than the wife's newer GMC Denali Terrain Yukon with the 6.2.

Rick

[Highcentered]

They seem to average around 14-15, up to about 18 if you baby it.

My last 454 GMC got 7. Running around town, towing my travel trailer, on the highway….7 was it’s magic number.

#bigblocklife

[Arctic cat 1000]

I don’t know if it’s the best truck to pull with or not. But it may be the most reliable truck ever. 2016 F-150 with 5.0 and 6R80. 6 speed trans. And 9:75 rear end. I’ve been a Tech for 30 years and work for a huge fleet of 1500 vehicles. All trucks are just the big 3. Diesel and gas. Those early coyote trucks with port fuel and matched with the last of the updated 6 speed and Aluminum body were beyond reliable. Dont do a whole lot to em. I won’t get into all the diesel nightmares from the big 3 there endless repair and expense. And I have done everything you can do to them. I personally run a 16 F-150 with 3.5 ecoboost. It’s a beast and runs strong. But a maintenance and repair nightmare. But I don’t mind wrenching on it for the reward. The average guy I don’t suggest it. Also run a 1997 F-350 crew cab long box with built 460. Don’t tow the Ranger with that. Gas mileage is horrible.

[lugbolt]

I'm also a tech and I can say that I don't like certain vehicles because I see them in the shop. However, let's look at the 'other' side of that. If there are 5 million 3.5's running around out there and 2.5 million 5.0's running around, and 10% of them have issues, 10% of 5 million is 500,000 and 10% of 2.5M is 250,000--so it can be said that the 5.0's are more reliable because I see fewer of them....

That said I am not in the automotive industry. Powersports. From a dealer's perspective there are certain vehicles I hate, and some that I like. And not necessarily because some of them pay my bills better than others.

turbo vs n/a arguement is more about "complexity" than anything, IMO. There is less stress on a low RPM turbo engine than a higher RPM N/A engine. RPM kills engines faster than cylinder pressure. As a 'retired' professional drag racer I can attest to this with certainty. Pick which one you like, maintain it religiously, and it'll last a long time. Remember though, the diesels will need attention sooner, and stuff just costs more. If that's ok with your budget, by all means have at it. But I won't own another one once mine is gone.

[Arctic cat 1000]

I would love to be a mechanic and involved in power sports. Trucks and cars to me are just a job and kind of boring . Nothing like a 20 degree January morning and ripping the rope on a Big bore Arctic Cat CFR 1000 2 smoke belching out klotz and Race gas.

[Largetony86]

My 2014 and 2021 Ram 1500 Hemi's pulled the 18ft Triton I had with no problems. In fact, I could hardly tell the boat was back there. The 2021 pulls my current 20ft Ranger with no issues as well. I can tell it's there, but the truck is far from struggling. I think for most people the simple answer to which truck is best to tow with is the same one word answer as which boat is best; mine.

[JACQUART21]

There isn't a bass boat made that any 1/2 ton truck or even medium size SUV can't pull very comfortably.

I am a full time guide on the coast. My 26ft center console weighs 6800 pounds on the scale. Been pulling it with a BMW x5 with the 3 liter diesel for 10 years now. Up and down the coast (flat ground) for about 15,000 miles a year or more daily trips up to 400 miles. Zero issues. Sold first one with 160,000 miles no issues. Wife tows her 7500 pound horse trailer with same vehicle. Sold her first one with 140,000 miles. I am on my second one with almost 90,000 miles. Wife went to an x7 gas and it too is a tow monster with about 75,000 miles. No issues at all.

That x5 diesel tows, handles, stops does everything better than the 3/4 crew cab 4x4 Chevy it replaced ever thought about.

Pulled a 7500 pound 26ft twin engine offshore boat from Minnesota to Galveston just fine.

Guys here are pulling 9000 pound or so twin engine offshore boats with 1/2 tons everywhere.

Even on hills unless you were towing way heavy every day i wouldn't go 3/4 ton or big diesel. These 3 liter diesels are the way to go.

I get 36 mpg gallon empty. I get 17-18 mpg pulling my 21 from bass boat....and 13mpg pulling my 26ft center console with iversize ttop. All hand calculated at 70-75 mph.

BMW doesn't make their diesel anymore. When I need to replace this BMW I am going to the Tahoe with the 3Liter diesel. Great platform for my towing up to about 7500 pounds.

Not trying to be disrespectful, but this is a load of BS.

Shame on you for giving the OP info. like this when he's trying to get legitimate info. to help make a decision.

You would be operating this rig wayy over its rated capacities and putting lives at risk around you, including your own. I don't for a second believe your mileage data and you post all this like you are proud of your accomplishments.

These types of actions are why the government thinks they need to constantly enact policy to save people from themselves. This is the kinda of S*** you see out on the road that makes you laugh and people take videos b/c it is so ludicrous.

[Highcentered]

Not trying to be disrespectful, but this is a load of BS.

Shame on you for giving the OP info. like this when he's trying to get legitimate info. to help make a decision.

You would be operating this rig wayy over its rated capacities and putting lives at risk around you, including your own. I don't for a second believe your mileage data and you post all this like you are proud of your accomplishments.

These types of actions are why the government thinks they need to constantly enact policy to save people from themselves. This is the kinda of S*** you see out on the road that makes you laugh and people take videos b/c it is so ludicrous.

Are you one of those who thinks you need a 2500 or bigger diesel to pull a jon boat?

All cheap jokes aside I'd just about bet money that X5 is as good or better than any half ton at towing as long as the hitch mount is solid on it. I've never looked at it so don't know. But if coming across the way you do makes you feel more like a man then you do you.

[paulrodbender]

Not trying to be disrespectful, but this is a load of BS.

Shame on you for giving the OP info. like this when he's trying to get legitimate info. to help make a decision.

You would be operating this rig wayy over its rated capacities and putting lives at risk around you, including your own. I don't for a second believe your mileage data and you post all this like you are proud of your accomplishments.

These types of actions are why the government thinks they need to constantly enact policy to save people from themselves. This is the kinda of S*** you see out on the road that makes you laugh and people take videos b/c it is so ludicrous.

X5 is rated for 7,200 lbs. towing

[Mcjenson]

Are you one of those who thinks you need a 2500 or bigger diesel to pull a jon boat?

All cheap jokes aside I'd just about bet money that X5 is as good or better than any half ton at towing as long as the hitch mount is solid on it. I've never looked at it so don't know. But if coming across the way you do makes you feel more like a man then you do you.

It's a mid sized unibody SUV rated for 6K towing. It's definitely being overloaded.

[JACQUART21]

No, I do not think you have to have 3/4 ton diesel. I for many years used a light duty pickup pulling my own fiberglass rig. But the scenario I responded to is ridiculous. A BMW X5 is a crossover car, you can't even call it an SUV. The tongue weight of a 28' 6800LB rig is probably a third the total curb weight of the vehicle. You could hardly make up a worse scenario, let alone give advice reciting this as an example. Lol!

On another note, my family has been impacted in a similar situation where other peoples poor decisions and those consequences have effected lives far beyond just them. I would call out those kind of irresponsible actions every time and at the very least now they know better, cause most people have no clue. There's a reason that manufacturers have GVWR. For the most part it's based on safety, specifically the vehicles ability to control and brake in a reasonable manner. Notice, I didn't say tow or accelerate. These standards were created b/c of this type of Beverly Hillbilly s*** Not only should this not be recommended, but it is legitimately dangerous to themselves and others. I've made my point, I won't respond on this again.

[ThomasD]

Not trying to be disrespectful, but this is a load of BS.

Shame on you for giving the OP info. like this when he's trying to get legitimate info. to help make a decision.

You would be operating this rig wayy over its rated capacities and putting lives at risk around you, including your own. I don't for a second believe your mileage data and you post all this like you are proud of your accomplishments.

These types of actions are why the government thinks they need to constantly enact policy to save people from themselves. This is the kinda of S*** you see out on the road that makes you laugh and people take videos b/c it is so ludicrous.

I bet you're a hoot to be around at parties

[ChuckTR21]

The one that’s paid for.

[SGrem]

It's a mid sized unibody SUV rated for 6K towing. It's definitely being overloaded.

False..... x5 is rated by the MANUFACTURER at 7700 pounds. That 6k is an arbitrary number BMW USA throws out. But the manufacturer absolutely rates at 7700 pounds. Hitch manufacturer rates the hitch to 8k. I would not knowingly exceed the safety ratings. Have never been overloaded. And it is one of the most capable tow vehicles (up to the 7500 i have towed with it) that i have ever been in.

No need to analyze my use just because you have never experienced it. It is much more stable than the 3/4 ton truck it replaced. The handling and braking and ride tows better than the truck it replaced. Almost ten years of near daily towing with it.

Good that you won't respond because you are flat wrong. The tongue weight is right at 600 pounds which is right at 9%. Again the manufacturer recommends 7% to 10% tongue weight for towing service of this vehicle. Educate yourself. I did.

BMW x5 has nearly identical wheelbase as a Tahoe with better steering, better brakes, better suspension and a better measurement of hitch point to rear axle WITH much lower center of gravity. Tahoe not capable? Hhhmmm shouldn't make such bold comments on things you don't understand..

If you want to scrutinize tow vehicles take a hard look at the trucks with lifts and oversize tires with drop Hitches. Most dangerous setup on the road.....

[PatriotAW4]

Sounds like you had one crappy 3/4 ton if a unibody crossover tows better than it did.

[SGrem]

Surprised me too. The unibody is not a point of pain at all. The hitch is overbuilt very robust and has proven itself over the long haul of nearly ten years of daily abuse.
I had a 2007 Chevy 3/4 crew cab 4x4 with the 6.0.
Wife got a 2015 BMW x5 with the 3.0 diesel.
Pulled the boat with it one time and the improvement was astonishing. Sold my truck that same week and got myself one. It has been an absolute shocker since. I joy to tow with.

And honestly I have the BMW x5 as my first choice tow vehicle because I can't afford an F150. Bought the first two 2015 BMWs diesels with 25k miles for $35,000 each. Bought my third 2018 BMW diesel with 18k miles for $40,000. Sold both 2015 at 150k-160kish miles for $18k and $17k.

Current 2018 x5 diesel is at 90k miles and wife's 2021 X7 is at 80k miles. Excellent service from these vehicles.

With the mileage I am way way money ahead. Maintenance and tires has all been normal no issues.

If you have never tried it.....and only considered a truck for tow duty.....these luxury SUVs these days are animals.

If you want to discount the truth without finding out for yourself with your own butt in the seat towing then you deserve to look ignorant.

Business decision for my guide business....makes me more money.

[PatriotAW4]

So it was a GM 3/4 ton, no wonder it sucked.

[SGrem]

Yep

[Highcentered]

My Grand Cherokee towed pretty good. Pretty sure the independent rear had something to do with it. Didn't trust it after a body shop had to fix where the hitch bolted to after a distracted driver hit it but it was a great midsize suv I had as a quick fling between Ram trucks. Was like that hottie you want to experience but not one you want to settle down with. Still might end up with a good used Ridgeline if I decide to keep the Ram I have now as a tow pig.

[86 inches]

I've always pulled my boat with a 1 ton dually. Chevys and Fords. Overkill for sure but I was also pulling a old style, heavy 6 horse goose neck for the ranch. My last - and current - truck is still a 1 ton F350 diesel 6.7 crew cab long bed but I went with a SRW instead of the dually because I no longer move horses and I got tired of the tire bill. Thought I would save on mileage, too. Now, I'm ready for a slide in camper and I kinda wished I had a DRW.

Oh, I did used to pull my bassboat occasionally with a suburban. Got that one to pull a ski boat and needed the room for the fam. It was kinda nice for sleeping in the back. I do miss that one.

But a truck sure makes unloading and loading the boat a breeze. Step on the tire and climb into the bed. Tailgate down... step on or off the boat. Nothin to it. Feet dry.