www.iFourWinns.com

We are considering a new tow vehicle. Currently we have a 2003 Chevy 1500 w/4.8 V8. Our Boat is a 2008 H220ss with 5.7L gxi. We are having difficulties at some ramps getting enough traction to pull boat up the wet ramp. I have added 480 pounds of weight to the truck but sometimes still have problems. We are thinking about 4wheel drive to help. What are some opinions on new vehicles, types, options to look for?

Thanks

_________________
2008 H220SS
VP 5.7 320 HP, DP
2010 Chevy Silverado Z71

We have nearly the same boat and pull it with a 2008 Chevy Tahoe 4X4. Even the steepest and wettest ramps are easily handled with 4WD. Do yourself a favor with your next tow vehicle, get the 4X4 option for a boat as large as ours. We're also in the market for a new truck (to replace my work car). It will be one of the two: 2010 F150 4X4 or a 2010 Dodge 1500 4X4. Best of luck!

Don't forget about the importance of gear ratios and limited slip/diff lock differentials. They play a large role in getting your boat out of the water too.

_________________
2008 H220 Frenzy - 5.7L VP SX Drive
2013 Tahoe LTZ Tow Vehicle (admiral's ride)
2011 Ford F150 XLT Ecoboost Tow Vehicle

Traded up to 2010 Chevy Silverado Crew Cab z71. Pulled the boat out like a champ. We got the 5.3 with the 6 speed auto.

_________________
2008 H220SS
VP 5.7 320 HP, DP
2010 Chevy Silverado Z71

Without pics, you didn't buy anything!!! LOL Let us see your new tow rig!!!

_________________
2008 H220 Frenzy - 5.7L VP SX Drive
2013 Tahoe LTZ Tow Vehicle (admiral's ride)
2011 Ford F150 XLT Ecoboost Tow Vehicle

Ok, I will see if I can post a picture now:

_________________
2008 H220SS
VP 5.7 320 HP, DP
2010 Chevy Silverado Z71

Beautiful rig, and beautiful place!

_________________


Mike
2005 Four Winns 230/240
VP 5.7GXi/DP
1998 F-150 XLT
Boat Pic

Do yourself a favor and DO NOT look at or buy a 1/2 ton! The new 3/4 tons ride very nice and for a tow vehicle you will have the extra capacities to handle your next boat without having to upgrade trucks.
Cost difference between the 1/2 and 3/4 tons is minor compared to trading next year. Fuel consumption is the same between the two (given you equip with same motor and gear ratio)

I do really like the 1/2 tons vehicles, have one in the garage, they make very nice family car and grocery getters. I just don't like towing much with them. I am well aware that the manufactures are rating there 1/2 tons trailer weights way up there, 8800 lbs, some higher. But I also know that they just dont handle weight like the bigger 3/4 and 1 tons.

As for what brand, whatever fits your liking/style. They are all good, and all have there issues.

Yes a 1/2 ton can do the job, just got to work the drive train a little harder, then things will start breaking that much quicker.
3/4 ton is going to handle towing your current boat very well and in a panic situation, will handle the boat better.
Just this weekend, locally, there have been 3 major accidents involving small 1/2 truck/suv trying to tow sizable RVs. Almost every RV wreck I see traveling to all our lakes or national parks here in Utah, are 1/2 tons! nuf said.

That was my 2 cents

Ultimately, its your money and you have to be happy with it.
Good Luck with your search.

BTW, my next Truck will be a GM 3500 Crew Cab Long bed duramax. Kinda had it with Ford. Sure like the interiors of the wife last 3 tahoes!

_________________
2000 248 5.7L DP
'92, '94 SXI 750, '08 STX 15F, '12 Ultra LX 300
Videos