Towed "The Boat" yesterday

Yomama · 06-13-2005, 10:21 AM

Just thought I would share my comparison here of my previous tow vehicle, a 1997 Toyota Land Cruiser and the Titan. You can tell the boat is back there, no getting around that. The Titan handled "the boat" a little better then the Cruiser did, not so much power, just didn't bounce quite as much. I am sure if I did use the weight distribution hitch that my bouncing would probably go away. I towed with tow mode on and in 4th gear. The tranny temp never got past half way. My round trip was around 60+ miles.

FLA-Titan · 06-13-2005, 10:53 AM

If it's bouncing, you may need to adjust the tongue weight.

Yomama · 06-13-2005, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FLA-Titan

If it's bouncing, you may need to adjust the tongue weight.

Wouldn't I do that by using a weight distribution hitch? Funny thing is that it doesn't sag the Titan down much at all. I am not sure what the tongue weight is. It only bounces after going over some dips in the roads. I do feel better driving this then the shorter wheel base Cruiser.

VShortt · 06-13-2005, 12:30 PM

Wow. That boat dwarfs your truck.

drpeeb · 06-13-2005, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Funny thing is that it doesn't sag the Titan down much at all.

You can also have problems with too little weight on the tongue. I believe the general rule is that the tongue should have about 10% of the weight of the entire trailer weight. Therefore, if your boat+trailer is 6,000 pounds, the weight on the tongue should be about 600 pounds.

If you say it doesn't sag the Titan rear end much at all, I'd bet there's too little weight on the tongue. You might need to adjust the trailer so the boat is moved a little more forward.

travism · 06-13-2005, 12:49 PM

It is generally believed on the boating websites that I visit that a boat trailer is to be set up for 6-8% tongue weight as opposed to a travel trailer which is supposed to be 10-12%. I don't understand why there is a difference, but it is unanimously believed on those boards.

travism · 06-13-2005, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yomama

Wouldn't I do that by using a weight distribution hitch?

A weight distribution hitch is just for equalizing the load between the front and rear axles of the tow vehicle. Has very little to do with tongue weight. Tongue weight on a trailer is adjusted by repositioning the boat on the trailer my moving the bow stop forward or back, or moving the axle locations.

I think that the bouncing problem may be exaggerated by the distance between the back of the truck and the trailer tires. That's looks like a long ways in the picture. There may be no solution to that if the weight is set up right. It's just a big boat and trailer. Be careful out there. I feel like I'm pushing the limit when towing my 24' Bayliner Ciera, your boat's little sister.

BlackBart · 06-13-2005, 11:06 PM

Nice boat!! I wanna see some pics of it in the water!!!

Seerex · 06-13-2005, 11:11 PM

wow thats alot of boat , by chance how much does it weigh

TitanJB · 06-13-2005, 11:54 PM

When the ad said "You need a bigger boat!" you went out and got it didn't you?

NT2005 · 06-14-2005, 04:38 AM

I have found with my travel trailer that it will make a big difference in bounce if you max out your tire pressure (44psi). It makes a difference but part of it is the titans suspension. If you read the posts, everyone has this problem to some extent. The stock tires are not for towing. Most LT tires for towing will max at 60psi or more.

Yomama · 06-14-2005, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackBart

Nice boat!! I wanna see some pics of it in the water!!!

I can't walk out on water to take a pic. LOL. If an opportunity comes up, I'll get one.

Yomama · 06-14-2005, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seerex

wow thats alot of boat , by chance how much does it weigh

Not exactely sure, but the boat dry is suppose to be 5800 something, 70 gallons of fuel is about 400 lbs and 20 gallons of water another 100 or so, then add the trailer weight which I assume has to be at least 1000+, plus gear....I am guessing.....It has to be close to 8k. If I get a chance to get it on a scale I'll give you the exact weight, of course that might make me afraid to pull it then.

To think I used to pull this with my Land Cruiser rated to tow 5k, of course it was no ordinary Land Cruiser.... Suspension, bumpers, lockers and turbo charger.

GreggS · 06-14-2005, 07:23 AM

Now that's a Boat!!!! Wow makes the truck look small!!!

blueskys · 06-15-2005, 05:36 PM

Put a 24 pack of beer in the front of your boat for weight. And if this dont work,you still have beer.