Towing at the limit

[spun07RTX]

re: towing at the limit, I could be doing that soon because I just bought a 4000 lb tractor(weight is rounded up and includes all liquids, loader, tire ballast)
and my dads 7k gvwr landscape trailer alone weighs about 1200-1300 lbs.

so I am looking at 5200-5300 lbs total, which is over the limit but not by much.

it is all local 30mph roads, I will take it easy and it will only be once maybe twice a year. I was gonna start a thread asking what you all think, but this post should suffice.

[shovelhd]

I think you'll be just fine.

[spun07RTX]

Originally Posted by shovelhd

I think you'll be just fine.

thanks for saying so,

and here it is, I have been wanting/needing one of these for a long time and yes it cost almost as much as my truck

[hofffam]

Originally Posted by shovelhd

hofffam, a good friend has a Master Craft V-drive, but it's a little smaller with a smaller engine. He has a wakeboarding tower on it. I like it around 22mph but his kids like it flat out for the speed.

Mastercrafts are usually not very "fast" boats because the prop is pitched for pulling power. Plus the lack of trim keeps a lot of hull in the water. My boat will not hit 50 MPH with 320 hp. But it sounds awesome trying to get there!

But to bring this back on topic - I am so glad that the Ridgeline can get it out of the lake when I need it.

[shovelhd]

Originally Posted by spun07RTX

thanks for saying so,

and here it is, I have been wanting/needing one of these for a long time and yes it cost almost as much as my truck

Now THAT is a tractor. It would eat my little 345 for a snack. Have fun. I've owned Deere garden tractors exclusively and they've been great.

[shovelhd]

Originally Posted by hofffam

Mastercrafts are usually not very "fast" boats because the prop is pitched for pulling power. Plus the lack of trim keeps a lot of hull in the water. My boat will not hit 50 MPH with 320 hp. But it sounds awesome trying to get there!

Oh yeah, they are true ski boats. His tops out around 30mph or so. They look picture perfect from a distance with the skiers on the back. Plenty of torque for three or more. I've helped him do some electrical and engine work on it. It's not that hard to work on.

[livefaith]

No problem towing 5,500# with the RL. Check your hitch ball and receiver to make sure their 5 or 6K and not 3,500# rated. I've been doing 5-6,000# for 60,000+ miles now with my company RL + cargo trailer. Keep the tranny fluid, oil and diff changed regularly.

If you have no problems at ramps, the RL will handle the rest easily. By easily, I don't mean the < 10mpg on Interstates or the lack of power to pull very very steep hills or long Interstate elevations at speed. Truck is rock solid.

Keep at 50-60mph on US or state highways when possible and you'll $ave big on fuel. 70+ and you'll ring the register for Exxon.