Post by: Night goat on August 31, 2020, 02:08:18 PM
My sailboat is a displacement of 6800lbs so fully loaded if say its in the 7500-8000lbs range... Its just under 28 foot and its a big 27 footer, dont have a trailer yet but thats in the works and i plan on having the boat for quite a while as ive fully rebuilt it and cant buy a better boat for the money.
This tow rig needs to be 4 wheel drive, have a decent cab, something that can haul good but also be a driver for longer trips and hunting and stuff....
Im not sold on a pickup yet and im exploring other rigs like vans, maybe convert an old ambulance to an rv, box truck, delivery truck, maybe a used semi, who knows.... What is out there with a diesel engine that would work? School bus? The idea of having a mobile tiny house and the boat on a trailer appeals as it would allow us to travel to areas we could splash the boat and go cruise. Some of the places we are thinking of checking out are the great lakes, Florida/Bahamas/Caribbean, Nova Scotia, Atlantic coast, maybe even south america
These are just ideas now but I thought id see what yalls could come up with
Post by: Stein on August 31, 2020, 02:13:53 PM
It also depends on what type of hauling you do. I tow my boat primarily about 20 minutes to a launch down I-5. That's much different than dragging it over mountain passes every weekend or up and down big hills.
I wouldn't consider a diesel for 8k.
Post by: 7mmfan on August 31, 2020, 02:41:24 PM
Post by: stlusn30-06 on August 31, 2020, 02:58:35 PM
Post by: Night goat on August 31, 2020, 03:13:51 PM
8k isn't a huge load to tow, you can easily get 1/2 ton trucks rated 9-10k which would do it, 2020 F-150s go up to 13,200 pounds. A 3/4 ton for sure would handle it.
It also depends on what type of hauling you do. I tow my boat primarily about 20 minutes to a launch down I-5. That's much different than dragging it over mountain passes every weekend or up and down big hills.
I wouldn't consider a diesel for 8k.
Howabout this.....im a diesel mechanic and believe in the mechanical superiority of a diesel engine? In sold on diesel and nothings gonna change that.
My girlfriend is a chef and has access to a good supply of used cooking oil which you can run in damned near any diesel except the new common rails which I wouldnt advise doing but technically wouldnt hurt
There will be lots of mountain driving as my property where im going to build my house is on Stevens pass up by the ski area
I had a buddy make it to Utah in a school bus on 9$ of actual diesel fuel because they ran used cooking oil on the thing
Post by: Night goat on August 31, 2020, 03:22:54 PM
What is your budget?
Dont have one currently....thats why I made this post to give me an idea of whats out there
Post by: Jingles on August 31, 2020, 04:19:59 PM
I understand that Ford is now putting Diesels in their F150's but as you stated new trucks cost an ungodly amount, darned near buy a house for the cost of a new 350 check for used but not abused 2015/2016 with the 6.7
Post by: Stein on August 31, 2020, 04:22:17 PM
https://skagit.craigslist.org/cto/d/mount-vernon-2002-thomas-bus-perfect/7186636180.html
Post by: blackpowderhunter on September 01, 2020, 07:04:59 AM
I downgraded from a 1999 1 ton with a 7.3 with a little over 437,000 miles to a 2015 3/4 ton 6.7 Powerstroke and with the newer one I am WOW impressed with the difference in power and ability to pull the grades. One of the reasons I downsized was the cost of licensing the 1 ton verses the 3/4 ton here in WA. With the newer trucks you're going to have to either cope with the DEF every time you turn around or do a Delete and if you live on the wet side forget that because of needing the annual emissions inspections Doing a delete will run you just shy of $1700.00 for parts then the cost of labor unless you do it yourself, the kit I got boost horse power from 440 to a little over 650 and no idea on the increase in torgue.no more emissions testing state wide.
I understand that Ford is now putting Diesels in their F150's but as you stated new trucks cost an ungodly amount, darned near buy a hose for the cost of a new 350 check for used but not abused 2015/2016 with the 6.7
Post by: Fl0und3rz on September 01, 2020, 07:24:50 AM
Post by: Mudman on September 01, 2020, 07:51:06 AM
Post by: 300rum on September 01, 2020, 09:27:39 AM
Post by: Special T on September 01, 2020, 09:48:51 AM
For those looking at a 1/2 ton versus a 3/4+ ton when towing, forget the power plant for a minute and take a look at the difference in the brake calipers. 1/2 tons are great for picking up a couple things at home depot for the apartment, they aren't built for serious towing.As some one whom has hauled plenty of trailer miles i will agree that caliper size is important. HOWEVER, the trailer your towing over 6klbs is mandated to have some kind of trailer brakes. The only time my big one ton disks got smoked was a heavy load and the e brakes went out. If i had an ehaust brake i would have been ok.
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Post by: stlusn30-06 on September 01, 2020, 11:11:31 AM
What is your budget?
Dont have one currently....thats why I made this post to give me an idea of whats out there
Well. I know you're after alternatives, but I was in this position about 5 years ago. I ended up buying a 97 Dodge Ram 2500 with a 12valve cummins, mechanical injection, 4WD, Manual transmission. cost of ownership is minimal. Not cheap, not crazy expensive. I traveled to Idaho to get mine. I would've flown anywhere in the country for rust free, and I was after less than 100k on the odo. If you can find something that has been super well maintained with records, and not stored in the sun, I'd buy anything w less than 250k on it. Bullet proof. 22 miles to the gallon on flat highways at 60 mph. 17mpg doing 85 from Seattle to Montana.
Post by: Special T on September 01, 2020, 11:29:41 AM
What is your budget?
Dont have one currently....thats why I made this post to give me an idea of whats out there
Well. I know you're after alternatives, but I was in this position about 5 years ago. I ended up buying a 97 Dodge Ram 2500 with a 12valve cummins, mechanical injection, 4WD, Manual transmission. cost of ownership is minimal. Not cheap, not crazy expensive. I traveled to Idaho to get mine. I would've flown anywhere in the country for rust free, and I was after less than 100k on the odo. If you can find something that has been super well maintained with records, and not stored in the sun, I'd buy anything w less than 250k on it. Bullet proof. 22 miles to the gallon on flat highways at 60 mph. 17mpg doing 85 from Seattle to Montana.
I am a huge fan of the Dodge cummins, Ive owned 5 of them. the only problem with the older mechanical sticks is the 5th gear get pulled off towing heavy loads. I stripped it off 3 times before trading in on the 6 speed stick which is super, and I belive you could stuff one of those in an older dodge.
Bang for the buck if you can re-purpose some kind of heavy diesel and have it registered as a recreational vehicle then lots of school buses, or military surplus vehicles could do quite nicely, but that is an investigation to Motor vehicle law than what kind of vehicle is best for your purposes.
Im imagining a a convered bus of some sort that has been modified to carry your sail boat. granted it would have to be slung on and off, but depending on how often and where it will be used may not be that hard to accomplish for a VERY reasonable sum.
Post by: gasman on September 01, 2020, 04:33:37 PM
And no more emissions in WA state.
Mine is chipped, straight 4" exhaust coming off the turbo,, man dows it sound beefy now, and the power is awesome, not that it has a lack of power stock, but the RACEME tuner can add up to 200hp, but keep mine in default mode, 60 hp..... you can hear the turbo spool at idel....... :tup:
Post by: Night goat on September 02, 2020, 11:31:21 AM
When i was crabbing we used to haul a flatbed with 200+ coast pots behind a 12 valve dually and it worked great except the suspension was so damned stiff you felt every pothole
Too bad dodge and allison never got together or even if gm resurrected detroit diesel badging enough to make an on-highway pickup engine.
Id consider something with like a 4-53 Jimmy or the 12 valve or 3116 cat or similar.
Its gonna be a while was more or less trying to come up with some ideas of things to look for other than a pickup truck.
On a trailer my boat is Probably going to sit 12-13 foot high because it has a deep keel. It draws 4.5 feet of water then from waterline its another 5 or 6 foot to the cabin top and its 8 foot wide just to give an idea of what id be dealing with. I gotta find a good trailer first though.
Post by: Special T on September 02, 2020, 02:03:45 PM
Yeah brakes are very important. Something about having a heavy rig that isnt gonna get squirrely with a big tall trailer makes me feel better.
When i was crabbing we used to haul a flatbed with 200+ coast pots behind a 12 valve dually and it worked great except the suspension was so damned stiff you felt every pothole
Too bad dodge and allison never got together or even if gm resurrected detroit diesel badging enough to make an on-highway pickup engine.
Id consider something with like a 4-53 Jimmy or the 12 valve or 3116 cat or similar.
Its gonna be a while was more or less trying to come up with some ideas of things to look for other than a pickup truck.
On a trailer my boat is Probably going to sit 12-13 foot high because it has a deep keel. It draws 4.5 feet of water then from waterline its another 5 or 6 foot to the cabin top and its 8 foot wide just to give an idea of what id be dealing with. I gotta find a good trailer first though.
This could be quite the feat of redneck engineering but here is to thinking outside of the box...
Take some long framed vehicle like a bus or box truck with just a cab. Move the drive axle in front of the skegg and put a drop swivel axle at the end of the frame. That way the cradle pads could be closer to the frame and the Skeg could drop between the frame rails. lowering the overall height keeping it easily under the 14' requirement and keeping your center of gravity lower. :twocents:
Just my rambling thoughts of how ot do this with out opening up your wallet too much. :chuckle:
Post by: dyhardhuntr on September 02, 2020, 08:48:56 PM
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Post by: yorketransport on September 02, 2020, 09:12:51 PM
Or if you wanted something newer/nicer you could grab a Freightliner MT45 and convert it to a camper/RV. They ride nicer than the MT55 but still have plenty of capacity for what you're doing.
Browse online classified adds for used FedEx trucks and you'll find all kinds of trucks like this.
Post by: UpperleftPNW on September 25, 2020, 11:53:23 AM
The reason I say you should get a truck is because of the versatility. You can daily drive it every day in the city, then get home after work and throw a truck camper on it and hook up your trailer and you are ready for vacation. Sure you could save some money and get a bus or an ambulance but then you have a big project to finish and a vehicle that wont make a great daily driver or have as much re-sale value as a truck when it comes time to sell.
I got a 05 Duramax a few years back with 180k on the clock for around $17k. To me this was an expensive vehicle, but I have had 75k trouble free miles with no sign of stopping. I do put about $1500 in upgrades and maintenance into the truck each year just to ensure it lasts many more miles. It did suck dropping this kind of cash on a old high miles truck but now that it's paid off and it's my second vehicle so it doesn't get many miles on it, it has been pretty cheap to own and use as a weekend rig.