Jim Uran Posted April 15, 2009 Share Posted April 15, 2009 The reason I ask is I'm looking at buyin a decent used boat, nothing fancy but something bigger than I have now, which is just a normal ol 16ft starcraft. I need something with a wider beam and a little deeper. Mostly for taking the fam out, and for myself of course hitting some bigger water. I was thinking on getting an 1850 Tyee but that just seems to big for my trailblazer and it's weeeee little V-6. What do you guys think is that too much boat for my rig? Or should I consider getting at 16 or 17 footer. I'm was really looking for something with a walk thru windshield also. Trouble is my budget is putting it at like 6 grand or so!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoxMN Posted April 15, 2009 Share Posted April 15, 2009 Look at the weight of the rig, and if it makes it under the vehicles tow rating, it is fine. Just drive slower. Some will tell you need a diesel but you don't. A full size would be nice (I tow with one) but also have a Trailblazer that can pull a 18' alum boat with 150 just fine. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wplatehunter Posted April 15, 2009 Share Posted April 15, 2009 I use a F150 pulling a Pro V 1900 and I can sure tell is back there when I'm pulling it. I pulls fine, but sure goes through the gas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
delmuts Posted April 15, 2009 Share Posted April 15, 2009 One question i would ask is how far do you plan on towing the rig? Short distances shouldn't be a problem. For longer , then i agree with checking what the vehicle can handle! Then make certain it can handle towing.(i.e. external tranny cooler, and heavy enough hitch) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wheelerboy920 Posted April 15, 2009 Share Posted April 15, 2009 One question i would ask is how far do you plan on towing the rig? Short distances shouldn't be a problem. For longer , then i agree with checking what the vehicle can handle! Then make certain it can handle towing.(i.e. external tranny cooler, and heavy enough hitch) [/quotejust what he said i tow a 1775 prov with a v6 dakota its fine but it eats the gas look to buy a half ton or 3/4 ton today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Uran Posted April 15, 2009 Author Share Posted April 15, 2009 Thanks fellas, I'll look into what my vehicle is rated for, there is no point in buying a boat my vehicle can't handle. I would probably be doing some lomg towing, (150 miles or so) with it so I better check that out. Great answers guys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Black_Bay Posted April 15, 2009 Share Posted April 15, 2009 Make sure you get a trailer with brakes. Just about any vehicle will tow a trailer but stopping is the big thing and something most people don't give enough though to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
solbes Posted April 15, 2009 Share Posted April 15, 2009 Doesn't the Trailblazer have the 4.2 inline six? I seem to remember it being rated for 275 ft lb and 275 hp? If so, I would think it would tow a 18 foot aluminum boat fine. Just make sure it has a tranny cooler, if it doesn't already.I have a Dakota with a 4.7 V8. It has towed our 28' camper a few times to and from the lake that weighs ~ 4500 lbs. Pushing it I know, but I think your Trailblazer and 2200 lbs of boat, motor, gear, and gas should be no problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerkin'm Posted April 15, 2009 Share Posted April 15, 2009 As had been said above..It's not enough power to pull that is always the problem. A more likely problem is not being able to stop it effectively....I have seen more problems caused by small tow vehicles that couldn't stop the giant boats behind them...I have towed with everything from a diesel to my current ride a 3/4 ton burban with the 8.1 litre motor..It will pull and stop anything effectively..It does LOVE the gas though..I have three kids and regularly travel long distances and this has been the perfect ride for us... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassNspear Posted April 15, 2009 Share Posted April 15, 2009 I tow mine with a F150 Crew Cab. Works alot better then the ranger i had a few years back! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Uran Posted April 15, 2009 Author Share Posted April 15, 2009 Doesn't the Trailblazer have the 4.2 inline six? . Yeah you are right, it has the 4.2 Vortec, inline 6. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimBuck Posted April 15, 2009 Share Posted April 15, 2009 I towed my 16' Sylvan Backtroller with a 97 Jimmy up until this year. It was fine, but could have really used the extra towing capacity a few times getting out of the river. Picked up an 04 Yukon this winter.....problem solved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuckKiller Posted April 15, 2009 Share Posted April 15, 2009 I tow my 16.5 foot lund rebel with my cheavy malibu (sp) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
solbes Posted April 15, 2009 Share Posted April 15, 2009 I see the 1850 Tyee weighs in around 1800 lbs. Figure 400-500 lbs for motor, and another 400 or so for max gear & gas. Puts you at 2700 lbs max which is around 50% of your tow rating. Tranny cooler would be beneficial and trailer brakes as suggested would be an almost must have. Aren't they standard for a boat this big anyway? Enjoy your decent highway mileage with a Trailblazer and get a new boat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murdock Posted April 15, 2009 Share Posted April 15, 2009 I tow my 17 ft Alumacraft Trophy with a 75 hp Merc, fully loaded with gear, with my Trailblazer (with 4.2 inline 6) and it have no problems. Just drive slower when towing long distances. I would suggest a bigger towing vehicle if you go bigger than a 17 ft boat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Uran Posted April 15, 2009 Author Share Posted April 15, 2009 Anyone know how much tranny cooler kits usually run?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeffB Posted April 15, 2009 Share Posted April 15, 2009 I agree with solbes you can handle that boat, just watch the speed. It will pull it down the highway at 60 mph with out working to hard, but if your in a hurry and start pushing it into a head wind you may have trouble. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steffanf Posted April 15, 2009 Share Posted April 15, 2009 I was just about to say... I tow my boat with my car. The boat isn't a bare-bones rowboat either- 1428 Classic SS (heavier than the new 1475 Rebel SS). Of course, the car has plenty of power in HP and braking... more than many of the trucks mentioned so far. Dodge Charger with 5.7 L Hemi. I just make sure I drive in direct(4th gear), as opposed to overdrive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tommyk Posted April 15, 2009 Share Posted April 15, 2009 You should be just fine with that power. I pull my 17' fiberglass walleye boat (probably 2500+# with everything) with a '01 Chevy Blazer. 4.3L Vortec V6 185hp. Not even close to the ideal towing vehicle for this, but it does it and not too bad. Sucks the gas for sure though. That being said 90% of my trailering is within an hour of my home. If you make frequent long runs then you may find out what is best for you, but I would atleast give the Trailblazer a shot. It won't be as bad as you anticipate. I have seen a Trailblazer pulling a Ranger 620VS. And like mentioned above most vehicles will pull loads heavier than you might think, but the response and handling is what the attention needs to be on. I say get the boat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishorgolf Posted April 15, 2009 Share Posted April 15, 2009 As many have stated above I think the stopping ability will be more of a concern than pulling. I light vehicle will be manhandled by a heavy boat. Think 70 mph and hitting the brakes because someone pulls into your lane. Allot of trailers have surge brakes which I would highly recommend.I pull a 20" glass boat (about 4500# loaded with gas etc.) with a 3/4 ton Suburban and still have surge brakes on the trailer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr.Seaguar Posted April 15, 2009 Share Posted April 15, 2009 Anyone know how much tranny cooler kits usually run?? I found some online for around $50.I tow a 96 Alumacraft 190 Competitor with an 2009 Dodge 1500 with a Hemi. OK I havent towed my boat yet with it since the boat is still in storage and I`ve only had the pickup 3 weeks. But when I do go get it thats what I will use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
titelines Posted April 15, 2009 Share Posted April 15, 2009 I tow my 18.5' fiberglass with a Nissan Xterra (3.3 V6) and it has worked just fine. I've got a Class III hitch and rarely go over 2 hours (1-way) to a lake, with the norm being under an hour. It took some getting used to, but once I "learned" how to trailer it, and how it acts behind my vehicle, it's been fine.I don't have trailer brakes, but the roads I take limit me to about 60 mph, and have very little traffic. I turn the overdrive off and have never had a problem, either on the road or getting in or out of the water.It does suck the gas (about 9-10 mpg), but it's what I've got for now. Maybe someday I'll upgrade, but until then it works great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ec30_06 Posted April 15, 2009 Share Posted April 15, 2009 I tow everything I own with my 2500HD chevy. No problems even with a T250 bobcat behind it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuKiddingMe Posted April 15, 2009 Share Posted April 15, 2009 I have a 17.5 foot aluminum, I'm guessing a tow weight of around #2500 or so, and I pull it with Durango, 4.7L with the towpackage (beefed up suspension and tranny cooler) no problems but the MPGs are horrible, 10 when towing.RU Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jhanks50 Posted April 16, 2009 Share Posted April 16, 2009 GMC Canyon towing a 16.5 Lund Rebel special, no problems towing it at all! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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