Towing with a manual transmission

[midex717]

Gents,

I am looking for some feedback as to towing a boat with a truck that has manual transmission. The vehicle I may purchase is a 1996 Mazda B4000, V6 with only 18,000 miles. My fishing rig is a Crestliner 1850 Fishhawk that weighs around 3000 lbs. boat, motors, and trailer. Aside from some fun with the clutch on a steep boat ramp, what are some pros and cons to towing with a 5 speed?

I currently tow with a '07 F150 that unfortunatly I am going to need to sell very soon.......

Thanks, and I really appreciate any feedback!

[deadeye]

The little bit I have towed with a manual was pretty nice. I like how you have more control over the rig and can downshift/upshift when you want.

The whole boat ramp thing is pretty much not a problem as long as your E brake works. Its no different than getting started on a hill.

[BoxMN]

Biggest thing you will notice between the bigger truck and littler is that stopping will be more of an issue. That isn't to say that it won't stop it, but with my experience pulling medium and larger sized boats with Ranger/S10 Blazer/Trailbaler/Full size trucks - and let me tell you, the Ranger (basically a Mazda???..) can get pushed through stop signs if you don't actively think about slowing down first, the S10 wasn't wach better, the Trailblazer is decent and the full size you don't notice it.

Also, depending on size of boat, I needed to put my 4x4 Ranger into low range 2nd gear to pull out, as the high 1st gear just wasn't low enough in most situations.

But it will work, from my experience anyway

[Phred52]

Like deadeye said, Be sure the E brake works! Nothing worse than having the truck and trailer rolling backwards down the ramp with the engine being slowly rotated in the wrong direction. I towed with an '85 Isuzu Trooper with a 1.9L, It actually did a surprizingly good job of it! Phred52

[shizzy]

should be fine.

I have a wheel chock with a long bungee cord hooked to it that I wedge under the back wheel and hook to the bumper of the truck. makes getting the momentum pulling the boat out eaiser. once you get rolling you can just drag the chock untill you are on flat ground, get out and flop it in to the bed. makes that moment coming off the brakes and on to the gas/clutch less of a "puckering" moment.

[motley man]

Been using a 6 cyl. Ranger for years, as said be sure to chock wheel on manual [great idea for chock rope to pull chock out while driving up ramp]. Rangers are a little lite when pulling on steep ramps, and steep up hill on highway. Have pulled 16' Lund Rebel to Oahe and LOTW and around state with no problem. Always drive slower than speed limit and watch out for those red lights. Almost put Ranger in lake once because E-brake and clutch slipped, truck was up to tailgate in water. CHOCK WHEELS!!!! Unless by myself have other person load boat while someone stays in drivers seat if not chocking wheels.

[jwhjr]

Good idea shizzy, that would be slick.

[SkunkedAgain]

With my automatic 4.0 v6 Ranger I tow a 16.5' Navigator with a 90 horse. It tows just fine if you turn off the overdrive. I used to have a manual Ranger too. It pulled out of lakes fine, but I often rode the clutch on rough ramps or else it pulled the boat and too quick, causing the boat and trailer to bounce around on the concrete.

[theoilman]

3000 lbs behind that truck will be challenging for the brakes. Though you probably have a single axle trailer and they aren't required in most states - consider having trailer brakes added. It will make it a whole lot safer!

I like the wheel chock with a rope idea.

[pulsar_nx]

I don't know if a mazda can do this but on my old toyota I could start it in gear which quickly became the preferred method of launching a boat. But I gotta say an 18 foot boat seems like alot for a compact truck to tow, your probably going to be near the limit on what the truck is supposed to tow. It had better have a 4.0 in it.

[SkunkedAgain]

Yup, all I can add is to advise you to be the cautious driver that NEVER tailgates. Give yourself all the time in the world to slow down if need be. Unfortunately, emergency situations always pop up and you'll be stuck with smaller brakes.

[overdalimit]

I have pulled my 1850 tyee with my little 89 4 runner v-6 5 speed. It is a handfull when compared to towing with the hd 2500 8.1 liter. Takes more time to get moving, more thought when in traffic to maintain momentum on long grades, and it is hard on the brakes for sure. I don't do it any more as the old girl is getting a little long in the tooth. Long and short of it is I feel it is too much boat and not enough truck.

[fivebucks]

I had a 6 cyl. Toyota years ago and pulled my 1800 Lund. I used that truck about 1 season or 2 and got a full size. It pulled it OK but I always felt it was wearing down and harder on the engine. That and it was a bear to try to pass someone. I think it will work but I think it will shorten the life of the truck also. (I am not a mechanic so this is just my opinion based on being in that same position)>

[upnorth]

I would key in on the braking. Bigger trucks = bigger stronger brakes. 3000 # is a lot to stop if you need to.