What are people towing their G23 with?

[ers906]

Just wondering if I am going to have to upgrade my truck when my boat arrives. I currently have a 2004 F-150 5.7L Triton (I think that is what it is called). What are other owners towing their G23 with?

[swankster]

I hope your truck works because that is what I have and plan to use.

[robertsmcfarland]

hummer2

[JamesHawk101]

We might use our Lexus Lx470

[ironj32]

I have 2011 1/2 ton Silverado Crew Cab LTw/ the 6.2L engine and max tow package (bigger brakes, bigger rear axel, handeling/trailering suspension). Waiting until the 2014 3/4 ton Diesels come out...may move into one of those, if I like them. The 6.2L has plenty of torque and power. The reason I'm thinking of 3/4 ton, is because that is a lot of weight back there, and you can definitely feel it in the 1/2 ton.

[Laketexoma]

Ford F-450 (long hauls) and a Dodge 2500 Megacab with a 6.7 Cummins ( for around town hauls).

[AllianceBJJ]

GMC Sierra 2500HD Diesel

Previously had a Yukon Denali with the 6.2. Did not like the way that it felt towing (particularly stopping), definitely tail wagging the dog. We have a couple of steep ramps around here and my tires would slide while backing down a slightly wet ramp. The G23 and trailer are at the very top of that vehicles towing capacity. The Sierra Denali truck does have a bit higher towing capacity than the SUV.

[BrennanK]

Waiting until the 2014 3/4 ton Diesels come out...may move into one of those, if I like them.

If you are referring to GM, the 2014 diesels will be a carry over. They will still have the LML and the current 2013 body style. The refresh for the HD lineup is in 2015, but they will still have the LML. If you're wondering, the LML is the 2011+ engine.

I wouldn't want to try and brake a G23 with anything less then a 3/4 ton. Just for my safety and everyone else around me.

[bharris6]

I have a 2004 f150 as well and have pulled close to 6000lbs with it before. It will pull it and its not to bad, just be easy with it. Is it 2 or 4wheel drive? If only two the only problem I would see is pulling it out of the water and your truck tires start spinning. How far do you plan on pulling it?

[Zach@n3]

There is my 10 1/2 ton Ram loaded with a 550 G25. I moved every g boat we had at the show that day with my truck and was pretty impressed. It has the higher 3.92 ratio. The journey back to the shop is about 6 miles uphill at 60mph. It never downshifted going up hill and maintained speed just fine. Flat long hauls wouldn't be an issue but If I had the cash to drop on a G boat it would be towed with a 6.7 2500 Ram. The tri axle trailers have very aggressive brakes so it stopped like normal. The tandem works the truck brakes a bit more.

[Zach@n3]

Fyi that truck is 2wd and has a way higher rating than a 4x4. 4x4 is in the 8k range and the 2wd is just under 11k rating.

[nyryan2001]

Just wondering if I am going to have to upgrade my truck when my boat arrives. I currently have a 2004 F-150 5.7L Triton (I think that is what it is called). What are other owners towing their G23 with?

Im not tracking a 5.7L engine for ford that year.... likely you had the 300hp 5.4L? if so, yes thats a little on the light side...

Tundra. 5.7L 390 HP... averages a meager 6-9mph while towing, and can maintain 70-75mph on flat highway reasonably and comfortably without down****fing unless you hit decent hills. I can get 8-10mpg if I use quality pure gas and feather the pedal. If I hammer it and in a hurry it I am at 5-6mpg ish. It IS a heavy tow and you DO feel decent kickback from the load when hitting bumps and such. with the 2 axel trailer I would decribe the braking as normal/adequate....it IS a heavy tow with the Tundra and you know it. You definitly need 4x4, as the rear tires are wet pulling it out and you will spin wheels even on a reasonable ramp incline pulling 8000lbs out of the drink. I would rate it a solid B for such a heavy load. If I could do a quick and easy swap... on great terms with trade, i'd jump to a GM or Ford diesel now.

[bharris6]

The 2004 fords are 5.4 tritons. You don't need to automatically jump to the diesel if you don't want to. The newer fords and Chevys have 6 speed transmissions as opposed to the 2004 3 speed and have brake assist with manual over ride for exhaust breaking. Which will be able to pull and stop your boat just about as anywhere.

[ers906]

You are right, it is the 5.4. With the lighter trucks and towing capacity being close to maxed out, can you upgrade the brake pads etc to make it safer (for the time being because it seems like a truck upgrade is in the future). When I plan to upgrade, it will likely be a used diesel that I use as a tow vehicle and work truck for my home depot trips. I will likely buy a more efficient daily driver. Any suggestions? I am partial to an older Ford with the 7.X L power stroke, but open to anything. Just need it to be able to carry about five people, however, with the larger boat, it is likely that there will be more people on the water with us (therefore I will not need to squeeze everyone in mine)

[BrennanK]

Any suggestions? I am partial to an older Ford with the 7.X L power stroke, but open to anything. Just need it to be able to carry about five people, however, with the larger boat, it is likely that there will be more people on the water with us (therefore I will not need to squeeze everyone in mine)

Just get something pre-2007 to avoid the emissions systems that require regeneration (DPF - diesel particulate filter). If you go Ford I would get a 7.3 1999-2003. If you go GM avoid the 2001-2004, they had issues with injectors. The 2004.5-2005 are good engines, but the 2006-2007 (LBZ) engines are known as the best pre emissions Duramax. They have the 6 speed Allison to achieve a higher unloaded MPG in addition to other benefits I myself own a 2005 Duramax and my buddy owns a 1999 7.3 with a manual ZF-6 that I drive frequently. I like the 7.3, but in stock form they are not the best for daily driving. They are pretty loud, ride kinda rough, and are slow. They are great if you are going to use them for what they were designed for, towing. I know nothing about Dodge trucks.