Serious Thoughts About Safe Towing - G-Series Nautiques

[nyryan2001]

I did not like the limits on my older F250. Our new 17 F350 has zero issues. Ford got their towing numbers up finally.

Thats what the hitch is rated for.... not the truck right?

[RDT-G23]

I said it on the "show us your tow rig" thread, and I'll say it again here... I wouldn't tow a G23 with any regularity over any decent distance with anything less than a 3/4 ton, period. Folks can flame me all they want, but I've towed a lot, and that tail is too big for that dog...

[Wake.BC]

I said it on the "show us your tow rig" thread, and I'll say it again here... I wouldn't tow a G23 with any regularity over any decent distance with anything less than a 3/4 ton, period. Folks can flame me all they want, but I've towed a lot, and that tail is too big for that dog...

I’d like to hear your opinion on the people towing them with small SUV’s


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[RDT-G23]

I’d like to hear your opinion on the people towing them with small SUV’s


Sent from my iPhone using PLT Nautique

That is bad juju! I just can't understand why people do this. (I know they wouldn't be too happy with me if I walked up to try and educate them;that is for sure!!)

[ironpeddler]

so, no raptor towing g23's safely and within spec?

[Longhorn1186]

@nyryan2001 That is the conventional rating for the truck with that installed hitch. You will have a few other restrictions like what insert hitch you decide to use, the truck rating and tongue weight. In this case, the 2017 F350 limit was 18K, the weight safe hitch I had a 10K pound limit (2 inch insert using the reduction sleeves from 3in to 2in). So, while the hitch part on the truck says 21K pounds, its a little misleading to someone who does not know anything about towing (NOT saying that towards you). Easy to just say OK and load it up to unsafe levels. I have since upgraded my truck (for other towing I do) to a F350 King Ranch Dually with 4.10 ratio. I upgraded my weight safe hitch to the 3 inch insert with a rating of 21K pounds instead of 10K pounds on the 2in insert hitch to match the truck hitch of 21K pounds so there are no weak links in the towing. Before I was limited to 10K pounds (buy the 2 inch insert hitch) although the truck said 21K. We tow a horse trailer as well as a few other things that require a gooseneck or 5th wheel. Been a long day and tired, hope this answered your question. Here is a photo of our current tow setup. A little overkill for the G23...but works for our other needs.

[shag]

so, no raptor towing g23's safely and within spec?

I doubt it... Maybe someone will prove me wrong.... I think the big thing here is what you're willing to take a chance with. I have towed plenty of boats, big and small - and with various types of vehicles. I have had a CDL since the inception of the CDL program in Florida (back in the late 80's I believe. **** I'm old) and have driven everything from oversize load tractor trailers, to cranes, to boom trucks and lots in-between, including fire engines, Haz Mat trucks and 120' ladder trucks, working with busy EMS and FD for about 24 years. (this isn't a 'look what I've done' speech, I just think I have a decent amount of real world experience to render an honest opinion that may help someone). I am LEGALLY CDL licensed to drive basically anything over the road.
I can tell you that you can 'pull' many a boat with many a different truck/SUV and often you'll be lucky and not have problem, even though you are technically exceeding your manufacturers max limits and maybe even the RGAWR (rear gross axle weight rating).
What always must be factored in is how your tow vehicle and what's being towed are going to react under hard braking or a panic maneuver. Sure towing your 7000# boat/trailer combo (dry weight) can be done with a vehicle that has a 6000-7000# rating, but you have to look at the risks. If you are maxed out, you have no room to play, imo. Just going down the street to the ramp? not a big deal. The occasional trip across town on low speed streets, probably not a big deal... At some point your going to need to take it to the dealer for service and what from what I've seen posted over the last few years - many are hours away from a dealer, over interstate roads. That, is an issue.
I have seen many accidents where an undersized tow vehicle (or one that might be at it's max) pulling a heavy trailer - lost control because they either didn't leave an extra safe following distance to make up for the heavy load, or someone cut them off and not having the stable platform of a larger/heavier tow vehicle with larger brakes and more of a significant 'footprint', contributed to the accident.
With as distracted as drivers are now, I wouldn't risk my family/friends life, nor anyone else on the road. Even a 1500 GMC 4x4 with max tow package pulling my 08' 230 (which was under the Max towing capacity rated by GM) could get a little hairy. I could definitely feel the boat/trailer pushing the vehicle around. Yes it had trailer brakes but I always plan for a brake failure. (trailer brakes that regularly get splashed never have problems right?)
I have an F350 now and feel much safer when I need to tow.
Just my .02... Please be safe, someone at home loves you.

[shag]

@nyryan2001 That is the conventional rating for the truck with that installed hitch. You will have a few other restrictions like what insert hitch you decide to use, the truck rating and tongue weight. In this case, the 2017 F350 limit was 18K, the weight safe hitch I had a 10K pound limit (2 inch insert using the reduction sleeves from 3in to 2in). So, while the hitch part on the truck says 21K pounds, its a little misleading to someone who does not know anything about towing (NOT saying that towards you). Easy to just say OK and load it up to unsafe levels. I have since upgraded my truck (for other towing I do) to a F350 King Ranch Dually with 4.10 ratio. I upgraded my weight safe hitch to the 3 inch insert with a rating of 21K pounds instead of 10K pounds on the 2in insert hitch to match the truck hitch of 21K pounds so there are no weak links in the towing. Before I was limited to 10K pounds (buy the 2 inch insert hitch) although the truck said 21K. We tow a horse trailer as well as a few other things that require a gooseneck or 5th wheel. Been a long day and tired, hope this answered your question. Here is a photo of our current tow setup. A little overkill for the G23...but works for our other needs.

Sweet truck Longhorn... I have the same truck in a loaded up Lariat... Wanted a KR but couldn't find one close to me for the right price...

[jjackkrash]

Even a 1500 GMC 4x4 with max tow package pulling my 08' 230 (which was under the Max towing capacity rated by GM) could get a little hairy. I could definitely feel the boat/trailer pushing the vehicle around. Yes it had trailer brakes but I always plan for a brake failure. (trailer brakes that regularly get splashed never have problems right?)
I have an F350 now and feel much safer when I need to tow.
Just my .02... Please be safe, someone at home loves you.

Who really enjoys towing with white knuckles and deep down thinks its safe? I sure as **** don't. I agree with pretty much everything in your post.

[RDT-G23]

I doubt it... Maybe someone will prove me wrong.... I think the big thing here is what you're willing to take a chance with. I have towed plenty of boats, big and small - and with various types of vehicles. I have had a CDL since the inception of the CDL program in Florida (back in the late 80's I believe. **** I'm old) and have driven everything from oversize load tractor trailers, to cranes, to boom trucks and lots in-between, including fire engines, Haz Mat trucks and 120' ladder trucks, working with busy EMS and FD for about 24 years. (this isn't a 'look what I've done' speech, I just think I have a decent amount of real world experience to render an honest opinion that may help someone). I am LEGALLY CDL licensed to drive basically anything over the road.
I can tell you that you can 'pull' many a boat with many a different truck/SUV and often you'll be lucky and not have problem, even though you are technically exceeding your manufacturers max limits and maybe even the RGAWR (rear gross axle weight rating).
What always must be factored in is how your tow vehicle and what's being towed are going to react under hard braking or a panic maneuver. Sure towing your 7000# boat/trailer combo (dry weight) can be done with a vehicle that has a 6000-7000# rating, but you have to look at the risks. If you are maxed out, you have no room to play, imo. Just going down the street to the ramp? not a big deal. The occasional trip across town on low speed streets, probably not a big deal... At some point your going to need to take it to the dealer for service and what from what I've seen posted over the last few years - many are hours away from a dealer, over interstate roads. That, is an issue.
I have seen many accidents where an undersized tow vehicle (or one that might be at it's max) pulling a heavy trailer - lost control because they either didn't leave an extra safe following distance to make up for the heavy load, or someone cut them off and not having the stable platform of a larger/heavier tow vehicle with larger brakes and more of a significant 'footprint', contributed to the accident.
With as distracted as drivers are now, I wouldn't risk my family/friends life, nor anyone else on the road. Even a 1500 GMC 4x4 with max tow package pulling my 08' 230 (which was under the Max towing capacity rated by GM) could get a little hairy. I could definitely feel the boat/trailer pushing the vehicle around. Yes it had trailer brakes but I always plan for a brake failure. (trailer brakes that regularly get splashed never have problems right?)
I have an F350 now and feel much safer when I need to tow.
Just my .02... Please be safe, someone at home loves you.

Very well said... I can add nothing more.

[ironpeddler]

I don't want to beat the horse, or insult anybody I'm just trying to understand. The new Ford/Chevy 1/2 tons that I looked at today all read 1200+ lbs on tongue weight and 12,000+ lbs. on towing weight. I mean shouldn't that be plenty for a G23 and even a little extra to spare?

Edit: or would GAWR still be a limiting factor?

[xxrb2010]

Read the caveat. Most the time, you need a weight distribution setup above 5000 lbs. The 12,000 lbs is marketing purpose, you need to look at the real car hitch figure, tire figure, G.W... figures. Then you can test drive with your boat behind and see by yourself. Most of the people with knowledge of towing securely, will not like to tow a G23 with a half ton whatever, the marketing document states. I cannot blame them. I tow a G21 with a modern half ton truck with max tow package and everything you can add stock and agree that it is at the limit. I upgraded the rear suspension to counter the weight distribution setup. So a G23, I trust them when they say it is over the limit for towing securely.

[RDT-G23]

@nyryan2001 That is the conventional rating for the truck with that installed hitch. You will have a few other restrictions like what insert hitch you decide to use, the truck rating and tongue weight. In this case, the 2017 F350 limit was 18K, the weight safe hitch I had a 10K pound limit (2 inch insert using the reduction sleeves from 3in to 2in). So, while the hitch part on the truck says 21K pounds, its a little misleading to someone who does not know anything about towing (NOT saying that towards you). Easy to just say OK and load it up to unsafe levels. I have since upgraded my truck (for other towing I do) to a F350 King Ranch Dually with 4.10 ratio. I upgraded my weight safe hitch to the 3 inch insert with a rating of 21K pounds instead of 10K pounds on the 2in insert hitch to match the truck hitch of 21K pounds so there are no weak links in the towing. Before I was limited to 10K pounds (buy the 2 inch insert hitch) although the truck said 21K. We tow a horse trailer as well as a few other things that require a gooseneck or 5th wheel. Been a long day and tired, hope this answered your question. Here is a photo of our current tow setup. A little overkill for the G23...but works for our other needs.

You are making me miss my 6.7L, and I need one now like I need a hole in my head...

[ironpeddler]

well the GAWR for my 2012 F150 is 3750 (fr) and 4050 (rear) for only a total of 7800 lbs. The GVWR of my vehicle is 7200 lbs. So my limiting factor would be the 7200 lb. GVWR, correct?

which is not close to the 8900 lb. towing weight of the g23. Am I looking at this correct? So even though Ford might say I can tow 10,000lbs. or whatever its really not even close to that.

[jshack01]

ironpeddler - Maybe I'm mistaken but GVWR must consider tongue weight (downward pressure). Not the total weight of the trailer/boat. Am I wrong here?