Question: Is a 6 cylinder ford pickup strong enough to tow a 24 foot boat and get it up a boat ramp?

(Posted by: on 2010-09-01 18:04:13)

Will it overstress the engine?

Posted by: bullibe on 2010-09-01, 20:54:19

If it is the 300 c i inline and a full size truck, I think you will have no problem.

Posted by: james on 2010-09-01, 18:28:20

I have a madza b-3000 and it is 6 c and it pulls my 77 terry boat that is 16 ft. I would say no unless it is a full size truck ( I say this because my truck is at max pulling my boat)

Posted by: ricsudukai on 2010-09-02, 00:27:03

If the pickup outweighs the boat/ trailer combo, should be o.k. With low range you will be even better if fitted. Having said that it will be at the marginal end of o.k. - particularly on the open road, down hills and corners.

Posted by: jtexas on 2010-09-02, 06:11:23

Make sure you are within the towing capacity printed in your owner's manual. An F150 almost certainly will; if it's a Ranger it might depend on whether it has the optional tow package. Either way make sure it's fitted with a transmission cooler, else your tranny will be toast in no time. Remember, the frame has to hold it, the engine has to pull it, the brakes have to stop it. It's the brakes that are the limiting factor here, the engine will be fine. Presumably, a 24-footer will have trailer brakes, right? For pulling up the ramp, it's all about rear end gear ratio, and the Ford pickup will most certainly do that job with no problems.