Howdy, We've been gone a while but are back. We are readying our Mainship Pilot 30 and existing vehicle for sale, as well as preparing to buy a CD 25 and a tow vehicle as soon as they sell. The problem is that where we live (condo in Stuart Fl) doesn't allow pickup trucks and RV's to be parked here. The biggest thing that will fit is a Ford Expedition or maybe a Suburban. I want the Expedition (had one before and liked it) as it also has to be our drive around town car too. It has 8900 lb towing capacity. I think I can manage the weight by traveling with 10 gal water and very little fuel until we arrive near the launch area. I have read the old threads under "Towing" and they make it sound pretty close. I have to find a way to manage it as I can't see buying a big truck and paying for storage for it most of the time. Does anybody use an Expedition as their regular tow vehicle for a 25? Any helpful ideas will be appreciated. Thanks, Bob
One more CD 25 Towing help thread please.
- Thread starter Alexander
- Start date
Exciting plans 
This is only generic advice as I tow a 22 Cruiser, but I considered a wide range of tow vehicles (SUV's, pickup trucks, vans, RV's), and did have to look closely at a lot of them to make sure there weren't hidden "gotchas." I did find several of these, mostly relating to "tow capacity." There would be a large tow capacity (or a large difference between GVWR and GCWR), but then when you actually looked at the rest of the specs -- GAWR (axle weights) for front and rear, or GVWR (vehicle weight) -- they would be way overweight before you ever reach the "tow capacity" listed. Unless maybe you threw out the seats and upholstery, and maybe the driver and passenger as well :lol:
So my main comment would be to look at not only tow rating, but also GAWR for front and rear, GVWR, and GCWR to make sure you would not be exceeding any of them when towing what the CD 25 weighs (I've heard ranges from around 7500# to 8900# all-up). Don't just assume you can tow the number in the "tow capacity" or the difference between the GVWR and the GCWR.
Just as an example, my previous tow rig was a 3/4-ton van. It was rated to tow 7,500# by the Ford specs. However, in reality that was impossible because all the other ratings would long have been exceeded (maybe if the van had been stripped bare with a 50# driver there would have been that much capacity available). In reality I had about 5,000# of tow capacity, and it was a perfect vehicle for towing my 22 (around 4500# all up, including tongue weight) With typical gear aboard the van (and boat), plus a passenger, I was nicely balanced on all the ratings, with a few hundred pounds to spare here or there (but not 3,000# more to get up to 7,500# -- no way!). In my case the rear axle weight rating was the closest, but the others weren't far behind.
Okay, maybe you already have a handle on all this, and if so never mind! I was able to make a pretty good guess before I bought my rig(s), by reading online and finding other folks' real-world weights. Ultimately I weighed at various scales (which is where I got the weights in my examples above).
I had to do the whole exercise over again when I bought my current tow rig, and again had to make some educated guesses prior to buying. I then weighed at a scale and came out just fine -- but again nowhere *near* the official rating. In this case the difference between GVWR and GCWR is how they "stated" the tow capacity, and that was 8,000#. In reality, with my C-Dory in tow (4,000# on trailer axles; 350# on tongue), I was under all the ratings, but not by anywhere *near* enough to let me tow that supposed 8,000#. If I had gone by that I would be sorry now.
Here's to your future CD-25 and all the good times ahead :thup
Sunbeam
This is only generic advice as I tow a 22 Cruiser, but I considered a wide range of tow vehicles (SUV's, pickup trucks, vans, RV's), and did have to look closely at a lot of them to make sure there weren't hidden "gotchas." I did find several of these, mostly relating to "tow capacity." There would be a large tow capacity (or a large difference between GVWR and GCWR), but then when you actually looked at the rest of the specs -- GAWR (axle weights) for front and rear, or GVWR (vehicle weight) -- they would be way overweight before you ever reach the "tow capacity" listed. Unless maybe you threw out the seats and upholstery, and maybe the driver and passenger as well :lol:
So my main comment would be to look at not only tow rating, but also GAWR for front and rear, GVWR, and GCWR to make sure you would not be exceeding any of them when towing what the CD 25 weighs (I've heard ranges from around 7500# to 8900# all-up). Don't just assume you can tow the number in the "tow capacity" or the difference between the GVWR and the GCWR.
Just as an example, my previous tow rig was a 3/4-ton van. It was rated to tow 7,500# by the Ford specs. However, in reality that was impossible because all the other ratings would long have been exceeded (maybe if the van had been stripped bare with a 50# driver there would have been that much capacity available). In reality I had about 5,000# of tow capacity, and it was a perfect vehicle for towing my 22 (around 4500# all up, including tongue weight) With typical gear aboard the van (and boat), plus a passenger, I was nicely balanced on all the ratings, with a few hundred pounds to spare here or there (but not 3,000# more to get up to 7,500# -- no way!). In my case the rear axle weight rating was the closest, but the others weren't far behind.
Okay, maybe you already have a handle on all this, and if so never mind! I was able to make a pretty good guess before I bought my rig(s), by reading online and finding other folks' real-world weights. Ultimately I weighed at various scales (which is where I got the weights in my examples above).
I had to do the whole exercise over again when I bought my current tow rig, and again had to make some educated guesses prior to buying. I then weighed at a scale and came out just fine -- but again nowhere *near* the official rating. In this case the difference between GVWR and GCWR is how they "stated" the tow capacity, and that was 8,000#. In reality, with my C-Dory in tow (4,000# on trailer axles; 350# on tongue), I was under all the ratings, but not by anywhere *near* enough to let me tow that supposed 8,000#. If I had gone by that I would be sorry now.
Here's to your future CD-25 and all the good times ahead :thup
Sunbeam
You should be fine. We towed a C Dory 25 with a 2002 (?) Diesel Excursion with the 7.3 L. diesel over 12,000 miles. (That darn Charlie will not sell it back to us!) Two things I learned--you will do better with a weight distributing hitch, and you want electric over hydraulic brakes. We started with neither, and added the weight distribution hitch. The Excursion is beefier than the Expedition. My son used an older Expedition and it was OK--marginal in the towing capacity without an equalizing hitch.
The newer Expedition is rated for the weight of the C Dory 25. BUT you have to use the weight equalizing hitch and HD towing package: Without it is rated at 6000# and 600# receiver weight. With the equalizing hitch is is rated at 9200 and 920 tongue weight. (The EL 8900# and 890#).
We currently have a GM YUKON XL--I would go with the 3.42 rear end, as well as the HD package (that is only 8,000 lbs cap)
Most of the big SUV's are set up with a Trailer Haul mode with the HD package--and this changes the shift points, works well with the load similar to the C Dory 25.
We much prefer the SUV--you keep your gear more secure than in a truck. We put a pad on one side in the back, so I can rest when Marie is driving the rig. We have slept in the Suv on several occasions.
You should be fine.
The newer Expedition is rated for the weight of the C Dory 25. BUT you have to use the weight equalizing hitch and HD towing package: Without it is rated at 6000# and 600# receiver weight. With the equalizing hitch is is rated at 9200 and 920 tongue weight. (The EL 8900# and 890#).
We currently have a GM YUKON XL--I would go with the 3.42 rear end, as well as the HD package (that is only 8,000 lbs cap)
Most of the big SUV's are set up with a Trailer Haul mode with the HD package--and this changes the shift points, works well with the load similar to the C Dory 25.
We much prefer the SUV--you keep your gear more secure than in a truck. We put a pad on one side in the back, so I can rest when Marie is driving the rig. We have slept in the Suv on several occasions.
You should be fine.
bobjarrard
New member
The wife and I have been trying to stay with our 2006 Tundra and not have to buy a one ton; rough ride and a lot of money plus now you have the gas vs diesel matter. Unless we could justify a one tone with tow package and the best brakes on the trailer as well as an equalizer hitch, we will not buy a 25'! We haul a two horse slant load steel trailer with tack room now and with all our gear and two horses, it makes me nervous on the down hills. I have a great hitch setup and a Prodigy P3 brake controller but the Tundra is just enough truck and no more. I would pull a 22' no worries. Most of my friends who tow big time use disk trailer brakes on both axles and a one ton pickup. If they have a camper, which most of them do, they add a good equalizer hitch and most of them have load levelers/air bags. None of us want 4x4 but the first time you need it you will be sorry it is missing (poor ramp surfaces or snow/mud). When in doubt, go big!
Bob Jarrard
Bob Jarrard
My only input is this. We bought a 3/4 ton, F250 4X4, with a 6.0 liter diesel with tow package (used), just to pull the boat. It's one hell of a truck and I have no need for it, other than pulling the boat. It is also "my" truck and I use it as my "driver". Thankfully, I have a work car, or that truck would break the bank. I average 13.8 mpg; closer to 11 if we are pulling our 25. That said, it does the job safely. You probably could go w/ a 1/2 ton, but that would be as small as I'd be comfortable with and it you are pulling long distance or over mountains, that changes the math. JMO.
I would think you want something rated for at 3/4 ton. Something with a 10k tow rating That gives you a little more leeway, bigger brakes, heftier transmission, suspension, etc.. If your staying close to home less might get you by, but if you want to really travel around I don't think a Ford Expedition will really cut it pulling a 25. I'm just saying. And four wheel drive is nice to have.
D.D.
D.D.
Here you go, Freightliner PX4 SUV, GWV 25,000 lbs, tow capacity somewhere over 15,000. 4 x4, Cummins ISC 8.3 L with 1135 ft lbs torque with 6 speed Allison Transmission (same drive train as in our 42 foot RV).
The only problem is convincing the HOA that it really is a SUV!
The only problem is convincing the HOA that it really is a SUV!
journey on
New member
Dora~Jean/Steve uses a Dorf Explorer(?) to pull his 25. I don't think it's an Expedition, but you can send him a PM. I know he's taken that boat to San Francisco and there's some big hills between LA and SF. Bigger than Florida anyway. The new Explorer's don't come with a V-8, so that's out.
So if you get the Expedition, you should have no problem. That 5.4 V-8 in there is the same as in my F-250 and it handles the load going over the Cascades and Rockies. As long as you're willing to shift down. The Expedition's trans is a 6 speed, but should be good. Mine's the 5 speed TorqueFlight, whatever that means but its a good one. I'm running a 3.73 rear axle.
I figure I'm towing and hauling ~9000#, so the rating on the Expedition is good. I don't use an equalizing hitch, but mines a 3/4 ton. Hydraulic/electric brakes are mandatory and don't need a special equalizing hitch.
Boris
So if you get the Expedition, you should have no problem. That 5.4 V-8 in there is the same as in my F-250 and it handles the load going over the Cascades and Rockies. As long as you're willing to shift down. The Expedition's trans is a 6 speed, but should be good. Mine's the 5 speed TorqueFlight, whatever that means but its a good one. I'm running a 3.73 rear axle.
I figure I'm towing and hauling ~9000#, so the rating on the Expedition is good. I don't use an equalizing hitch, but mines a 3/4 ton. Hydraulic/electric brakes are mandatory and don't need a special equalizing hitch.
Boris
jimandlaurie
New member
Pat and Patty pulled Daydream with their Expedition before they got the Duramax for the Fox Mountain land yacht. Did fine for them it seems.
jimandlaurie":uepjjhus said:
Didn't they have a Toyota or Nissan pickup that gave them grief?
CD-25 is nearly two tons heavier than the CD-22 on the trailer. Seems that most folks report their 22 around 4,500 to 5,000 pounds. Our 25 is 8,700 on the trailer with less than 1/4 tank of fuel and much of the cruising gear in the bed of the truck.
I would not tow nearly 9,000 pounds with any 1/2 ton truck. I understand what the truck manufacturers marketing says... read all the stipulations for frontal area, ball tow vs 5th wheel, weight distributing hitch, brakes, etc.
Our GMC 3/4 ton w/Duramax and Allison is our daily driver. Crew cab, 6.5' bed, SRW. Yes, it is bigger than a typical car for around town, but we like the comfort and solid feel. We usually get around 18 not towing, 10-12 towing (depending on the load and headwind).
Jim B.
I would say it depends. We had a 25 and towed it for 6 years with an Expedition. Our boat was around 8500 lbs. If you use a weight distributing hitch, have electric over hydraulic brakes and keep your water and fuel weight down you can do it. It would be adequate for towing short distances in Florida.
However, if you are going to tow the boat long distances a lot, I think you're going to want a tow vehicle with more capacity.
Lyle
However, if you are going to tow the boat long distances a lot, I think you're going to want a tow vehicle with more capacity.
Lyle