Magnusian

Didn't gijunk say that before his truck was retired from farm service (I thought that meant the truck got taken out back and shot, not beat up even more by a deranged teenager) that it used to tow 2-3 loaded hay wagons? Considering that a single hay wagon weighs well over 1 ton unloaded, and several while loaded, I don't think OP will have problems with a 20' boat.

2DoorRunner

There is a difference between, CAN he tow it. And SHOULD he tow it.

Magnusian

Yeah, but he was asking if he will have to upgrade, not if he should.

camo31_10.50

i can comment on this a bit...first hand experience here.


i used to pull my Nitro 884 Savage SC w/150HP motor and single axle trailer with my '86 Toyota with 4.10 gears, 31" swampers, 22R motor 5spd.

it would pull it okay, but stopping was a bit tricky, but as long as you give yourself some extra room to stop you'll be fine.

a 18' Aluminum Jon boat isn't heavy at all, because theres not much to it...but when you get into the bigger aluminum hull boats like this http://www.g3boats.com/Eagle_175_PF
is when it gets heavy.

http://www.g3boats.com/Jon_Boats THOSE are JON BOATS lol..basically just an aluminum hull with your choice of motor.

these are lightweight, and perfectly fine for anything i wanna do lol..however our needs are different.

in my opinion, an 18ft JON BOAT will be NO match for a lil Toyota

wvboy

I have a 16' center console with a 90hp on it. I don't know the exact weight but towing isn't a problem. Steep boat ramps might need low range but you shouldn't be a problem.

Ezrider_92356

i have a 20 ft bayliner with 125hp outboard there is no way id try to tow it with my Toyota. a 16ft john boat sure no problem. but a 20ft fiberglass boat you want a full size truck for safety reasons. if i was in your shoes i would get a 20ft fiberglass and a 80-90's full size pickup to haul the boat. and keep the toyota for every day use. personally i have my 89 toyota as a run around economy truck and then i have a 02 chevy 2500hd as my truck i use any time i really need to haul something besides just smaller stuff. i have to tow trailers in the 18k lb range sometimes across country though otherwise id just have an older full size for my bigger stuff. If you don't wanna go that route i would try to stay under 1500-2000lbs because by the time you add in gear coolers fuel and everything else your gonna be pushing it.

Ezrider_92356

also with outboard boats remember that a lot of times the listed weights don't include the motor or fuel or the trailer.

94svt50

You will want to check local legal requirments as part of your decision making process. That will cover allowed lengths, weights in regards to trailer brakes ect.. And find an official tow rating for your truck. It can vary alot depending on what model, trans, rear gear, hitch ect. that you have. Want to be legal in case of an accident, even if its not your fault they will throw the book at you if something was not quite perfect in the tow setup.