Small Vehicles

[Bull54]

With the price of gas going up I am looking at purchasing a small used vehicle to run around town in. Was wondering if a 4 cyl automatic would pull the J16? Ramps are between 1-15 miles depending on which one I use. But more concerned with pulling the trailer and boat off the ramp? Will a 4 cyl be good enough or do you think I will have to go with a 6 cyl? I am figuring the weight is aorund 2,000-2,500 prob, fully loaded with fishing stuff etc.

Any comments appreciated.

[Gary13]

I pulled my 16-foot Stinger for 12 years and my J-16 for 2 with a Ford Ranger 4-cylinder. Both boats pulled as well as they did behind my Dakota. Never a problem pulling up steep wet ramps either. Only difference I found was the lighter vehicle required more braking distance, especially on wet roads. Other than that, that little 4-cylinder did everything I ever ask of it.

[DCRICE]

I haven't confirmed it yet with scales, but I believe that my gross trailer / boat weight loaded is 1303 lbs.. It doesn't take much to pull it 15 miles. The manual on your vehicle will confirm if can tow anything.

[Riverine1969]

We pulled a J-16 easily with a Nissan pickup with 5 speed stick and 4WD. When we bought the bigger CS24, the truck pulled OK, but emergency stopping got very exciting. (Keep in mind I made my living running doubles up and down the road for UPS). After the first trip with the little Nissan pulling the bigger boat, we restricted ourselves to towing late at night with almost zero traffic, until getting a slightly bigger truck.

[MartyJ16]

I tow my J16 with a very standard 98 Tacoma with a 4cyl and 5 speed with no problems at all. I did put heavier shocks on the rear. The manual says this truck is rated for 3000lbs towing, but I would say that is pushing it. It is pretty much the Toyota you see everywhere with a cap on the back pulling a landscaping trailer.

I have squeezed 28mpg out of a tank before. Last gas crisis, I looked pretty darn smart at the ramp with the Tacoma/j16 setup.

Like Jim said, I would not want to be in a panic breaking situation, so I try to stay away from everyone. I don't tow in the hills, so I don't know how it would work for that.

[Bull54]

Thanks guys I appreciate the feedback.*thumbsup*

[chris e]

A frend of mine a small honda suv ( crx I think ) he tows a Old 18 center consol boat with no problems

[Fayetteguy]

Hey Bull, i actually towed my 16ft with a 4cyl 5spd truck more than i have a fullsize!

On a side note i take it you made it to savannah? What ramps have you tried? We should get together one day on the water, my wife and i spent last weekend burning old gas out and went out to wassaw island.

-FG

[Bull54]

Fayetteguy,

Yes we made it have had the boat out 3 times so far.

We have put out at Turner's Creek Ramp and also the ramp on Hwy 80 just before Tybee. Not much fishing mostly just getting familiar with the waters and the areas. We have been messing around in the Wassaw Sound both times we went out. The other time was to try my new Hustler Prop out for a few minutes.

Hope to get out this weekend if weather and work will permit it ;D

You live in Savannah? I am out on Wilmington Island.

[Fayetteguy]

we moved about a year ago to the pooler area. Wilmington is great, nice little island.

I like turners, its pretty convenient although the idle all the way out of the creek can get old. For sightseeing, if you didnt know already hogans marina (on turners creek) has bait gas and what not, but Paula Deans house is just past the marina, has a green roof and a slide on the end of the dock. Next comes the famous miss judys dock! Im lucky enough to consider her a very good friend and if shes ever down on her dock she will chit chat with ya and tell you whats biting :) Tell her "fish counter matt sent ya".

Wassaw island has like 17miles of hiking trails on it, and if you anchor up and walk to the frontside of the island it has an absolutely beautiful driftwood area. Picture time

Fishing has been picking up im going to try to get out in the next week or so, just to peek around and see which fish have made it through winter.

[Bull54]

We will have to get together and go out sometime. The wife and I go all the time when weather and work permit it *LOL*

I am looking forward to finding some fish for sure, so far just trying to get familiar with this HUGE tide we have here. Supposed to be like 8 feet this week so should be interesting.;D

[Bull54]

Fayetteguy, I tried to send you a PM but it woudl not let me.

But I found that launching on HWY 80 and heading to Waasaw is much faster than going thru the no wake zone off of Turner Creek.

[Fayetteguy]

Ya every time i think i have some spare change to become a supporter something happens!

my email is novass@hotmail.com or just thread me here.

[CFISHN]

ENTER YOUR MODEL AND YEAR !

http://www.trailerboats.com/towrating/

[texasspud]

Your J16 weighs much less than 2000lbs. Our JVX16 is about 1450lbs or so with a Suzuki DF40 (245lbs), hull (650lbs), MT trailer (320lbs). Thats 1215lbs plus a 100lbs of batteries, trolling motor and other gear.

The J16 hull is 330lbs. Your probably towing closer to 1000lbs or so. I think any 4cyl that is capable of towing at all could probably handle your rig.

[thewholebit]

I pull it with a 4 cyl. Ranger, 5 speed. About 20 miles, two lane road. No big hills, or anything. Use aggressive treaded tires on the back. No problem at all, but like the rest of you, I use my head and don't follow close, etc.

[Bull54]

Thanks for the posts guys*thumbsup*

[Bull54]

Well we decided and bought a 2000 Kia Sportage 4x4. It seems like it should have the power to pull it up the ramps. I do not intend to pull it long distances. I have 3-4 ramps all within 5 miles of my house.

I appreciate all the posts. Now jsut hope this thing last me a couple of years and I will be happy ;D*003*