Ford Explorer Sport Trac

[FLboy3]

I just purchased a 2480 dlx with a 140 4 stroke suzuki from chatlees. I went with the galvanized tandam with surge brakes. The first thing I did was stop at the first Walmart and had the tires balanced and aired up. Was told some were pretty bad out of balance. Pulled the boat from Sanford NC to Charlotte NC to visit my son for a day, then to Just north of Tampa FL. Pulled It with a Ford Explorer Sport Trac, 4.0 6 cylinder. The boat pulled great. Could hardly tell it was back there except for the gas gage droping pretty fast. Got over 22 mpg going up to get it. 10 - 12 mpg Sanford to Charlotte through the hills, 15 - 17 when back on flatland 95 south to Tampa. Trailer set up is perfect. 5800 lb capacity, transom directly over rear cross brace, at least 5 ft between front of boat and back of truck, 4 bunks under boat. They installed a transom saver for me there before I left that worked great. It was the kind that attaches to the rear cross frame up to the motor, No cracking between rear deck and transom and if you've ever been down 95 south through SC and Georgia you know how rough that ride is. The cracking will probably happen first time out on the water.lol. No wear on tires after the long ride. Happy so far, hope it continues.

[Redfish]

Glad to hear someone else pulls a skiff with a Sport Trac. I have the same set-up and am looking at a DLX 2180. I was a bit concerned about pulling it with the little Ford because the boat really looks big compared to what I am pulling now (a 16 ft. Fisher). It is not too heavy, acording to the ratings of the truck, but pulling and stopping are two different things. How does the truck do pulling out of a boat ramp? Do you think the surge brakes are necessary? Thanks for the information.

[Shakespeare]

Redfish, if I may... I have a 2002 Tundra and the 218DLV dwarfs my truck, at least looking throught the rear view mirror. I upgraded the boat trailer to a dual axle Wesco alum. with surge brakes and I'm very glad that I did. Short stopping has not presented the first issue. I've had many people validate my decision. I believe you'll appreciate the surge brakes once you have them. My $.02.

Mike C.

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee78/CSO_Shakespeare/218DLV/DSC00670.jpg

[FLboy3]

Redfish, I shared your concerns about pulling a boat like a 2480 dlx with the 140 suzuki with my 6 cyl ford. I was really concerned about pulling it from Sanford NC to just north of Tampa FL with the truck. But once I got on the road I knew it was going to be fine. Could hardly tell it was back there. I think the tandam axle makes a big difference and the surge brakes takes away all the push from the boat when stoping. I think if you get a CS bigger than 17 ft you should go with the tandam. As far as pulling out of the ramps. It pulled out great. Not a problem at all. I wish I had a V8 but I'm not going to sweat it for now. I'm thinking of getting a E-250 V8 van so I have something to sleep in when I go for overnight fishing trips where theres campgrounds. Saves a lot of money on cabins or hotels.

[Saltfever]

we have a 2005 Dodge 2500 with the Cummins diesel 5.9. Towing a 23' offshore boat with 150 gal of fuel, 16mpg. Not towing, anywhere from 23 to 27 is common. Depending on the traffic around Charlotte N.C. Great Truck!