1988 Pick up 1/2 ton towing????? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

jcoulon · 07-30-2005, 03:44 PM

Ive got a 1988 1/2 ton pickup with a carb r22. My question is how much can this truck pull? I am thinking about getting a 19 ft ski boat which would be about 3000 lbs with the trailer would my truck be able to pull this boat around? Thanks alot

reb · 07-30-2005, 04:31 PM

I don't have the towing specs handy, but unless the trailer has brakes, I am positive your brakes are not up to it (Many people don't think about stopping when considering towing requirements). Even if your truck is rated to pull that load, you probably wouldn't be happy with the truck's performance. You don't say you have 4WD, so pulling the boat out of the water might get rough in some launching areas, too.

80toy · 07-30-2005, 06:56 PM

my truck has pulled a similar boat up the grade many times, in first gear however. mine is an 1980, with an older engine, but it does ok, just reallt slow. just make sure the trailer has brakes too.

sonofmayhem · 08-01-2005, 11:05 PM

i know its not as much weight, but i carry around a cr250 and a yfs220, with tools, no problem.

smasheromalley · 08-02-2005, 07:10 AM

You can do what you want but Im telling you right now 3000lbs is 2000lbs too much for you truck. It is not a matter of if the engine can pull the load, it is a matter of whether the brakes can stop the load and whether the truck has enough weight and wheelbase to keep it under control.

If you have to swerve to avoid something or slam on the brakes you are going to lose control, and if whoever you run into decides to sue, then your ass is going to be in a sling.

Besides all the legal and safety stuff, the truck is going to ride like absolute ass. Every time the trailer hits a bump the truck will buck and pitch like a rocking horse. And if you decide to get on the expressway to try and actually get somewhere you will be white knuckling the whole way trying to keep it in your lane. And I know boat trailers dont sway too often, but if yours decides to, a 3k lb trailer behind a 3k lb truck will both be in the ditch before you know it....

Talk you out of it yet?

I wouldnt do it. Not on purpose anyhow.