Bobby T.-26X #4767 wrote:
are you coming out west?
or to the great lakes?
West. To Yuma (second time in my life to be stationed there). I have in-laws in O'side, an Uncle in Carlsbad, and a brother in PB so I will head over the hill when I can.
Jeff,
now i remember...you're gonna keep your X at Pendleton Harbor.
PM/email me when you finally arrive and take 'er out.
would enjoy meeting up with you.
Bob T.
"DaBob"
'02X w/ '04 90-TLDI & '06 2.5-Suzuki
VASSILIS. I just bought a new 26M from BOATS4SAIL, I drove 550 miles each way. I had read all the arguments about single axle Mac trailers and sway etc and whats the best tow vehicle, so I was a bit apprehensive when I had to tow the boat home.I have a 2004 Dodge Durango with 4.7 Lt V8 engine AWD.We took the back roads to avoid tolls, traffic etc in Chicago area.Once past Chicago I got on the t/pike the rest of the way home. I didn,t have any trouble with sway or semi,s passing. I set c/control at 65-70, I even passed some trucks while I got up to 85 mph No truble at all I also pull my camping trailer which over 4000 lb loaded. I have towed that all the way over the Smokey Mts 6000 ft high no problem. My only concern with single axle trailer is if and when I get a flat tire. As for a tow vehicle its Durango all the way, its not as bad with gas as I thought and when coming back from BOATS4SAIL I averged approx 13mpg.If that gas milage seems bad remember I was driving faster than most who tow. Good luck and enjoy the 26m when you get it. EVERYMAN.
Last edited by albion on Mon Sep 11, 2006 9:08 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Good to hear of your success w/ the Durango 4.7L. I had the same, but model yr 2000. I found it just adequate, and never came close to getting 13 mpg ... more like 11 mpg if I kept it at 60 mph, dropping as low as 9 mpg when speeding. (CA limit for all trailers is 55 mph.)
As for the sway problem, IMO that's 90% an issue of tongue weight. Did dealer Bill install an outboard for you? ... or were you towing with the transom bare? It makes a massive difference for towing at freeway speeds.
The single axle trailer for the 26X, plus a big outboard, was pushing the safety margins of its 14-inch tires. This is much less an issue for the 26M, now that Roger is installing 15-inch tires. The 15s have ample capacity (2,500 lbs x 2) to carry the boat plus outboard and gear.
I HAVE towed my short distances with my '95 Wrangler, but use my 2005 Explorer 4x4 for trips. Warning to the original poster with the question - - - the first time you look in the rear view mirror and see that big bow soooo close to your rear end - - - it WILL be a tad disconcerting!
Hey I had not thought of a hitch mount on the front of my suburban! wonder how hard that would be to rig. It would only be for getting The Yam into my side yard, but it sure would help. There is a nasty hedge I have to line up with, missed once with the sun in my eyes, a bad day. Wasn't too expensive to replace though.
Dave, try JC Whitney...I got a bolt on front receiver for my Expedition for 99 bucks as I recall. Lined up with existing holes in the frame. Handy for "stabbing" into those tight storage spaces.
Thanks Cap'n Steve, I'll look into that hitch. I'll also look into poisoning that nasty hedge, it's a breeding ground for flying pests as well as a navigational hazard
short distances with my '95 Wrangler, but use my 2005 Explorer 4x4 for trips. Warning to the original poster with the question - - - the first time you look in the rear view mirror and see that big bow soooo close to your rear end - - - it WILL be a tad disconcerting! 
