samuelcosmo76

Looking into getting a boat for next summer... How much can i tow with my dart? (/6)

Also, is there such a thing as a clip on side view mirror, for the passenger side?

Thanks guys!

MrOldart2U

With that rig hope its not a big boat. I wouldnt try to use a Dart for a tow vehicle, but you should be able to get away with a tongue weight of less than 300#. MHO. I wouldnt try to tow more than 1500# total weight.

Used to be able to get clip on style towing mirrors, and I would start @ J.C.Whitney.

samuelcosmo76

Hmmmm. That being said, what can I do to be able to tow more? Probably wouldn't be a big boat though...

440roadrunner

I'd say it "depends on the Dart."

Older ones, especially /6 cars had smaller brakes, tires, and lighter springs. Not a good deal for towing.

If you've "beefed" your suspension with larger T bars and leafs, and either have converted to front disk or have a car with factory front disk brakes, that's a help

78D200

You'd need to install thicker leaf springs (not so much more but physically thicker), you'll need to swap gears in the rear axle too as they will be too high (numerically low) for towing. Brake upgrade is a given too. If you have an auto, it will be screaming for a larger cooler too and upgraded parts.

You'd be better off buying a Dakota and towing with it. I used a 92 Dakota (reg cab, short bed, V6, 5spd) to pull a 16' boat with a 10hp outboard and fishing gear. It pulled pretty nice for a smaller truck.

samuelcosmo76

Thats good advice guys, thanks!

I do have factory discs in the front. Also the springs are new, and I just installed some coil over shocks in the back, which seem to have helped a lot. Is changing the gears a big deal?

samuelcosmo76

I would love to buy a dakota, but I'm a broke college student! ;-P

78D200

Its not hard as long as you take your time and follow the instructions (Yukon has a PDF file on it that is great). You'll need a press and or clam shell bearing pullers, micrometer, dial indicator, in/lb rotating torque wrench amoung other tools. Since the axle is in the car, it'd be much easier if its on a lift. If you have no expecience then I'd leave it to a shop.

78D200

Yet you're looking at buying a boat?

samuelcosmo76

Hey gotta have SOME fun ;-)

MrOldart2U

Hey Sam, you DO know what boat means dont you?.... B.ust O.ut A.nother T.housand. just sayin'....


IF you are bound and determined to have a Boat No towing needed

samuelcosmo76

I already have an old car, so I'm used to throwing away every dollar I have!

Nice, I bet I could fit that in my backpack ;-)

mikerp76

a john boat is perfect for your car to tow. dosen't weigh that much and dosen't require changing anything on the car as well.

Beepbeep71

check your ratio before swapping rear.
Trans oil cooler is easy add on
Your probably good for 2000lbs. 200lb tounge wieght.

Get a good trailer hitch/receiver rated for 2000+. U haul installs them..

samuelcosmo76

I have a trans cooler built into the radiator. You're thinking about one in addition to that?

not into john boats, but who knows!

Beepbeep71

Seperate trans oil cooler. East add on.

18' fiberglass center console or Aluminum deep V fishing or fish/ski boat..

Aluminum is lighter!

Mike

fivepoint

Its been said that the two happiest days in a mans life is the day he buys a boat and the day he sells it. If you think your going to need additional mirrors, I think the boat will be way too large for a Dart.

TVLynn

My familly had an older mid 70's 17' 4cyl i/o and a 19 ft jet with an Olds motor. Had them in storage for years.. Finally just gave them to the storage yard. They are a big money pit