The issue here is how often and where this boat will be towed.
I towed a boat and trailer weighing in at about 3000 pounds with my shop truck (1/2 ton, 435 HP). Towing was no problem, nor was stopping IN A STRAIGHT LINE with electric brakes (the truck has power discs).It got a wee bit squirrelly stopping in a corner (the truck simply did not have enough weight!).
The issue was backing the boat down the ramp into the lake. I was very thankful when the boat floated, and the tires stopped sliding!!!!!!!!!!!!
The only way I could get it up the ramp was by partially holding the hand brake to lock the rear wheels.
After that I used my shop van which was 4 wheel drive. And this one was only 3000 pounds!
Completely concur on the front hitch. Learned that on the farm more than 60 years ago!
OP - if you do modify your existing truck, AND plan to put the boat down a ramp, one modification you NEED is a PTO-driven winch with a long cable on the front (long enough to hook on to the big tree on the other side of the parking lot!).
I hate to see you sell that '55, but BE SAFE!
Jon.
Last edited by carbking; 02/20/2020 3:20 PM.
