Boat and Tow Vehicle

[rtwvumtneer6]

Really stuck in the mud here...  

 

Wanting to purchase my first boat and it's also looking like I'll need to upgrade my tow vehicle.  The rig that I'm interested in is going to be roughly 2,400#.  The vehicle I had intended to tow with -Forester Wilderness- is rated for 3,000# *with trailer brakes.  In my shopping, trailer brakes were basically non-existent until you surpassed 3,000# trailer weight.  The single axle trailer from the manufacturer does not have brakes - didn't even see it as an option.  

 

Started looking around at what tow capacities are for SUVs and midsize trucks w/o trailer brakes and a lot of them (i.e. Tacoma/4runner) were 1,000# (same as the Subaru.)

 

Just trying to be safe, and not make a giant financial mistake here... I don't think I need an exceptionally beefy vehicle for the task, but my research is doing nothing but confusing the snot out of me.  FWIW the SUV is overall more practical for me than a pickup.

 

Looking for your experience and guidance to help me set a realistic expectation, and avoid learning the hard way...  Thanks in advance.  

[MN Fisher]

If you're looking at new - depending on the options you get.

Chevy Traverse is rated up to 5000# towing.

Chevy Tahoe is rated up to 7900# towing.

[Jig Man]

Jeep Cherokee Trail Hawk was used by my wife to pull my 4500# rig.

[Deephaven]

I pull my Ranger, a big ole snowmobile trailer, and a 7000lb 24' recreational boat with a Jeep Grand Cherokee.  It is perhaps more than you need size wise, but drives pretty small.

[Unk]

I was in the same situation . I have a Subaru Outback 3.6 rated for 1700# / 3000# with brakes , I couldn't afford the boat and the tow vehicle both so I downsized on the boat. Glad you're able to do both . We have a friend who can tow heck and half of Georgia with her Chevy diesel SUV .

[rtwvumtneer6]

15 minutes ago, Unk said:

downsized on the boat

Assuming you are not running brakes on the trailer?

 

What boat did you get?  I'm about as light as I can get without sacrificing what I would consider essential.  

[A-Jay]

I see a lot of threads where members are asking will my vehicle tow X.

The question is not so much will my vehicle tow X, but will it stop it not under normal conditions, AND a panic stop, down hill stop ect.

I have an 1875 aluminum rig fully loaded with 200 hp and I can push it into the garage myself so a pretty light vehicle can tow it, but I also know that stopping it is another thing altogether.

A lot of people post where they tow their boats with their mini van.

I just hope they are not doing it in my neighborhood.

A-Jay

[rtwvumtneer6]

50 minutes ago, Deephaven said:

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Grew up with Jeeps... Had a '96 Cherokee with the 4.0 and a tow package.  It was bullet proof, and rugged.  Rust got the best of it ?.  Dad had a few of the newer ones, I think after Fiat got into the mix.  Compass and Cherokee.  They've... Evolved.  

 

Mom had an '01 Grand.  It was nice.  The ones they make today, I'd be afraid to use it for "work".  Feel like they're moving into the luxury market.  Anyway not sure I'll go that route, but I know it's a solid suggestion and a very capable vehicle.    

[rtwvumtneer6]

5 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

I see a lot of threads where members are asking will my vehicle tow X.

I saw a lot of that in my searching.  I'm trying to solve for "What will do this, safely."  And fit in my garage and budget, of course.  So, I've identified the boat, now I'm trying to find the vehicle.  That makes my question different, I think?

 

I'm struggling in that the manufacturers, from a liability standpoint, can't tell me the true capability.  Not that I want to push it, but I don't think it's going to take an F350 to tow safely and comfortably.  However, the laws vary so much from state to state, and the owner manuals are generic, so they have to tell me anything over #1,000 requires trailer brakes to achieve the advertised capacity.

 

I'm looking at a 17' aluminum, single axle trailer, 20HP, 3 batteries, 12 gallon tank, safety equipment, tools and gear.  Really quite basic, if that's at all helpful.  Best approximation is #2,400 total.

[A-Jay]

46 minutes ago, rtwvumtneer6 said:

I saw a lot of that in my searching.  I'm trying to solve for "What will do this, safely."  And fit in my garage and budget, of course.  So, I've identified the boat, now I'm trying to find the vehicle.  That makes my question different, I think?

 

I'm struggling in that the manufacturers, from a liability standpoint, can't tell me the true capability.  Not that I want to push it, but I don't think it's going to take an F350 to tow safely and comfortably.  However, the laws vary so much from state to state, and the owner manuals are generic, so they have to tell me anything over #1,000 requires trailer brakes to achieve the advertised capacity.

 

I'm looking at a 17' aluminum, single axle trailer, 20HP, 3 batteries, 12 gallon tank, safety equipment, tools and gear.  Really quite basic, if that's at all helpful.  Best approximation is #2,400 total.

Sounds like you should be good.

A-Jay

[rtwvumtneer6]

44 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

Sounds like you should be good.

A-Jay

It'll work out exactly how it's supposed to. ??

 

[VolFan]

So I have a 15’ aluminum with 20 hp, two batteries, two anchors, 8-10 rods, tackle, 55lb bow remote trolling motor, and deck sitting on a single axle trailer. Unless it’s really built out or really full I think your #2400 may be way high, but that depends on the boat build. Mine is conservatively right at #1000 as towed. I tow with a 2006 4Runner with a V8 and have 0% problems going or stopping within reason. It will go through more brakes. I would add that you tow a boat like you drive a boat - safe distance to all obstacles and try to have a safe way to go should an obstacle pop up in front of you. You can’t stop on a dime.

[gim]

I’m considering down grading from an F-150 to a Ford Ranger Supercab myself.  My boat/trailer weighs about 3500 pounds. I might lose some mileage while towing but the amount I’ll gain overall with a smaller truck is worth it to me. The Ford Ranger is rated to tow 7500 pounds.

 

1 hour ago, A-Jay said:

A lot of people post where they tow their boats with their mini van.

I hate minivans. We had them growing up in my family. Luckily they seem to mostly be phased out and replaced with SUVs now, thank goodness.

[Deephaven]

In Europe you see BMW 5 series sedans towing big ole campers.  Many cars can way outperform their ratings here.  A boat with a 20hp shouldn't be too hard on anything that can legally tow it.

[Way2slow]

Make sure the trailer has 14" wheels so they will fit over the brakes and then just upgrade the trailer to disc brakes.  It's not that expensive to add surge brakes.  The main thing is having 14" wheels and the right size tongue to mount the master cylinder assembly to start with.  Just don't try to save a dollar and buy drum brakes, total waste of time and money, and require a lot of routine maintenance, keeping them adjusted and working.

I've been pushed through one intersection by 3,100-pound boat rig behind a Toyota 4WD pickup trying to make a panic stop, and it's not something I would care to go through again

[Unk]

11 hours ago, rtwvumtneer6 said:

Assuming you are not running brakes on the trailer?

 

What boat did you get?  I'm about as light as I can get without sacrificing what I would consider essential.  

Nope , no brakes on the trailer . I went through the same thing you did looking for small trailers with brakes . I did find that you can put on aftermarket brakes from Etrailer but decided against this . I ended up with a G3 1610 Sportsman with a 50 HP Yamaha . With a full tank of gas it is within 50 pounds of my Subaru's rating . With the exception of the transom mounted Lowrance , I have been very pleased with the rig .

[GaryH]

10 hours ago, VolFan said:. I would add that you tow a boat like you drive a boat - safe distance to all obstacles and try to have a safe way to go should an obstacle pop up in front of you. You can’t stop on a dime.

Great advice..

[DaubsNU1]

Good on you for researching now! I researched 5th wheels a few years back, accurate information is often hard to find.  Manufacturers list specifications differently, makes lining this all up difficult. 

 

My friends tow a lot, big 5-ers, big walleye boats...sometimes double-pulling (boat behind 5th wheel). 

 

Something to think about: vehicle tow ratings a not as much about the engine and getting the load moving...what is waaaaaaay more important is stopping! The diesel engine in my Silverado HD is the same engine GM puts in medium duty trucks. My truck is rated to tow ~13,000 lbs. Medium duty trucks much more...

 

Why? 

 

Because of beefed up suspension, brakes, etc. on medium duty trucks. 

 

Buddy who farms would pile round bails on his trailer...and pull with his 3/4 ton Duramax. We calculated the load...over 30,000 lbs! He said getting the load moving wasn't an issue...stopping...that required a lot of space. (note: he was pulling on a gravel road between his farm and land...not on highways or roads).

 

 

[jbmaine]

We tow our 16 ft lund with a Ford Edge with factory tow package. Tow package is rated for 3500LB. Tows great, no ,issues.

                                    Jim

[Jigfishn10]

My boat is about 2,100 with engine and gas tanks full. My jeep was perfect.

 

I don't go fast on the highway, pretty much stay in the right lane and go the limit only because I had someone cut in front of me and slammed on their breaks a few years ago while I was towing a much lighter boat. Didn't think I was going to stop.

 

The people who cut in front of you and have never towed anything, have no idea how much stress they cause the person who is towing something. 

 

I think you're fine with what you got.

[rtwvumtneer6]

9 hours ago, DaubsNU1 said:

accurate information is often hard to find.

Isn't that the truth.  The real world experience being shared here has been helpful, and I'm glad to see we have a lot of responsible, safety minded members!  Starting to think I should have just posted:

 

"Need to tow 2,500# and the trailer is not equipped with brakes.  What are you using?"

[VolFan]

Something with at least a 3000 lb towing capacity. And I’m adding surge brakes to the trailer.  I thought you were getting a 17 or 18 ft aluminum with a 20 hp Merc. So I guess you can use your Suby but you are going to wear it out much, much faster than normal.

[rtwvumtneer6]

13 minutes ago, VolFan said:

17 or 18 ft aluminum with a 20 hp Merc. So I guess you can use your Suby

I am.  Looking at going up to the bigger Ascent with 5,000# tow but all Subarus are rated for just 1,000# unbraked.  

[VolFan]

I think my question would be…are you looking for a reason to upgrade or are you trying to figure out if your daily will be safe? The Ascent would be better but I’d still put brakes on the trailer if you’re going to be pushing 3k. Out of curiosity- what brand/model are you looking at? 2400 just seems heavy for a boat that size.

[schplurg]

On 5/31/2022 at 6:47 PM, gimruis said:

I’m considering down grading from an F-150 to a Ford Ranger Supercab myself.  My boat/trailer weighs about 3500 pounds. I might lose some mileage while towing but the amount I’ll gain overall with a smaller truck is worth it to me. The Ford Ranger is rated to tow 7500 pounds.

 

I hate minivans. We had them growing up in my family. Luckily they seem to mostly be phased out and replaced with SUVs now, thank goodness.

No way, mini-vans rule!

 

I loved my Tacoma truck but the Sienna mini-van kicks its butt for me. Safe interior storage for my rods etc is a gigantic bonus, and they actually fit lengthwise, unlike my truck. I took out all the rear seats which frees up the entire cargo area. Folding down seats in an SUV gives up a lot of headroom. My seats pop right out in seconds.

 

Good mileage, more space than all but full sized SUVs (even then I'm not sure, especially vertical space) and I can slide my DIY bed setup in there and camp with it. If I really have to I can get a sheet of plywood in there. Better ride too (than a truck).

 

It has sliding doors on both sides for easy access, plus the back door. And it has way more cargo space than a smaller SUV, maybe any SUV. And my kayak sits on the roof.

 

Added bonus...cops ignore me. If I put a Baby On Board sticker in my window I could smuggle drugs and never get caught  

 

When my truck died I was looking for another truck at first, then an SUV, then I discovered mini-vans. Most practical vehicle I've ever owned, especially for the price!

 

Okay I'm done  

 

PS: I easily did 110 mph in it once and could have gone higher if I had the space and trusted the tires that were on it when I bought it.

 

To stay on topic - no I would not tow a bass boat with it.