Boat and Tow Vehicle

[rtwvumtneer6]

13 minutes ago, VolFan said:

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.

My current driver won't handle the load.  It's low mileage for it's age and I'd be silly not to take advantage of the current trade in value.  I'd be looking at a new ride even if the boat wasn't in the picture.  

 

Crestliner Storm 1700.  20 Merc.  Upgrading to a 24V TM (I fish a lot of restricted lakes) and a few other little extras.  That weight came from the dealer after we discussed what I was looking for.  Maybe it's high?  But in this case I'd rather lean that direction.  

[VolFan]

Always better too much and not need it…go ahead and get that trade value…

[rtwvumtneer6]

4 minutes ago, schplurg said:

No way, mini-vans rule!

My father in law has a mini-van.  He owned a floral shop and it was excellent for large deliveries.  He sold the business and bought another van.  He wants to haul his motor bike around with this one ?.  It's a workhorse for sure?

[VolFan]

Unless you have an extra 1000 lbs of gear, your actual tow weight on that with a 20 hp is going to be about 1500#. Boat is less than 700, trailer is 420, motor is around 100 lbs. that still gives you 300 lbs for batteries and gear. So you should definitely do the Ascent but maybe you don’t need the trailer breaks.

[Bankc]

I'd be worried about the transmission in a Subaru.  They use CVT transmissions in all of their vehicles, and those transmissions aren't known for their towing reliability.  So it may pull it, but you'll likely shorten the life of the transmission considerably.  And you may not want the towing package offered by Subaru, as I believe they only offer Class II hitches, which themselves have a max rating of 3500 lbs.  

 

I have a Forester, and one thing I noticed is the same vehicle is rated for 1500 lbs. in the US, but rated at 4000 lbs. in Australia, if the trailer has brakes (1650lbs without).  The only real difference is an upgraded transmission and oil coolers, plus the different regulating powers that govern over their respective markets.  

 

There are two types of SUV's on the market.  The first is made on a truck frame, and the second on a car frame.  The ones made on a truck frame, which tend to be larger and more expensive, can tow about as much as a truck.  The ones made on a car frame, usually can't tow near as much, but have a much smoother ride and get better gas mileage.  All Subarus sold in the US (except the BRZ) are made on a modular unibody car frame, the SGP (Subaru Global Platform).  So if plan on towing often, I'd probably look towards getting a larger SUV, built on a truck frame.  The Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4 Runner are probably you're cheapest options there.  

[Way2slow]

Anyone that's going to tow anything for any distance or at highway speed would be well advised to install a transmission temperature gauge.  Vehicles designed to tow generally come with one for a reason.  Once the temperature gets above 200 degrees F, (about 190 is the max you really want it to go) you are cutting the life of that transmission in half, and it greatly shortens it even more for each five degrees above that.  It doesn't take much extra load on a transmission to cause the temp rise.  

Used car dealers used to take the hitch out from under vehicles if they had one, so people wouldn't know they had been used for towing.

[gm4511]

I think you may be over-thinking this.  If Suburu says your car can tow 3,000 lbs and you adjust your driving habits to allow for longer stopping times when towing, you should be fine.  A Tracker Pro 170 completely rigged with trailer only weighs 1840 lbs. dry.  With full fuel, an extra battery, fishing gear and misc. stuff, you'll still be well below 3,000 lbs.  

 

But, if you really want a new suv, get it anyway.

 

 

 

[Dogface]

He's from PA. Lots of big hills or little mountains. I'm not sure the Subaru would be great going up or down those hills. 

[WRB]

Smouse in PA sells Load Rite single axle boat trailers with brakes, 14” wheel etc.

Tom

[rtwvumtneer6]

4 hours ago, gm4511 said:

I think you may be over-thinking this.

I'm really good at that!

43 minutes ago, WRB said:

Smouse in PA sells Load Rite single axle boat trailers with brakes, 14” wheel etc.

Tom

That's funny, I was actually in contact with them in regards to adding brakes to the factory trailer.  ??

[NorthernBasser]

FYI, on the newer models, be sure you know the difference between the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee. The Grand Cherokee would tow what you listed with ease. You wouldn't even know you're pulling anything.