Is my car big enough?

[pjeffarch]

I have a 1998 Acura 3.2TL Sedan. I want to tow my just-bought '84 MacGregor 25. The car manual says 1500lb total tow weight max. The Mac weighs 2100lb total, incl. trailer. I've seen the Mac towed by much less than my Acura. Am I safe to take it on the interstate? I don't have access to a truck/SUV. Thoughts? Thanks.

 

[JB]

Re: Is my car big enough?

NO, NO, NO! <br /><br />Other's stupidity does not in any way justify you to do the same.

 

[tfbrown1270]

Re: Is my car big enough?

No......I had a Tanzer 26 sailboat, tipped the scales at about 5000 lbs I believe (maybe more), however it sat on a 2000 lb dual axle trailer. Not only was it heavy but it was ungainly as he**, the slightest breeze threatened to overturn us...It was a frightening experiance to tow that thing with a 3/4 ton 4x4 pick up....I believe you would be ill advised to even attempt moving the boat with the CAR. Borrow/rent a 1/2 minimum and 3/4 would be avised.....fwiw

 

[L Christopher]

Re: Is my car big enough?

Rent a truck, or SUV or ask a friend for the use of a truck or SUV but don't try to tow with the acura.

 

[DJ]

Re: Is my car big enough?

The quick answer. NO! <br /><br />Not under any circumsances.

 

[pjeffarch]

Re: Is my car big enough?

OK Guys, I definitely get the message! Gotta go to plan B...thanks for saving me the expense of putting a hitch on the Acura. May be time to trade it in for an truck. And thanks for saving me alot of hassle, and maybe my boat/car/life.

 

[reelscreamer]

Re: Is my car big enough?

If you don't want to step up to a small SUV or truck, look for a large station wagon, minivan (eww, or larger car. Sometimes the trailer weight limits are about 3500lbs on them when properly equipped. Good thing you decided not to push your Acura, as it would probably end up in the drink if you lost it on the launch ramp.

 

[Lark40]

Re: Is my car big enough?

While I'm not familar with that boat, it seems way out of bounds that a 25 foot anything would only weigh 2100 lbs with trailer.<br /><br />Have you measured it at a weigh station? Don't plan on getting a tow vehicle unless you know the exact weight of your load.

 

[izuizme]

Re: Is my car big enough?

I've been pulling my 16" wellcraft with my 1993 Acura Vigor 2.5 liter for several months. The Gross hitch weight is rated at 3500LBS.<br />The tongue weight is 300LBS max.My total weight loaded is around 1,500LBS.I know what my car looks like next to a 20" boat, and would not even think about it...!!!<br />EVEN THROUGH THE TRAILER HITCH SALES PEOPLE TELL ME THAT IF THE HITCH MADE FOR THE VEHICLE IS RATED AT 3500LBS,THEN THE VEHICLE CAN HANDLE IT.Check it out for yourself at http://www.draw-tite.com/

 

[mlslocks]

Re: Is my car big enough?

izuizme<br />the rating of a hitch has nothing to do with the vehicle rating. I can put a fifth wheel hitch on my 1/2 ton pickup but that does not mean I can handle a fifth wheel trailer.

 

[dhud64]

Re: Is my car big enough?

As I always say: "Even if it pulls it, will it sttop it?"<br />More tow vehicle mass and weight the better

 

[roscoe]

Re: Is my car big enough?

2100# is right, according to NADA, but then there is the gear, kicker and fuel?, supplies, sails, and trailer. Over 2800# I would bet.<br /><br />You didn't just save the cost of the hitch, but also the engine, transmission, and brakes on your car.