Minivan Sienna for towing ????

[Custom]

I just purchase new boat (delivred in november 2003). The dry weight 2150 pounds, i guess if we add battery fuel and gear it gonna go near 2300 pounds. If we add the trailer WITHOUT brakes (500 ). we end up at 2800 pounds.<br /><br />We look to purchase a tow vehicle and wondering if the front wheels drive Toyota Sienna gonna be any trouble (is rating is 3500 pounds)<br /><br />-How it's gonna be on damps ramps (considering the weight of the boat).<br />-would you prefer a trailer with brake.<br />BTW be kind with my syntax and thanks y'all

 

[roscoe]

Re: Minivan Sienna for towing ????

The answer is NO.<br />THe Sienna is rated for 3500#, but that includes the total weight of the trailer AND the weight of the people, cargo, and options in the van. Here's the quote from the Toyota website.<br /><br />

Note that the maximum amount you can tow depends on the total weight of any cargo, occupants and available equipment in the vehicle.

The engine, transmission, unibody, and BRAKES are not meant to handle that much weight.<br /><br />In addition, the boat motor trailer gas batteries safety equipment accessories, etc, probably weigh much more than you think. You will most likely be way over the vehicle GVWR, therefore illegal, therefore voiding your insurance.<br /><br />FWD minivan WILL have trouble.<br />Retrieval and braking will be real tough.<br />Stopping will be near impossible.<br /><br />You need a vehicle with a frame.<br /><br />A Chevy Trailblazer with the trailering package would be the minimun sized vehicle. <br /><br />The cheaper option would be a half ton pickup, with the trailer package.<br /><br />What boat and motor did you buy?

 

[Custom]

Re: Minivan Sienna for towing ????

God, it's gonna be hard to explain this to my wife. (She want a MiniVan ) . Is it the same deal for the unibody Toyota Highlander AWD (rated for 3500)<br />I've order a Stingray 18 feets with Volvo penta 3.0 .<br />If is that hard to tow, maybe i am gonna change for a lighter OB boat.

 

[bomar76]

Re: Minivan Sienna for towing ????

It's not that the boat is as you say "that hard to tow"....you just have to buy something that will do the job.<br />The problem isn't you boat...it's the tow vehicle.<br />Buy something 4 wheel drive or at least rear wheel drive or you'll be like the fools I have to pull up the ramp on occasion cause their FWD tow venicle can't pull crap out of the water, or better yet the weight of the rig drags them into the water when they go to lauch since they can't stop it.

 

[MIKE F]

Re: Minivan Sienna for towing ????

A Chevy Astro or GM Safari van would be more than adequate for that boat.

 

[Northern Eclipse]

Re: Minivan Sienna for towing ????

If its a import minivan you want rather than a domestic, take a look at the Mazda they have great tow ratings they are or at least were rear drive and also were available in 4wd, but whatever you buy, get trailer brakes...moving is easy. ..stopping is the hard part. I personaly have a Explorer with 4.0 v6 and factory tow package I tow about 5000# with it, I'v also towed the same boat with my 1994 Cougar xr7 4.6 v8 ( here comes are you nuts comments) It did a great job never had any problems, But I did not go very far because it is rated for 2000# I was not comfortable knowing that, at least with the Explorer I have some safety margin in tow capacity and it 4WD for those slippery ramps.

 

[jasonballard]

Re: Minivan Sienna for towing ????

I would just by an old chevy full size truck for about 2000 and get your wife the van. I know a lot of people that have an extra vehicle for towing only. Plus you won't wear out the motor and trans in the minivan or car. you can't beat an old tuff truck for towing, doesn't have to look nice as long as it gets the job doen safely. I have 2 towing vehicles--71 chevy truck is awesome heavy load tower and my 2002 tacoma gets good mileage for towing and has the best brake system I have ever found.

 

[CCrew]

Re: Minivan Sienna for towing ????

I pull the same weight with a Kia Sorento. 4wd, full frame, rated at 3500lbs. No issues. Wife LOVES the vehicle. We have 16k miles on it with not a single issue. The Sedona Minivan is the same drivetrain. <br /><br />That said, it's not the primary tow vehicle. That one's a 2002 Crew Cab Super-Duty with a Powerstroke, but that doesn't know the boat is back there.

 

[Hasbeen]

Re: Minivan Sienna for towing ????

I never drive down the road without seeing someone towing a rig that is two big for the tow vehicle! The places that sell boats, travel trailers etc, should be held accountable for accidents that happen and transmision failures because they will sell anything to anybody just to make a sale! (Not all)! The transmisions are barely able to holdup under normal use (Minie Vans) especially Chryslers, let alone towing (Anything) actually they will lose transmissions while towing tent trailers! An astro van is indeed a great choice! Trans coolers are a must if you tow in hill country! No ecceptions!!<br /><br />Hasbeen