Odyseey or Sante Fe for towing double PWC's?

[CZSteve]

My brother and I just acquired 2ea 1996 Sea-Doo GTX's on a Shoreland'r double trailer (not sure of the total weight).
The majority of time we'll be using either my Dodge 2500 or GMC Envoy V8-RWD.

He'll tow at times and needs to decide which vehicle to get the hitch for - either an '04 Honda Odyssey or an '07 Hyundai Sante Fe - Spec's:

Odyssey
Curb weight: 4365
Engine size/hp: 3.5/240
Torque: 226@4500
Tow allowance: 3500 lbs

Sante Fe
Curb weight: 3846
Engine size/hp: 3.3/242
Torque: 242@4500
Tow allowance: 3500 lbs

Biggest difference is the curb weight. The Doo's aren't that heavy and guessing either will work fine.
The Odyssey is probably the preferred choice because of the seating arrangenment and storage room.

Thoughts between the two?

EDIT: Would either of these vehicles have an option for a Tow Package from the factory? If so, anyway of telling if so equipped if we don't have the build sheet? Call in with the VIN to a dealership? Any online resource?

Thanks,
Steve

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Odyseey or Sante Fe for towing double PWC's?

96 gtx's (non limited) are LIGHT pwc's. (very nice ones, and the best engine seadoo made also)

Anyway, weight going down the road for everything, fueled up, including the trailer, is going to be about 1500 pounds. Either of those vehicles will handle it without even noticing there is a load, so don't worry about towing. Pick which ever vehicle suits you best.

 

[CZSteve]

Re: Odyseey or Sante Fe for towing double PWC's?

Thanks SC; we were thinking it was probably a toss up regarding the tow rigs.

Yeah, pretty excited about these GTX's. Got both along w/ a nice Shoreland'r trailer w/ a torsion axle for $2200.
We didn't have an opportunity to test them under load on the water but we did do a compression check and all four holes came in between 140 and 145. Both Sea Doo's are in pretty good cosmetic shape; one has a moderate gap on the wear ring and the reverse does not work. Planned on replacing both wear rings anyway and for the money can afford to do what we need, such as a new reverse cable if that's whats needed.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Odyseey or Sante Fe for towing double PWC's?

Make sure to do the updated anti rattle kit if it hasn't been done already when you have the wear ring out. Also, if you haven't done wear rings before, freeze the new one before dropping it in. Makes getting it in MUCH easier!

 

[zealer]

Re: Odyseey or Sante Fe for towing double PWC's?

Is it an aluminum trailer? Regardless, either vehicle will do fine. Personally, I would put it on the Odyssey. As you mentioned, can fit more people and coolers.

 

[Mason78]

Re: Odyseey or Sante Fe for towing double PWC's?

According to Nada they weight 575 lbs each. 1996 Sea-Doo/BRP Price, 1996 Sea-Doo/BRP Value & Used 1996 Sea-Doo/BRP Specs | NADAguides | NADA Marine Appraisal Guides

the trailer is probably 400-500 lbs. So allowing for fuel and gear I doubt your even at 2,000 lbs.

I think either will work fine. You could just let him borrow one of your vehicles!!!!!

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Odyseey or Sante Fe for towing double PWC's?

Remember to add people into the towing weight equation.