Towing approx 1500 lbs with Windstar

[imported_Rycher]

I have a 2003 Ford Windstar and im about to purchase a 74 17ft proline.. Boat hull is around 600, trailer around 3-400, motor is a merc 650 so around 300 and gas and gear..

I keep reading on this site opinions ALL over the place on wether to tow with FWD minivan.. I read people say yes, it's fine, i do it all the time.. i hear others say don't do it cuase you'll spin the tires coming up the ramp and so forth.. So my question is whose right and whose wrong... I know it all depends on equipment, tires, ramp degrees.. But my question is to those of you who DO tow with your minivan.. Am i going to be able to get my 1500 lbs out of the water.. Can i pull it up the boat ramp... Im planning on getting a trani cooler and a good hitch...

Any advice would be appreciated... Do it, or don't.. ????

 

[imported_Rycher]

Re: Towing approx 1500 lbs with Windstar

Im mainly asking this question because im going to have to put some money in the van to get it to tow.. hitch, cooler, bigger front tires.. and im just making sure i'll be ok before i spend the money.. thanx

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Towing approx 1500 lbs with Windstar

look at your manual what is it rated to tow? which engine are you running. i'm running that much or more with a 05 mercury mariner (same as ford escape) 4 banger, i do have trailer brakes. and don't tow it at 70 mph. it's only a short trip to the ramp. have a smaller boat for longer trips.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Towing approx 1500 lbs with Windstar

There is no "positive" answer to your question. Yes, you should be able to tow the boat. But that's only part of the equation. Will you be able to stop it in an emergency? If you always use improved (paved) ramps that don't get snotty from algae, weeds, sand, etc., you should be able to pull out without major wheel spin. If you ever get into a sandy or unimproved ramp you can expect to have a problem. As for tires, you should understand the difference between "bigger" tires and tires with "better tread pattern". Remember the computer in your vehicle is programmed for tires of a given size (diameter). Going bigger (larger diameter) will cause the speedometer to read slower which alters how the computer manages the engine and transmission. Actually, most tire shops will not install tires that are not specified for your vehicle. Some shops can reprogram the computer to compensate however.

 

[fishingdan]

Re: Towing approx 1500 lbs with Windstar

I have towed boats with FWD mini-vans for years.

- I have never had a problem getting up a ramp. Just like driving in rain, good tires make a difference.

- Install a transmission cooler. If you don't, you will be replacing/repairing the transmission far sooner than you normally would.

- Keep the fully loaded trailer weight as low as possible. If you have a family in the van, keep the weight under 50% of the vehicles tow capacity.

 

[JB]

Re: Towing approx 1500 lbs with Windstar

The most important factor, rycher, is the tow rating as equipped.

I towed about 1,000lb with my '95 Windstar with no problems (before I learned a lot about towing, tow ratings, etc.). At that time all I could get for a hitch was a class 2 (2,000lb?) which should be okay IF the van is rated for it. Many modern vans won't tow a bicycle because of gearing, etc.

I think that a FWD should get better traction than a rwd on ramps, with the engine over the driving wheels and on the dryer pavement etc., whatever that is worth.

Before you do anything else get a number from Ford. . .tow rating as equipped. Laypersons' opinions are worth what they cost. . .nothing.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Towing approx 1500 lbs with Windstar

The problem is your weight estimate.
According to NADA, the hull weight of the 1974 17' Proline is 1000#

1974 PRO LINE BOAT CO
PRO LINE BOAT CO
PRO-17 SPORTSMAN
Length: 17'
Model Name/Description: PRO-17 SPORTSMAN
Boat Type: Outboard Boats
Hull Material: Fiberglass
Beam: 7' 2"
Engine:
Net Weight: 1,000


So now you are at 1900#.
Now add all the people, gear, and fuel load to the van.
You are now adding 2400-3200# to the load of the tow vehicle.

I don't care if you can pull it out of the ramp.
I also don't care if you burn up your transmission.
More concerned with your ability to stop it, or maintain control when someone cuts you off.