towing

[the full monty]

I have just purchased a Maxum and am concerned about towing and launching. The boat weighs 4200lbs + trailor (approx. 1500lbs) I own a suv AWD which is rated for only 3500. The launch is paved and only 1 mile from my home.I would not be taking any long trips with my boat.<br /><br />Is this ok?

 

[BaysideMarine]

Re: towing

Two issues here.<br /><br />Yes it will probably be ok although there is the risk of stretching your vehicle (depending on the chassis structure). <br /><br />The other issue is that in the (possibly unlikely) event that you are involved in an accident you will void your insurance as you are towing a vessel that exceeds your towing capacity.<br /><br />Food for thought...<br /><br />Cheers,<br /><br />Nicholas

 

[notinbig]

Re: towing

Don't do it. If your behind me I am going to sue your boat right off the trailer. I will also take your truck, house, and anything else of value. Don't do it! I tow an 18 foot boat with a Suburban and at times that is hard to stop.<br />So you need to STOP and think about it. Should I tow my Advantage with my kids Saturn just cause it's got a hitch and I don't have to go far? <br /><br />Your either on something or your onto something, my boy.

 

[JB]

Re: towing

You are talking nearly double the towing capacity of your vehicle, Monty!<br /><br />That would be very dangerous. Not only would it probably damage your vehicle's drive train, the risk of accident is very high.<br /><br />Reminds me of what Brother Dave Gardner said about accidents. "There aint no such a thing. They are all cases of premeditated carelessness."

 

[Bondo]

Re: towing

"They are all cases of premeditated carelessness."

Or,......<br />Shear Stupidity.............<br /><br />And,....... I Think towing at TWICE the Rated Capacity is Beyond Carelessness..................<br /><br />I wouldn't Try that in a Parking Lot,... Much Less a Public Highway...................

 

[tomatolord]

Re: towing

Just make sure the warranty on the tranny is up to date<br /><br />Sister in law did the same thing burned out the tranny in only 5 miles - <br /><br />dont forget fuel - oil - equipment that goes onto a boat they add up quickly<br /><br />Usually these 3500 lb have unibody construction not frames - at that weight just putting it onto the hitch could twist the frame<br /><br />looks like you need a truck! or get a beater to tow it the 1 mile

 

[KM2]

Re: towing

Monty, what vehicle do you have? I don't think it going to help but I still would like to know. <br /><br />Even if you safely get to the ramp, I wonder if you will be able to pull it out. AWD helps but if the boat weighs a lot more than the vehicle you could just be spinning your wheels.<br /><br />Something that big, I would want at a minimum a full size truck/SUV with a v-8 and a 4x4 with low range.

 

[rwidman]

Re: towing

It's probably a bad idea for the reasons posted above. You probably wouldn't have an accident in the one mile trip but you could well have difficulty pulling the boat out of the water and it's possible that the boat could pull your vehicle into the water. To start with, have a friend tow the rig to a scale and have it weighed. Go from there, but I wouldn't go more than 20% over the factory towing spec even for your short trips.<br />

Something that big, I would want at a minimum a full size truck/SUV with a v-8 and a 4x4 with low range.

My rig weighs more than that and I do fine with a 2WD Toyota Tundra V8 with towing package and limited slip rear. Never have spun on the ramp..

 

[Realgun]

Re: towing

My rig weighs more than that and I do fine with a 2WD Toyota Tundra V8 with towing package and limited slip rear. Never have spun on the ramp..<br />

Yes and your tow rating is what 6800 Lbs I believe. Mines 7700 and I dont have limied slip yet. It's in the box on the floor. i don't have the time to install it yet. Besides I have't needed it yet.

 

[DaveM]

Re: towing

I'll reiterate just in case the previous comments have not sunk in. Stick to the vehicle's tow rating. It is just like the max capacity ratings for boats. You wouldn't put 10 people in a boat rated for 6 just because you were going a short distance over water, right?

 

[jtexas]

Re: towing

Monty what kind of vehicle? Mine has a 3500# capacity for a hitch ball on the rear bumper, but much higher for a frame mounted hitch receiver. Any chance you're misreading your vehicle's limit?

 

[chuckz]

Re: towing

Sure you can do it if you do one simple thing. Just like Q told Captain Piccard, "All you have to do is change the gravitational constant of the universe."

 

[Silvertip]

Re: towing

Tundra tow capacity is #6800 provided the weight distributing class IV receiver hitch (not just a bumper mounted receiver) is used.

 

[rwidman]

Re: towing

Chexk here:<br /> http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/2005/tundra/specs.html <br /><br />7100 lb

 

[Silvertip]

Re: towing

I looked at the same site earlier today and it said 6800#. Perhaps the model I picked had a tire size that limited tow capacity.

 

[Northern Eclipse]

Re: towing

Monty if you tell us what type a vehicle you have we might be able to determine the tow limits. If your reading the bumper ( which we are not sure you are) then it may be higher, but if your SUV is the likes of a Ford Escape or 4 runner then 3500 maybe max....so what are you driving?

 

[the full monty]

Re: towing

To everyone,<br /><br />Thank-you for all your responses. The vehicle I have is 2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor which only has a 3500lb towing capacity (more importanlty a car platform).<br /><br />By all of your responses I can see that it would be silly even to attempt to pull this size of boat out of the water even if it is just to clean it at the boat launch. I also have a 1995 Nissan Pathfinder which is rated for 3500lbs. and seems that I would have the same challenge even if it has a stronger chassis.<br /><br />As a new boat owner I am sure to have more outrageous questions for all of experienced sailors!<br /><br />Thanks again, Monty

 

[notinbig]

Re: towing

You just might not get it out is the problem Monty. We all laugh at the guy with his buddy sitting on the hood bouncing while the tires pour out smoke. It is good that you are thinking at least, thats more than I can say for myself. Just always remember the plug. If all else fails atleast you will float!

 

[Northern Eclipse]

Re: towing

Monty if you just need to pull it out, the Pathfinder will do it in 4 low, I pulled my 20ft Wellcraft out with a 1994 Cougar (4.6 v8 rear wheel drive) many times without any trouble. I used to get the last laugh when some Smart@zz would shout out "This should be good" or you'll never pull that boat out with that car. Well guess what it did a great job never had a problem and the ramp was a natural ramp, that consist of rock sand and gravel,A local guy I know that used to hang around the ramp gave me a six pack towards the end of the season one year and told me I earned it because he won so many bets. I still drive this car and she has about a 150,000 miles on it no drivetrain trouble ever, you just have to be gentle with the vehicle.

 

[nightstalker]

Re: towing

Don't try it. If you have to hit the brakes, that rig will push you much farther than you know. <br />Stalker