Another Towing Thread

[Kwik8608]

Hey guys, I know this subject has been talked about a few times. I've done searches and everything, but I kind of wanted a more personalized answer.

My dad just bought a 2010 Mastercraft X2 (20 feet). Dry weight of the boat + weight of the trailer = 4,400. Now if I want to add some gas to the boat, the tank is 45 gallons (which would equal to about 270lbs). My '08 4Runner SR5 being a V6, I know that my car can handle 5,000lbs.

So now with all the math, I'm to about 4,670lbs. I'm only going to be towing this boat twice a year, once to put it in the water, and once to take it out of the water. Each time I take it out I'm going to be driving it about two hours (all turnpike driving, no hills) to storage. The boat is going to be under warranty so we want to take it to where we got it.

I just wanted to know if there's anything I need to be doing extra to my vehicle, or if I'm just being paranoid and my car will be fine, and tow this boat fine.

Thanks guys

 

[ladywolf]

Hey guys, I know this subject has been talked about a few times. I've done searches and everything, but I kind of wanted a more personalized answer.

My dad just bought a 2010 Mastercraft X2 (20 feet). Dry weight of the boat + weight of the trailer = 4,400. Now if I want to add some gas to the boat, the tank is 45 gallons (which would equal to about 270lbs). My '08 4Runner SR5 being a V6, I know that my car can handle 5,000lbs.

So now with all the math, I'm to about 4,670lbs. I'm only going to be towing this boat twice a year, once to put it in the water, and once to take it out of the water. Each time I take it out I'm going to be driving it about two hours (all turnpike driving, no hills) to storage. The boat is going to be under warranty so we want to take it to where we got it.

I just wanted to know if there's anything I need to be doing extra to my vehicle, or if I'm just being paranoid and my car will be fine, and tow this boat fine.

Thanks guys

have you looked to see what the max towing capacity for your 4 runner is? look at the tongue weight of the boat to see if you guys might want to rent/invest in a weight distribution hitch to take weight off the tonge and off the back of your 4 runner. to see how much of a drop for your hitch, back your 4 runner up to the boat on the trailer level, to see what it is. invest in a good brake controller, never know when you might have to panic stop (i'm assuming the boat trailer has brakes???)

 

[Kwik8608]

Yea, the trailer has breaks, but they're hydraulic breaks. And the weight capacity of my vehicle is 5k lbs.

I also towed out 19' Seadoo X20 quite a bit. It also had hydraulic breaks and a single axle, but that boat weighed, total, about 4k lbs.

 

[SecretAgent]

i'd tow it in a heartbeat, and my 03 V8 is rated for 5000lbs as well, since we both have the same smaller hitch from the factory. you could also buy a 7500lb rated Curt aftermarket hitch if you're worried the tongue weight will be over 500lbs. if there is too much rear sag, you can also install a set of airlift 1000 airbags in the rear springs to level it back out. but like i said, i'd tow it without even thinking twice about it.

 

[kylebacc]

i'd tow it without even thinking twice about it.

Probably a bad thing............but I would too. Two hour drive, within the factory spec limits? I'd never even think about not doing it. But some of those airlift bags would be cool for sag. I have no experience with WD hitch so I can't tell you if that would make a huge difference. I'd imagine it would make some, otherwise they wouldn't sell so many of them.

 

[jetboy1975]

WD hitch won't work with a boat trailer because of the long single frame tongue.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

WD hitch won't work with a boat trailer because of the long single frame tongue.

Add to that surge brakes and WDH's don't play well together...





I'd pull it in a heartbeat. As a matter fact maybe I should pull to GA for some fine October skiing after you're done for the season:lmao:

Some Airlift (or Firestone) airbags would be nice and it would be my preference to add an aftermarket trans cooler. Links to both in my sig.

If it's a disc brake trailer make sure it has a 5-wire light plug and you have the correct adapter. You'll want the reverse lights locking out the trailer brakes on a rig that heavy for sure.

 

[charlier180]

Is this a MOD I was not aware of??

Didn't you know that Mod increases towing capacity, stability and braking effectiveness?? :jk: That has to be why it was posted in this thread about towing.

Seriously, if the OP weighs the trailer to be towed with it's full load of items, supplies, etc and it is under 5K then it will probably be okay if one employs safe towing practices. If it is not actually weighed then I would not be so quick to just do it since the load is borderline at the max published towing capacity.

In case the OP does not already know, if one gets into an accident and it is determined by the police investigation that the trailer was over weight the driver of the tow vehicle is subject to fines, points, etc. If the accident involves injuries or damage to others, then the driver of the tow vehicle could have their butt seriously exposed to a lawsuit.

No matter what let's be careful out there when towing.

 

[Armyguy872010]

Well glad this thread is here, my wife and I are going Travel Trailer shopping this weekend, and I am unsure as to max length 24-25 foot I can comfortably pull. Weight I am OK with as most are built lighter these days and my personal max would be around 4500lbs excluding luggage. I just do not want to feel I am "walking the dog" and yes WDH and anti sway system will be on order if I go past 19 feet. What are some thoughts?

 

[4RStarbai]

not to throw the topic off--

but what "performance mod's" would help make this not just do able but a comfortable "like normal" driving experience?

I know the V6 has a bigger performance aftermarket out there than the V8's and I'm in the market for a Runner but dont know whats better...

V8 bone stock.... v6 with some modifications....

I'd prefer the v6 due to better fuel economy when I'm not pulling the boat, plus I like modding my vehicles... and the v8 not having much of an aftermarket kinda turns me off.

I guess what I'm asking is what is the weakest link here for the v6's for towing???

Transmission? Motor? etc...

If so do the forced induction systems on the market help? I'd assume so as they'd increase torque.

Anyone with a supercharged or turbo charged v6 tow anything of this size? REviews before and after the work?