V8 towing a boat

[Kinnick]

I just picked up an Alumacraft Edge 175 and was looking for towing feedback. I have a 2006 V8, and haven't towed with this particular vehicle or boat. I'm guessing the boat/trailer/gear/gas to weigh around 3,100 pounds. I realize the 4Runner has a short wheelbase, so I am wondering if anyone can post any concerns or helpful hints. Thanks.

 

[y=mx+b]

I've never towed a boat, but I have towed a 6x12 uhaul full (15-16ft ish overall) of apartment crap twice with my v6. Not sure how much it weighed, but maybe 3000-3500lbs with the heaviest load? This is just a list of tips off the top of my head right now

• Monitor trans temps with a bluetooth OBDII reader and Torque Pro on an android device. I have this Bafx bluetooth OBDII reader I have: Amazon.com: Bafx Products - Wireless Bluetooth OBD2 / OBDII Diagnostic Car Scanner & Reader Tool for Android Devices - Read/Clear Your Check Engine Light & Much More: Automotive. I used these codes for trans temp: Torque App - working formula for tranny temp
• Put the transmission in 4th to keep converter locked longer and get rpms up closer to peak power/torque.
• Familiarize yourself with how torque converter unlock vs downshift feels. For me, torque converter unlock feels like I keep same speed or rate of acceleration, but rpms increase about 1000. With downshift. I usually feel a speed or rate of acceleration change. If the torque converter is unlocked for too long, you can overheat your trans fluid. 4th will keep it from unlocking and monitoring temps Torque will make sure you don't cook the fluid.
• Trans cooler (v8 already has one, but have read about bypasssing with bigger)
• Understanding the distance needed to stop casually and aggressively. Of course you never want to be in a situation where you need mash the brakes, but understanding how long you need to stop in an emergency is important.
• Trailer brakes. <strike>Boat might have electric and will need a controller.</strike>. If you have a trailer with electric brakes, you may need a controller. Lots of people like the Teshonka p3, there should be a small harness in your glove compartment, and the controller plug is tucked into some plastic by the left foot. The uhaul surge brakes really depend on how well the trailer was maintained, which means they all suck. I'm sure a personal use, well maintained surge brake setup will work well.

I think overall, you will be fine at less than 50% of the towing capacity.


edit: revised trailer brake comments

 

[Barefoot]

I have a 19' fiberglass boat that is fairly heavy for its size, and tow it 1500 miles round trip every summer. I don't know the total weight, but the bare boat is 2500 lbs. Throw in motor, batteries, trailer plus stuff and it is pretty heavy. I have a 2wd V8.

I have a dual axle trailer that has surge brakes on one axle. Its not unheard of, but boat trailers that get dunked in the water rarely have electric brakes.

I tow with the trans in 4th.

Tips: Always have a spare tire with you, and a way to jack the trailer. Even better is an entire spare hub/wheel/tire assembly.

Every stop, walk around and touch the hubs and tires. Anything more that a little warmer than air temperature means that something is going south.

I always run with the trailer tires at max pressure. (50psi in my case)

You want the tongue weight to be around 10% of the trailer weight, so having a tongue jack helps a lot. If the tongue weight is too light, the trailer will have a tendency to sway (not good in an emergency maneuver). My dual axle trailer is much more stable than a single axle.

With the tailgate open, I can stretch a little and see the ball of my hitch as I'm backing up. Makes it easy to back right to the trailer without having to get out and look.

I always unplug the trailer lights before I back into the water. The lights will last longer that way.

 

[zbadboy69]

Keeping the transmission in 4th really helps prevent the fluid heating up to much. I agree it also helps keep your speed more consistent.

 

[y=mx+b]

I have a dual axle trailer that has surge brakes on one axle. Its not unheard of, but boat trailers that get dunked in the water rarely have electric brakes.

That makes sense, I guess it's obvious I'm not a boat owner haha!