How much can I haul?

[caharris79]

I'm looking to buy a boat before next summer. My tow vehicle and price range are the limiting factors. My truck:

- 1989 Isuzu Pick-Up
- 2.6L 4cyl
- 4-Wheel Drive
- 4-Wheel disc brakes
- New HD rear leaf springs
- GVWR = 4700 lbs
- GAWR rear = 2600 lbs
- GAWR front = 2200 lbs

I just started looking for a receiver hitch. I have no owner's manual and can't find towing specs anywhere online. Two questions...

Anyone have any ideas on what the towing limitations on this pick-up might be?

Is there an easy way to estimate boat weight? Like, approx. "X" pounds per foot? I've read NADA is a good place to look up specific boat info, but does that include engine weight? I'm looking for a fiberglass runabout/cruiser/bowrider.

Thanks!

-Colin

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: How much can I haul?

the nada weights if inboard/outboard includes motor. if outboard it is hull only, but they have the outboard motor weight listed in the outboard section. these are dry weight out of the factory, no fuel, gear, coolers of drinks, accessories. add trailer weight. highly recommend trailer brakes on anything you tow with that truck as the back end is so light, a small boat could push it around, and you could be looking at the motor out the side window.

 

[Blue Water Runner]

Re: How much can I haul?

I am gonna guess and probably say 2000 lbs max. I would probably try to keep it under 1500 myself. The brakes on that truck is probably too small to tow any more than that. As far as boat weights. The manufacturer usually has specs online of most boats. Then add a few hundred pounds for a trailer and motor.

 

[caharris79]

Re: How much can I haul?

highly recommend trailer brakes on anything you tow with that truck as the back end is so light, a small boat could push it around, and you could be looking at the motor out the side window.

Great point! Especially up here in the NW - the roads are frequently wet. I was in a friends F-150 recently when he was towing and the trailer pushed him sideways around a corner.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: How much can I haul?

And don't forget, a 2.7 just is not going to have the guts to pull anything sizeable. You're looking at a small runabout, small bass boat, or tinnie as max towable.

I liked the styling on the Santa Fe so a while back I looked at one. Even with the 2. something liter V6 it was only rated for something like 1,000 pounds.

 

[Rob454]

Re: How much can I haul?

I would say no more than 1400 pounds and thats probably pushing it. I had a 85 4 runner 4x4 4 cyl and I think it was only rated to tow 1200 pounds

Rob

 

[caharris79]

Re: How much can I haul?

Looks like I might be getting new truck before next summer too. Or settling on a smaller boat. I like the first idea better though

 

[freddyray21]

Re: How much can I haul?

I had virtually the same set up in an Ranger towing a very light camper. Under 1000 lbs and found it didn't like 5th gear at all. Had to drive most of the time in 4th. Too much on the engine. I only did it one time.

 

[rndn]

Re: How much can I haul?

My brother bought a new Toyota Tacoma to tow his new 18 foot starcraft aluminum with a 75HP mercury. He cheaped out and went the four cylinder five speed, and boy is he ever sorry. Even though his boat and trailer combo weighs about 2500# and his truck is rated at 3500# he can't use fifth gear even while cruising on a level highway at 65mph. It just can't pull it in fifth gear. If he's at a launch with a steep incline, he needs to place it in 4wd low to be able to get enough engine torque to pull the boat up the ramp. I went with the same truck but with a V-6, automatic with the towing package. It pulls my 3200# with no problems anywhere anytime. My truck is rated to tow 6500# so it is well under the rating.