Buick LaSabre pulling boat

[Todd Peterson]

I have a 2002 Buick LaSabre and own a 1984 Beretta. The trailer is dual axel and has a tongue weight of about 40 lbs. The trailer is rated for 4,500 lbs. I put a hitch on my Buick and tow my boat. I live by the lake and launch the boat each time I use it and never go over 35 mph. Does any one know if this is ok for my car?

Thanks, Todd

 

[BMOLCHANY]

Re: Buick LaSabre pulling boat

For a short distance I do not think that it would cause a probem. Ling distance the suspention is not made for it so I would not go too far.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Buick LaSabre pulling boat

for the short distance you are probably ok. but need more info. what is the tow capacity of the buick? what is the actual weight of the total trailer, boat, motor, and gear. 40# is way too light for tongue weight, that would be for a 400# total load.

 

[Todd Peterson]

Re: Buick LaSabre pulling boat

I do not know what the tow capacity is for the buick. I guess I should ask the car dealer. I am afraid to find out but I do not want to buy a truck or SUV with these gas prices.

 

[BMOLCHANY]

Re: Buick LaSabre pulling boat

You should be able to pull the specs off the internet for the capacity of the vehicle.

 

[Todd Peterson]

Re: Buick LaSabre pulling boat

Yes,
I will get on that and let you know. Hope it is at least for 3,000 lbs. I will have to weight the boat and trailer some time. More later.

 

[haskindm]

Re: Buick LaSabre pulling boat

The problem is that a LeSabre is a front-drive car. Most front-wheel drive have very light trailer ratings. You will also find that the weight transfers off of the front wheels when trying to pull the boat up the ramp causing them to lose traction.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Buick LaSabre pulling boat

i've been pulling with front wheel drive for years, never had a problem. when you have the correct set up.

 

[Todd Peterson]

Re: Buick LaSabre pulling boat

I found that the 2002 buick LaSabre has a towing capacity of 1,000 lbs. I bring the boat to a landing that is concrete launch and tar parking lot. If I take it slow and easy, I do not spin the tires. If it is wet and I try to go to fast, I spin the tires.

 

[BMOLCHANY]

Re: Buick LaSabre pulling boat

I suppose as long as it will take the weight it ends up being an operator issue. The other day I was next to a F550 that had issues pulling a 20ft pontoon out and I was next to him with my Explorer pulling my 24ft out without a problem. I guess that flooring it is not a good idea (HAHA) as he found out after smoke poured out from under his tires.

 

[Todd Peterson]

Re: Buick LaSabre pulling boat

Any time you can pull the boat out of the water with out making a fool of your self and you can get it out, then life is great....until the next launch.

 

[BMOLCHANY]

Re: Buick LaSabre pulling boat

I agree. But it is that much sweeter when you have been that fool befire and now you are not but you see someone else taking your place.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Buick LaSabre pulling boat

Towed my boat, which is much lighter than yours, with a 2000 Buick Regal for a couple years. It worked ok but it was definitely hard on the car and I could tell my stopping power was not what it should be. The biggest problem we had was launching and retrieving. With the car I could not comfortably back the trailer as far into the water as I would have liked for easy on and off. We ended up getting an older full size chevy truck and it's so much better all around for the job.

 

[bhammer]

Re: Buick LaSabre pulling boat

I've had to round up a couple folks on the ramp to lay on the hood of our FWD SUV in order to get the boat out of the water. Been the fool before so I try not to laugh when it happens to others and will offer a hand.

Wife is test driving a RWD Chrysler Aspen demo with every goodie you can get. We pulled the boat this weekend and it did a nice job and burned the dealers gas. At 10.2 MPG in Tow / Haul mode..... Guess that 5.7 Hemi likes gas. Wouldn't been my first choice in a car as I never thought of Chrysler as one that I would own...

 

[chdabren]

Re: Buick LaSabre pulling boat

If your Buick has a towing capacity of 1,000 lbs...obviously your boat weighs considerably more even w/out a motor and gear on board. This alone will burn your tranny up and possibly your engine in a very short period of time. I'd like to tell u it will work just fine as long as u take care of it but unfortunately, it won't. Wish I had better news.

Chris

 

[Mark42]

Re: Buick LaSabre pulling boat

Yes, you are way overloaded. With that being said, I tow a 2000 boat with a 400lbs tractor around my back yard, but I don't go more than about 2 miles an hour. So, its all relative. If you really don't go over 35 mhp, then you may be just fine. I would keep the gear selector in 2nd gear, this will help keep engine speed up, cooling water flow up, and give extra engine braking when you need to stop.

If you go over 35, you are an accident waiting to happen. We call that "out of control".

 

[Todd Peterson]

Re: Buick LaSabre pulling boat

To all,

Thanks for all of the great input. I forgot to say that I live about 4 miles from the boat launch. It is all flat city driving and I have one hill to go up when I go home. I have never gone over 30 mph (poor soles behine me). I take it easy, for which I am afraid of an 'out of control' situation. The 1984 Baretta that I pull has a tandom axel trailer which helps a lot. The buick pulls the boat out of the launch that I go to and gets up the hill by my house. When I get home the engine does not smell hot (if that is an indication of wear). I should just buy a boat pulling junker for a third car and not worrie about it. Minnesota has a short boating season and long winter, so a 4wd should be in order.
Any one to convince my wife?

Todd

 

[sammy29926]

Re: Buick LaSabre pulling boat

Hi Todd,
Good Luck with convicing the wife....I am married and i know...
Good Luck
Sammy

 

[Todd Peterson]

Re: Buick LaSabre pulling boat

Sammy,

Ya, sur yabetch ya.

 

[ksubigbuck]

Re: Buick LaSabre pulling boat

If your Buick has a towing capacity of 1,000 lbs...obviously your boat weighs considerably more even w/out a motor and gear on board. This alone will burn your tranny up and possibly your engine in a very short period of time. I'd like to tell u it will work just fine as long as u take care of it but unfortunately, it won't. Wish I had better news.

Chris

It it only 1000 lbs because of the suspension, not the engine or transmission. Going 4 miles at 35 mph he will be just fine, and won't hurt his powertrain. I have had two LeSabre's and they are a great car. That 3.8l v6 has lots of power and torque, and gets over 30 mpg to boot.

My last LeSabre had 270,000 miles on it before the transmission finally went out...and I drove the **** out of it! Ended up donating it to charity for the tax write-off. Great car.