Dodge/Chrysler Intrepid as Tow Vehicle

[Konowl]

I currently have a 2003 Focus ZTS - thinking of getting a 2004 Intrepid for towing purposes (can get it for $2000 and it's in fantastic shape).

I'm looking to tow my 2000 Glastron 17 foot bowrider with a 90HP outboard engine - and I have no idea how much this beast weights. I currently use my grandfathers truck to tow it with (I live on the water so don't need to tow it often) but I would like the option of towing longer distances to explore other lakes.

What do you guys think? it's the 3.5 litre engine. Not much experience towing, but I took the boat over 400km when I first bought it and found reversing easy LOL - just go slow, give lots of distance and take it easy.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Dodge/Chrysler Intrepid as Tow Vehicle

i cannot find any towing rating on the web, look at the plate in the driver door jamb, or the manual for the car. you are close to 2000 lbs, that is about the common car tow rating these days. some are not even rated to tow anything.

 

[JB]

Re: Dodge/Chrysler Intrepid as Tow Vehicle

Check with a Dodge dealer. I think you will find that towing is not recommended.

A tow vehicle needs a frame, suspension, drive train, brakes, etc. suitable for towing.

Most modern passenger cars do not have that extra strength built in. . .to reduce weight and improve fuel mileage.

 

[redfury]

Re: Dodge/Chrysler Intrepid as Tow Vehicle

Can't see a reason the buy that particular vehicle to tow with. You'd be better off finding an old S-10 Blazer or a Astro Van to tow that. The Astro FOR SURE could tow it, and you'd have the room for gear and family...the dog too! Mileage won't be great, but it wouldn't be great in the Intrepid either. I wouldn't trust the transmission on the Intrepid...not designed for the extra heat the tranny would make pulling a boat like that any distance.

You gotta be in the 2000# plus category with that boat. My 17ft Glastron is rated at 1000# dry, no motor or trailer, and my old full sized van would overheat the tranny if I pulled it in O/D down the highway for any length ( granted, it was a hightop conversion van with 190k on it and the motor was tired ). I pull it with my v6 dakota out of O/D just fine...never in O/D though. Towing mileage is around 12-14mpg.
http://www.nadaguides.com/default.a...&m=0691&y=2000&ml=G&gc=MR&gtc=MR&d=1600076033

Looks like the 2000 17ft glastrons were about 1350#.

Wow, just for giggles I checked on the boats made with the VEC process. Supposedly it started in 2001, but the weight is the same. The same model in 2004 weighs 1900# So much for no wood in the lay up....20 year hull warranty because of the process, but that's a LOT of extra weight to get it there....yikes!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Dodge/Chrysler Intrepid as Tow Vehicle

i tow with a 1987 4.3 FI auto trans Astro van, great vehicle, thinks nothing of 2,000 lbs.

 

[captharv]

Re: Dodge/Chrysler Intrepid as Tow Vehicle

You said you are new to towing so let me give you tow vehicles 101:
Trailer boat magazine gives tow ratings for cars and trucks going back 10-15 years. They give the car manufacturers tow ratings, which always include a factory tow package, and those come in standard and heavy duty.
An example: My Expedition.
rated:
8900# w 5.4 engine, 3.75 limited slip axles, H/D cooling, H/D transmission with large cooler, heavier battery and 140A alternator.. most included in the manditory H/D tow package.
W/O tow package 6000 (same engine)
Same vehicle with 4.6 engine, H/D tow package: 5000#

For 4WD subtract 300# from all packages.
Now, the above tow ratings are for trailer and its contents, the passengers and cargo inside the vehicle.

next, the 4.6 engine they put in the trucks and SIVs are not the same as what is in a car. Truck engines have heavier duty components, better cooling, etc.
Almosy all the vehicle manufacturers use the VIN number for selecting parts. If you bring that number to a parts counter, they can look up that vehicle and tell you what was put on at the factory for engine, tranny, tow packages, etc. They use that list to select proper replacement parts for their service dept. Bring a box of donuts and they will print it out for you.
I used this list when buying the expedition beforehand and am very happy with it.

I would pass on the intrepid and look for a smaller SUV, or pickup to tow with.

 

[Mark42]

Re: Dodge/Chrysler Intrepid as Tow Vehicle

That line of vehicle has two weak spots: Poor transmissions, and poor cooling system. I know three people (two are family) who have had those cars (Chrysler LHS, Dodge Intrepid), all have had transmission rebuilds, multiple water pumps, and a radiator change. Running hot is not uncommon.

All those issues are death for a tow vehicle. I doubt it would hold up for any time at all.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Dodge/Chrysler Intrepid as Tow Vehicle

That whole family of cars have transmission and engine issues.
I'd stay as far away from those as possible.
Find a small truck or large rear wheel drive car.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Dodge/Chrysler Intrepid as Tow Vehicle

Having towed a similar weight boat (mine was probably lighter) with a 2000 Buick Regal with a 3.8 I would definitely recommend against your idea. It was obviously very hard on the car, braking was not good, and launching and retrieval was a nightmare because you couldn't back it very far down the ramp. I ended up getting a well-used full size pickup to tow with and haven't regretted it since. You'll find all kinds of uses for a truck.

 

[Titanium48]

Re: Dodge/Chrysler Intrepid as Tow Vehicle

The Intrepid's 2000 lb tow rating is probably pretty close to the weight of your boat - take it to a scale to find out for sure. Transmission and cooling system problems are a red flag when looking at potential tow vehicles though. If they don't hold up under normal conditions they won't take any additional stress well.

That said, there are some things you can do to maximize your odds of not breaking down hundreds of km from home. These apply to any vehicle that will be used for towing near the maximum rating.
- Install additional transmission cooling. Many automatic transmission failures are a result of overheating.
- Use premium quality full synthetic ATF. Synthetic fluid performs better under extreme conditions and tolerates high temperatures better.
- Use premium quality full synthetic engine oil for the same reason.
- Keep up with maintenance. Use the "severe service" maintenance schedule as a minimum. Even synthetic lubricants don't last forever.
- See if there are any fixes for known issues, such as a higher capacity radiator to prevent overheating.

Another thing you will want to do if you decide to tow with the Intrepid (or any other similar sized vehicle) is to install brakes on your trailer. I'm guessing it doesn't already have them, most trailers under 1300 kg GVW don't. You need trailer brakes when your trailer exceeds 50% of the weight of your tow vehicle, regardless of what the actual weight is. This is required by law in many places and is good practice anywhere.