fwd 6cyl...

[bobbo268]

So I have a 17ft pontoon that I've been pulling with an AWD Ford Escape (though front wheel drive). We traded it in recently for a FWD Sorento. A little more hp and torque. Now the ramp we have been using is gravel and relatively flat. Just found out today that the owner will not have this open. Our only option is the public DNR launch. It's concrete and has a little more pitch to it. Anyone have experience with 6cyl fwd towing vehicles? The trip is one mile and I'm under the wrought capacity for this vehicle, just thinking about our new launch situation.

 

[SigSaurP229]

I wouldn't think it to be a problem if the ramp is all paved and not covered in moss and slime if so you best be careful and bring a tow rope.

 

[NittanyDoug]

I don't know the sorrento but I'm guessing it will have plenty of power. Only issue will be can you put the power effectively to the pavement. As the previous poster said, avoid slimey ramps. If you do have an issue have your passengers lay on your hood to give you additional weight on the traction axle. I've had to do this with a tiny 4 cylinder vibe pulling out our previous boat on a wet ramp. Two adults on the hood and up the ramp I crawled without spinning. Obviously you have to use caution if you do need to resort to this.

 

[ssobol]

I pull my 22 foot boat with a 6 cyl. FWD minivan. I have not problem getting up ramps. In fact, the FWD often allows the drive wheels to be on the part of the ramp that stays dry and clean where a RWD vehicle might have the drive wheels in the muck, slime, trash, etc. that can be on the ramp.

 

[jkust]

Back three fully equipped, body on frame suv's ago when I towed a 4000lb rig with an old, underpowered 180hp/210tq, fwd minivan for a summer using some of the worst ramps around, I discovered power was never the problem. I could easily idle it out with almost no pedal. It was always a traction issue when specifically discussing ramp situations. Good tires, disabling the traction control system which robs you of forward momentum at the worst possible time (not the stability control because it was too old to have it) allowed me to always get out but sometimes not in style.

 

[Starcraft5834]

you should be fine.. fortunately boat trailers have wheels.... nice invention for moving heavy items... most trailering does not involve extreme yanks up elevations.. it does happen for sure, lots of power in those circumstances is key

 

[bobbo268]

well after a few (yes only a few, the summers been pretty crappy up here in the midwest) times to the launch, its been fine. Sometimes a little wheel spin but i have the crappy stock tires and too much pedal, so otherwise, no problems at all. Thanks for all the good words