Is this a recipe for disaster? (Highlander & Key West 211)

[guiltypleasure]

I have a '07 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. It has a v6 with a tow package rated for 3500 lbs.

I also have a Key West 211cc with a Yamaha 150hp 4-stroke on a dual-axle trailer with disc brakes.
The dry weight of the boat is 2300 and I think the engine adds another 300. I'm not sure about the weight of the trailer but am I trying to tow too much with that type of vehicle?

I'm in Florida so the drive is flat and the distance to the ramp is short, but am I creating a recipe for disaster here? I just bought the boat so I don't want to buy a new transmission as well.

 

[642mx]

Re: Is this a recipe for disaster? (Highlander & Key West 211)

Sounds like you'll be fine. Your not exceeding the recommended towing capacity, so there should be no problems.

 

[Fingernip]

Re: Is this a recipe for disaster? (Highlander & Key West 211)

It sounds close to me.. my dual axle is around 1000lbs ... add a 2600lb boat without gear and your over already.

 

[External Combustion]

Re: Is this a recipe for disaster? (Highlander & Key West 211)

Tow it across the scales loaded just like you would take it to the ramp. You may be surprised, pleasently or unpleasently. Short trips at slow speed that do not heat up the tranny or brakes will be no problem if it is within weight.

Most of the inexperenced tow too fast, don't understand stopping distance under panic situations and accelerate like there is no tomorrow. That is why the 70% of capacity rule is good for the casual tower. If you drive like you will own the tow vehicle forever and everyone else on the road is out to kill you and make it look like an accident, then capacity towing will be OK.

900 pounds for trailer, fuel and goodies, let alone passengers seems a tad light to me though.

 

[dave11]

Re: Is this a recipe for disaster? (Highlander & Key West 211)

Get it weighed to be sure you are within the limit. The brakes will help.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Is this a recipe for disaster? (Highlander & Key West 211)

definately the trailer has to have brakes.

 

[guiltypleasure]

Re: Is this a recipe for disaster? (Highlander & Key West 211)

I just heard from the dealer, the trailer weighs 800 lbs.
So the boat (2200), motor (466), trailer (800) combo puts me at 3446. That's no fuel and no gear so it looks like I won't be towing with my Highlander.

Is it too much to ask to at least be able to go 7 miles on generally flat road? Or to at the very least put it in and out of the water with the Highlander? Sometimes I store it at a friend's house that has a ramp right there. In other words, I wouldn't be towing distance, just about 20 feet and up/down the ramp.

I know I'm pushing it but I don't want to be dependent on a car swap if I want to go out by myself.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Is this a recipe for disaster? (Highlander & Key West 211)

you aren't that far over, as long as the ramp is not really steep, you can launch. as far as the 7 miles goes, you are overloaded, and i don't know what insurance would say, if an incident occured.