Tow or not to tow that is the question

[FishingFools85]

I have a 21ft cajun bass boat with a roadrunner tandem axle trailer. The total weight says 2500 but by the time you put tackle and othe things in there the boat will weigh more. I have a 2004 honda odyssey mini van it does have a V6 and its a 7 passenger the tounge weight it can handle up to 350lbs. the hitch can hadle 3500 easy so it says. I only drive to the launch ramp about 5 miles away all backroads. Is it safe to use this van or not most of the time i will only have 1 other person in the van since its just a bass boat ...Help me out fellas let me know before i try it thanks

 

[Sean-Nos]

Re: Tow or not to tow that is the question

It might be a bit heavy to pull up a wet slip with just two wheel drive depending on how steep it is.

 

[bruce40]

Re: Tow or not to tow that is the question

Fishingfool,
Is 2500# the weight of the boat or the whole rig? My 17.5 ft. bass boat weighs 1500# But i have to figure the whole rig (boat, motor, trailer, fuel, batteries...) So my little 17.5 footer comes in around 3000# for the whole rig.

If your only going 5 miles the van might work, assuming you can pull the boat out of the water and have trailer brakes to stop the rig.

Tight Lines, Bruce

 

[scoutabout]

Re: Tow or not to tow that is the question

That sounds light for a 21 footer. As also suggested, don't forget to add the weight of the trailer, and I'll bet a big tandem is pushing 800-1000 on its own.

That said, just check your Honda's owners manual or call the dealer. They will be able to tell you what you are rated to tow. If it's close, drag everything to a weigh scale station and for a coupla bucks they will tell you exactly what your rig weighs.

 

[reelnative]

Re: Tow or not to tow that is the question

tow that bad boy to the ramp

 

[JaseBosto]

Re: Tow or not to tow that is the question

You'll be fine. Only issue you may have is getting up a steep, wet ramp. Not steep? no problem.

 

[drrpm]

Re: Tow or not to tow that is the question

The maximum tow weight for that Honda is 3,500 lb with the driver only. According to the manual you reduce the weight if you are carrying passengers or cargo on a pound for pound basis. It sounds like it should be alright for your intended use.

 

[henrye718]

Re: Tow or not to tow that is the question

Your well within your towing weight range. Your vehicle is front wheel drive, it will not get stuck on the ramp, its heavy, its long. There is no problem if your still nervous stay on local roads and keep it below 45 mph. Take the rig to a big empthy parking lot get up to 45 hit the brakes good and hard. See how she stops you will have plenty of confidence after that.

PS: I tow a 17ft glass boat with mid sized car for years and still do.

 

[DJ]

Re: Tow or not to tow that is the question

Weigh the rig.

I find it hard to believe a 21' Cajun on a tandem trailer weighs less than 3K#.

Better safe than sorry.