Re: Towing boat and trailer with front drive car
Re: Towing boat and trailer with front drive car
That can't be right. You mean the entire weight of the boat, gear, and trailer is 1000? Tongue weight is the actual weight resting on the rear of your tow vehicle - i.e. couple of hundred pounds at most for the size of boat you are describing.
I'm also guessing that your guess about total weight is a little off. Even the trailer for a boat that size is going to weigh 400-500 pounds. So, all up you are probably pushing 2000 or more unless we are talking a stripped tinnie. You also need to take into account gas and gear. That will add a few hundred pounds easily.
As an example, the boat you see in my signature (17 foot dual console i.e. bowrider outboard) totals up as follows: bare hull - 1100, 90 4 stroke engine - 400, trailer - 500, gas and gear - probably 300. Total to tow = approx 2300 pounds.
Anyway, as others have said - let your owner's manual be your guide. Can't hurt to have the whole shebang weighed at a truck weigh station so you know for sure.
FWIW - I have towed with front wheel drive vehicles and as long as you don't get stupid with the load or driving, they have been fine in my experience. Where you might run afoul is at the ramp, where you have a ton of weight pushing the rear of the car down, thereby impairing your traction on the front end. I'd stay away from all but the most gentle of slopes.
