Towing question

[TC777]

I have a 92 toyota 4runner 4x4 with a 3.0l v6. Will I be able to tow a 1988 sea ray 18' bowrider? I have been looking for the weight of the boat but can't find it on the internet. I am interested in buying the boat, but I do not want to buy if I can't tow it easily. Thanks.

 

[shorts&chanclas]

Re: Towing question

I had a 2003 SR 185 with the MPI 4.3 and figured the total boat/trailer combined weight under 4k.

 

[109jb]

Re: Towing question

You didn't say whether the boat was an outboard or an I/O or the specific model. The 88 Sea Ray Seville bowrider outboard is 1760 pounds for the boat and motor. The I/O version is 2006 pounds for the boat and motor. Figure another 1000 pounds minimum for fuel, trailer and gear and you are right at 3000 pounds towing weight. I did a quick internet search that says that your 1992 4runner has a max towing capacity of 3500 pounds. With that as the max, I would say you are all right but I would add an auxiliary transmission cooler (if its an automatic), and may consider trailer brakes. Neither of those is hard to retrofit. If you are planning to boat in fresh water, I would go with electric brakes if you choose that option.

 

[TC777]

Re: Towing question

Thanks jb, the trailer has brakes on it already. The boat has an outboard engine. My 4runner has the towing pkg. I am pretty sure my transmission has a cooler already, although it looks small. Would you recommend a bigger cooler?

 

[LIQUID PROZAC]

Re: Towing question

You didn't say whether the boat was an outboard or an I/O or the specific model. The 88 Sea Ray Seville bowrider outboard is 1760 pounds for the boat and motor. The I/O version is 2006 pounds for the boat and motor. Figure another 1000 pounds minimum for fuel, trailer and gear and you are right at 3000 pounds towing weight. I did a quick internet search that says that your 1992 4runner has a max towing capacity of 3500 pounds. With that as the max, I would say you are all right but I would add an auxiliary transmission cooler (if its an automatic), and may consider trailer brakes. Neither of those is hard to retrofit. If you are planning to boat in fresh water, I would go with electric brakes if you choose that option.

talk about quick and efficient good job

 

[109jb]

Re: Towing question

Thanks jb, the trailer has brakes on it already. The boat has an outboard engine. My 4runner has the towing pkg. I am pretty sure my transmission has a cooler already, although it looks small. Would you recommend a bigger cooler?

You are probably OK, but I would probably upgrade it anyway just to insure that you are getting enough cooling. They don't cost much and they just go in line with the existing cooler. You may be able to call a Toyota dealer and have them look up your VIN to see if the car came with an auxiliary cooler or if the one you are looking at is just the standard one..

 

[109jb]

Re: Towing question

Just noticed that you said your car DOES have the towing package. The tow packages generally consist of the cooler and hitch and possibly a brake upgrade. In that case I'd say you are good to go.