Towing?

Millerman

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 16, 2007
Messages
36
Will my 2003 Nissan Xterra SE Super Charged be able to pull my 1990 Sea Ray 220DA out of the water? I bought the boat in the water and am really wondering if the truck can do it. I have a class 3 hitch and have no intentions of any high speed or long distance hauls, just wanna get it out and pressure wash and the like.

Any advise would be great

Cheers

Dan
 

erikgreen

Captain
Joined
Jan 8, 2007
Messages
3,105
Re: Towing?

Well, your boat lists at 4000 lbs from the factory. That's the boat's weight, not including fuel, gear, or the trailer.

If you figure 1000 lbs for the trailer and gear and fuel (conservative... trailers for 22 foot boats are heavy) then you're right at the 5000 lb limit for your vehicle's towing capacity without a weight distributing hitch.

That's not to say it won't work, but you'll be right at the edge of what your vehicle can do. Make sure you have your trailer brakes operational and that you test them before trailering. Also make sure your trailer is adjusted for the boat and has appropriate tongue weight - there won't be any room for error in balance or braking.

All in all you should be able to tow and pull the boat out of the water, but I wouldn't recommend it for long trips.

Erik

PS: All that said, I tow a boat that's 4200 pounds on a heavy trailer with gear, and probably exceed my towing capacity by 1000... I'm expecting a short life for my truck.
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: Towing?

short tows only, i tow a boat that size with a 99 surburban. the short wheel base of the nissan, it very easy for the tail to wag the dog.
 

1970 Chieftain V

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 29, 2007
Messages
159
Re: Towing?

Class 3 hitches are only rated to 3500 lbs. It will probably work but I wouldn't tow that boat anywhere on the road. If something goes wrong and you hurt someone you could be held criminally liable (jailtime, large fines, etc).

Jason
 

bjcsc

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jun 1, 2006
Messages
1,805
Re: Towing?

Some Class III hitches may be rated for 3500lbs, but most I've seen are 5000/500...
 

regjen

Cadet
Joined
Aug 4, 2007
Messages
23
Re: Towing?

The majority of Class III hitches I see are rated for 5000lbs as well.
 

kenmyfam

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 10, 2006
Messages
14,392
Re: Towing?

Class 3 is 5,000lb here as far as I know.
Please educate me otherwise if i am wrong !!!
 

Nova II 260

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 27, 2006
Messages
681
Re: Towing?

Trailer Hitch Classification
Class I 2,000 pounds GTW
Class II 3,500 pounds GTW
Class III 5,000 pounds GTW
Class IV 7,500 pounds GTW
Class V 10,000 pounds GTW
GTW=Gross Trailer Weight (including car or boat together, if applicable)
 
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