How Much Towing Capacity?

Post by **Shad** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 10:12 am

JP wrote:I know someone with a KIA Sportage and tows a 18ft Lund and he is having this problem.

A KIA Sportage should NEVER be used to tow anyhing, iiiiieeeeeeeee

Post by **Rocky** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 11:20 am

Mossman,
You did not mention if this will be your only vehicle. If not, your choices will expand greatly. If not, and the vehicle will have to serve as an everyday ride, consider how much time will be spent doing things other than towing. I'd guess 95%. As an everyday vehicle, a 4x4 will be very costly to operate compared to 2wd. If a 2nd vehicle, have you considered used? I'd wager that drivers up there are not much different than here. Many 4x4's with factory tow packages have never seen a hitch, and seldom need or use the 4wd capacity. Something to consider.

Post by **steve-hamilton** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 12:11 pm

personally, i think its absolutely crazy to buy a truck for towing that doesn't have 4x4.

but the biggest factor is how many months a year do u fish? if its anywhere between 9 and 12, you'd beter have four wheel drive.

if your just a summer fisherman, who puts the boat away September through to May, certainly 4 wheel drive is silly....

Post by **muskymatt** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 12:33 pm

gettnjiggywithit

Yeah 4x4's are great for off roading if you stick to the beaten trail

and for towing

man that could have turned out alot worse , eh?

I had a blast , really good time . a huge thanks to you and let's do it again

Muskymatt

Post by **Erie-Eyes** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 1:17 pm

I also looked at a Ford Escape 4 years ago to pull my 186 Princecraft, and did not like the idea of only 3500# towing capacity and was not impressed with 1" towing receiver. When I told salesman I wanted a 2" receiver, I was told I would have to go to U-Haul to get what I wanted, and I promptly told him I would NOT be buying a Ford Escape. I then went to a Chrysler dealer to investigate a Jeep Liberty, which is rated for 5000# towing and comes with a factory installed 2" receiver and 6 point wiring. In addition the jeep is more of a truck with rear wheel drive + 4 wheel options, while Ford Escape is more of a car with front wheel drive + 4 wheel options. I think rear wheel drive is better for towing purposes, but ride in Jeep is stiffer than ride in Escape. When Jeep salesperson pushed me for a test drive, I advised only if it was OK to test it pulling my boat which required special authorization for insurance purposes. It worked out very well and I have been extremely happy with results to date. I make annual trips to BOQ and lower Detroit River every year. I agree 4 wheel drive can reduce overall towing capacity, but feel it is well worth it, not ony for gravel launches, but for wet slippery concrete launches, particularly late in Fall when things might get a little icey. 4 wheel drive and higher ground clearence is also a big plus for trout fishing trips to backwoods areas.

Post by **mdej** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 1:29 pm

My Honda Pilot is only rated to tow 3500lb's without trailer breaks and 4500lbs with it. Pilot had and optional towing package that included power steering and tranny coolers.

I have had no issues this winter towing the neigbours 17' Lund around when we are hitting open water.

Its my girl's daily driver and she loves it. Maybe make a trip to the Honda Dealer too.

Post by **muskymatt** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 1:32 pm

Mossman

I bought a 2005 trailblazer to pull my 19.5' alum with a 115 hp , works great . Had it loaded with gear for our summer holiday and it pulled awesome . Trailblazers are made to tow and do they do a good job.
when i had my 16.5' boat it was like it wasn't even there. I don't know the specs ,but from what I've seen it's worth looking into.

285hp
4200 inline six vortec
full 2wd / awd / 4 low / 4high
7 point harness
4 wheel disc

Post by **Wall-I-Guy** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 1:37 pm

getnjiggywithit wrote:A real 4X4 is worth its weight in gold for a trout fishermen
Being able to drive into places while everyone else is walking....priceless

Agreeed, but make sure you can justify using it enough. A 4x4 is very expensive to maintain and fix. I use mine regularly on trips for what it was designed to do climb, but just be prepared for maintenance and repair costs.

Definetly the way to go if you'll use it enough.

Post by **Mossman** » Mon Feb 13, 2006 10:51 pm

We do have a 2nd vehicle (honda civic) that would be used most of the time. The SUV would be used for the boat, camping, or anything requiring more cargo space.

It sounds like 3500lbs would be enough.. at least for the time being. The next problem is weighing the desire to get the vehicle - against all that money. These things are expensive and I'm flip flopping all over the place!

Thanks for all the responses. It's been great getting some feedback on what's possible - and what's not.

Post by **getnjiggywithit** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 2:27 am

WIG
Trust me my 4x4 gets used on a regular basis 32" bf at's and lockers only means you get stuck deeper in the bush were there is nobody to help push

Now all I need is a winch and that shouldn't be too hard to justify

Just ask Akira, muskymatt, wannafish,and paya

Shad too funny......cus it's true

Post by **MichaelVandenberg** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 9:30 am

When Jeep salesperson pushed me for a test drive, I advised only if it was OK to test it pulling my boat which required special authorization for insurance purposes.

Excellent advice Erie-Eyes.

Mossman, if you take anything from this thread, follow Erie-Eyes's advice and do a test drive with the boat.

Mike

Post by **Wall-I-Guy** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 10:04 am

getnjiggywithit wrote:WIG
Trust me my 4x4 gets used on a regular basis 32" bf at's and lockers only means you get stuck deeper in the bush were there is nobody to help push Now all I need is a winch and that shouldn't be too hard to justify Just ask Akira, muskymatt, wannafish,and paya
Shad too funny......cus it's true

Hey getn'

just so we're clear, my comment was directed at "everyone in general" who is thinking of buying 4 wheel drive, and not specifically, you.

I've seen a few people over the years buy 4X4's only to sell them a year or so later due to this one thing, maintenance costs. Just trying to enlighten them as to the reality of things.

Post by **getnjiggywithit** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 10:20 am

Wall-I-Guy wrote:
getnjiggywithit wrote:WIG
Trust me my 4x4 gets used on a regular basis 32" bf at's and lockers only means you get stuck deeper in the bush were there is nobody to help push Now all I need is a winch and that shouldn't be too hard to justify Just ask Akira, muskymatt, wannafish,and paya
Shad too funny......cus it's true
Hey getn'

just so we're clear, my comment was directed at "everyone in general" who is thinking of buying 4 wheel drive, and not specifically, you.

I've seen a few people over the years buy 4X4's only to sell them a year or so later due to this one thing, maintenance costs. Just trying to enlighten them as to the reality of things.

It's all good

I know exactly what you mean 95% of 4x4 sold never leave the pavement

Then there complaning about how it uses to much gas and all the extra fluids that need to be changed

Post by **eye-tracker** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 1:41 pm

Hey folks,

Just an observation...do not go by boat length, the weight is the big factor when towing. I have a 16ft boat and steve-hamilton has a 17ft boat, my boat package weighs at least 1500 pounds more than steves. So you really have to look at the boat, motor(s), batteries, trailer weight and loaded gear.

Good luck choosing a tow vehicle...

-sheldon

Fish-Hawk.Net

How Much Towing Capacity?

Tow capacity?