Towing capacity

Post by **muskie_magnet** » Tue Jun 29, 2010 1:07 pm

I'm pretty close to having to replace my vehicle and I want to make sure I get something that can tow my current boat (14 foot tinny with 9.9 HP), as well as something a little bigger down the road. I would be looking at something like a 16 foot aluminum with a side console and front casting deck.

My question is, what kind of weight would I be looking at a 14-16 foot aluminum with a 40 HP motor?

As a vehicle, I'm looking at the Ford Escape and the like and I would really like to get the 4 cyl. motor. That setup typically has a towing capacity of ~ 1500 pounds. Moving to the 6 gets you up to 3500 pounds of towing capacity, but I don't really want to give up the mileage for the extra towing capacity if I don't have to.

Whatever I buy will have AWD. An opinions / experience you can pass on?

Post by **moonshine** » Tue Jun 29, 2010 1:34 pm

from what i've heard the 4cyl won't be any better on fuel cause it has to work that much harder. test drive one and you will see that even without towing you won't be able to have power to overtake on the highway let alone tow. a friend of mine had the V6 and was very happy with it. he test drove both the 4 and the 6 and came away with the V6. according to the canadian fuel consumption guide for 2005 there is no difference between the 2.

http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/Publications/tra ... cfm?attr=8

Post by **Wallyboss** » Tue Jun 29, 2010 2:21 pm

There is no difference as long as you follow the speed limit. Anything above the speed limit and you can almost see the gas gauge go down.

Post by **IgglesD** » Tue Jun 29, 2010 4:09 pm

Muskie - I have a 6 cyl Escape, we use it the odd time to tow my buddy's 16ft, side console, 60 hp Princecraft. It is a tough tow even with the 6 cyl..You notice when picking up speed and you notice when braking..

Hope this helps.

Post by **Wabler** » Tue Jun 29, 2010 6:44 pm

I have a V6 AWD Escape, with towing package. I tow a 16.5' Princecraft with a 75 HP 4stroke and I find it does the job beautifully. Fuel consumption, towing vs. not towing is minimal, as long as I keep it under 100km/hr. I get 10L per 100km with boat or without. Trying to keep up with traffic on the 401 is a different story.

Post by **cgates** » Tue Jun 29, 2010 7:16 pm

I have a v6 escape and I tow my 16 foot with a 40hp and I can tell that its there but it not harder on fuel its great do not get the 4 cylinder no power or you can get the ford ranger

Post by **muskie_magnet** » Wed Jun 30, 2010 6:33 am

Wabler - what exactly changes with the towing package on that vehicle? Do they put a transmission cooler in or beef up the suspension?

Post by **CNs** » Wed Jun 30, 2010 7:57 am

muskie_magnet wrote:Wabler - what exactly changes with the towing package on that vehicle? Do they put a transmission cooler in or beef up the suspension?

I have a 08 v6 escape. The towing package adds a tranny cooler and puts in a class 2 hitch.

I pull a glass 18foot boat (a heavy one at that) on a dual axle trailer.

Gas mileage does go down when towing. it handles my boat okay. A 16 foot side console aluminum total package would be 2000 lbs . Escape v6 would handle this easily.

Post by **joco** » Wed Jun 30, 2010 10:09 am

as now i love my jeep patriot.4wd version and off road..come wit the 2000 pound capacity good anaugh for my needs and great on gaz..i save about 40% since my dodge hemi ..pick up.

2000 is not that mutch but its plenty for a lot off those small boats.

i carry the big trailer and 4 yaks on top no prob. and truck full.

joco

Post by **Vrodkid** » Wed Jun 30, 2010 5:51 pm

I have a 2002 Escape V6, 4WD. Used to tow a Prince Craft 169 with a 90 Hp, no probs. Now tow a PC 186 with a 150 V rod, no probs, i mean, I know i pulling something, package is 2500 + lbs but i find it does it with ease! YOu will have no problem what so ever with your proposed set up.