Towing A Boat

[zman]

Hi everybody
Does anyone tow a oat with thier van.Just looking for any advice before I do so I already have a trany cooler

[eye-tracker]

Hi everybody
Does anyone tow a oat with thier van.Just looking for any advice before I do so I already have a trany cooler

Hello I switched from an SUV to a Mini Van last summer. You have to be careful on steep ramps as the weight of the boat transfers weight to the rear wheels, causing the front wheels to spin (Front Wheel Drive).

Also watch your engine and transmission temp, use the best transmission and engine fluids you can afford and have them changed once or twice a year depending on how many miles you tow. My boat loaded with all my gear is around 2200 pounds and the Mini Van has no problems pulling it.

I was at a boat show on the weekend and noticed the new Tracker 16 ft aluminum boat packages are coming in at 3200 pounds...so it looks like aluminum has caught fiberglass for weight.

Good luck and enjoy your fishing season.

-et

[Bear]

Like ET says carefull on steep ramps, got into trouble once ... knocked the crap outta one of my rocker panels.
been towing with mini van (98 transport, 3.1 litre) for almost 5 years with out problems.

toughest trip was on the maniwaki logging road to kippawa ( scarry )
but handled that road just fine

Princecraft 16 foot, "bout 1800 lbs

Bear

[Dartee]

I've had no issues with my boat and van combo. I have a windstar pulling a 16ft princecraft.

Steep or sand ramps can be troublesome. Had to have my brother sit on the hood once to help with the front end traction.

[JP]

You have to ask yourself what you are towing and what weight. If you have an Astro or Safari van they are rear wheel drive and have a 5000lbs towing cap. If you are using a Caravan they are front wheel drive and can be a little harder to get the boat out of the water like Eye Tracker said. If you have an older van then you may want to have the tranny checked and serviced before you tow anything.
Hope this helps
JP

[zman]

Thanks guys