towing weight, 2001 diablo 180?
 

I hope someone can help. I just purchased my wife a 2010 GMC Acadia, and would like to tow the diablo on trips with it.

From what I have been told our Acadia is rated at 2000lbs since it doesn't have the factory installed package (which included a larger radiator, transmission cooler, computer programming with dash mounted tow/haul switch, and different fuse block under the hood). If it had all the oem stuff it would be rated at 5000lbs

I was just curious how close my diablo with the 3.0 is to 2000lbs
Thanks again
Nick

Re: towing weight, 2001 diablo 180?
 

By the time you add fuel, gear, and the trailer, you'll probably find that you are probably around 3000 to 3500 lbs.

Although the dry weight was 2200 lbs, I estimate my 1995 Talari 180 to be close to 3500 with the 4.3 V6. and trailer.

Re: towing weight, 2001 diablo 180?
 

If you dont want to replace transmissions & brakes too often, i wouldn't consider towing the Diablo with that grocery hauler. As Paul suggested, your boat/trailer/contents will likely be just over 3000lbs..

Re: towing weight, 2001 diablo 180?
 

I may go ahead and add the trans cooler, heavy radiator, hitch, and towing switch/programming. I want to use the grocery hauler because the seating is great for longer trips... vs my GMC canyon.

We towed the boat the last few years with our Chevy equinox without issue (3500 tow rating).

Thanks again,

Nick

Re: towing weight, 2001 diablo 180?
 

If you are going to add the factory tow package then that will make it acceptable for what you need.

Re: towing weight, 2001 diablo 180?
 

Nick,

I used to get bashed on a another forum for towing with a mini van, but I used a Ford Windstar with the tow package for 10 years with absolutely no problems.


I agree with Mikey, add the towing equipment and you should be fine.

Re: towing weight, 2001 diablo 180?
 

I usually tow the boat with very little gear, and at most a 1/2 tank of fuel. We really don't pack much, just the standard safety equipment / gear, a cooler with snacks and drinks, towels Etc. We don't carry around any other gear like towables or skis. I'm just thinking about taking the boat on some 3+ hour road trips to some lakes this year, and although my GMC Canyon is a crew cab, its made for 5 small people lol. I love it, but its more of a novelty truck lol.

I believe I will dig deeper into the towing merits of the Acadia, it just baffles me that it is only rated at 2000 with aftermarket equipment vs 5000 with OEM equipment... even if you install the OEM components they still consider it rated at 2000 lbs because it didn't come from the factory installed.

Thanks again guys! I'm hoping to get the boat on the water next week... weather permitting.

Nick

Re: towing weight, 2001 diablo 180?
 

I agree that's that a big swing from 2000 to 5000 lbs.

Only other thing I can think of a little stiffer suspension on the tow package, but I would hold off on that as you won't have that much tongue weight.

Also, there's a BIG difference between towing an aerodymanic boat vs. a box trailer or travel trailer of the same weight.

Re: towing weight, 2001 diablo 180?
 

Another thing to think about is the liability. Your insurance probably isn't going to cover anything if you get in trouble while over-loaded.

Re: towing weight, 2001 diablo 180?
 

Nah, insurance nearly always covers stupidity. :)

Re: towing weight, 2001 diablo 180?
 

I wonder how the insurance would deal with an accident? I have a vehicle according to the aftermarket capable of 5000 (actually I believe it is 5500lbs), GM states the same if equipped with Package V92, if not packaged with V92 it is capable of 2000lbs... so if I were to actually install all the associated components from the V92 package (I checked and suspension is the same with or without V92) would that legally make it capable of the associated weight? even though GM will not warranty the drivetrain? and what if the vehicle is past the warranty period? lol

I'm not worried either way, I've been talking to guys on the Acadia forum and there are quite a few guys pulling much larger boats than my baby Mariah.

Thanks again,

Nick

Re: towing weight, 2001 diablo 180?
 

I'm an insurance agent and there is no exclusion on an auto policy for exceeding your towing limits.

However, you could be found be guilty of gross negligence for knowingly overloading your vehicle. That would lead to a larger judgment that may exceed your policy limits.
Buy a personal umbrella policy to give you higher liability limits.

I think you will have a safe tow vehicle for your boat, but the plaintiff's attorney and a jury may think otherwise if you are in an accident and they are trying to find money.

I'm not a judge or jury, but my opinion is your situation is more of a warranty issue than a safety issue.