Towing Capacity Question
 

Hey all,

As the new owner of a '91 1900 ZS, I've got a towing capacity question for y'all:

When trailered, the boat comes in at about 3100 pounds. I'm looking at a vehicle with a 3500-pound capacity. Is that a mistake? Or is that enough power? I really don't want a monster SUV or big pickup, because for about 350 days of the year, I won't be towing anything.

90% of the time, the towing distance will be less than 50 miles, but several times a year I'd like to take it on a longer trip... maybe 400 miles.

So... when a vehicle is rated for 3500 pounds, does that mean "Yeah, it'll work for 3500 pounds, but keep the distance/inclines to a minimum." Or does it mean, "You can pretty much go anywhere, any distance."

Any insights very much appreciated.

That's definitely getting close to max towing capacity on that vehicle. And chances are, it doesn't have enough power to tow you 400miles without some trouble. Throw in some mountains, or hilly terrain, and you'll *definitely* have issues.

I would consider upgrading to something with at least a 5000lb capacity. You can find a lot of small SUV's with towing capacity in that range, ie Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, etc. When you step up to a higher towing capacity, you're getting a vehicle that's more suited for mid-size towing, with larger brakes, transmission cooler, gear ratios, etc. Look for large V6 or small V8 engines. When I had my Jeep Grand Cherokee, I could tow 6500lbs, and could still maintain about 17mpg around the city when I wasn't towing. Small enough to fit in parking garages and easier to maneuver than a pickup truck.

What vehicle in particular are you looking at? Perhaps we could help you out!

I'm looking at three options:

Honda Pilot (3500# capacity)
Toyota Highlander (3500# capacity)
Toyota 4Runner (5000# capacity)


I know the 4Runner would have a much easier time...I just don't know if I want that MUCH of a vehicle for the other 11.8 months of the year! I could probably forgo any 400-mile pulls and borrow a friend's F-150 for those, but I'd really like to do 60-mile pulls without any problems. Would that still be putting too much strain on a V6 AWD Highlander?

Sorry... the Pilot's capacity is 4500 lbs.


Hmmm.... maybe that's the way to go?

Also remember that capacity includes all the gear and fuel on the boat and performance is often affected by the number of passengers and their gear. It is easy to overload the rig when on a long trip.:yes_grin:

I have seen quite a few discussions on "another board" regarding the Honda Pilot and it's possibility as a tow vehicle. If you Click Here you can visit that "other board" and search for yourself. I never really read a lot regarding it, but the general consensus is that it's an OK tow vehicle. Some of them do come with interesting options like a back up camera. However since it's a newer model, you might get a higher price tag. Another thing to consider is the lack of a low range 4wd. On a slippery ramp, you'll appreciate a true low range 4wd vs the AWD. But still, AWD is better than 2wd!

I say look into the 4Runner. Better towing package, better suspension, and a much more stable ride. And if you get a case of "two foot-itis" and need to upgrade to a larger boat anytime, you'll be set. Plus, they've been making the 4Runner since 1984, so the chances of finding a used one within your price range might be better.

It really depends on the terrain you'll be towing through. If it's fairly flat, the Pilot might do fine. However if you've got ANY hills you'll appreciate the 4Runner a little more. For the long trips, borrow your friend's F-150!

Cross-Over vs SUV
 

This is always a tricky thing to figure out. I just went through the exact same thing. A couple of things to think about. The Cross-overs (Pilot & Highlander) will serve you well as a daily driver and willl tow your boat to the ramp and put it in and out. But the 3500lbs is pretty close to your total tow rating. Don't forget your total GVWR also requires you to subtract out the weight of everything else in your vehicle. Kids, camping gear etc.

Also in addition to the Cross overs having a lower Gross Vehicle Weight Rating they default to front wheel drive, unless they sense slip. That means that all the tug, push and pull of your boat is going to go straight into you transmission through the small little drive shafts and CV joint. No matter how good your tranny coolers is it will not combat this mechanical abuse. Pilots share their drive line with the Oddysey, which has some tranny issues when towing. The Towing capacity of this vehicle is indeed 3500lbs, and only 4500lbs when pulling a boat (no I don't know how it knows..). The Highlander has the same issues, as it is also based on a car chasis.

So, if your main concern is towing. Buy a traditional truck based mid-sized SUV, rear wheel drive. Look for a 5000 lb towing capacity.

I ended up buying a 2008 Nissan Pathfinder. 266 horspower V6, I am averaging 19 mpg and it can tow 6000lbs. I chose this vehicle over the Pilot because of the chasis and the towing. Hopefully this helps a little. Happy Hunting..

Toyota 4Runner
 

I towed my Z210 extensively using a 2007 4Runner with the V6. My boat/trailer weight 4,600 pounds, which is close to the Toyota's 5,000 pound towing capacity. It still feels good though, and the full small truck underpinnings are very comforting to me. The 4x4 on the ramps is almost indispensable IMHO.

The nice thing about the 4Runner is that it handles and rides very well, and is my dainty wife's 99 percent of the time. She gets 18 mpg in all city driving. On the highway I can baby it and get 25 mpg. With the boat in tow I see about 12 or 13 mpg.

This is all great info and very true. Just to add my thoughts and experiences...

When I first bought my Z212, I didn't have an actual tow vehicle. I used my wife's '06 Chrysler Town & Country minivan which has a tow rating of 3800 lbs. for the few short trips that were necessary. I'll be honest, that thing towed it quite well! But, here are some points that reiterate what's been said. The wheelbase is one of the major factors in tow ratings. That minivan has a long wheelbase, and is very stable while towing. The engine had "plenty" of grunt to get the boat moving, no real issue there. However, the brakes weren't so great, and I swear I heard the transmission screaming "help" a few times, which are the Achilles heels of most cross-overs and minivans. A real truck will have much stronger transmissions, brakes, suspensions, etc. to actually handle the load you're pulling.

My Jeep Grand Cherokee that I now have will pull the boat all over with no problems, except for the short wheelbase! It will bounce and sway quite a bit if I'm not careful. In that regard, the van was actually better. But I feel much safer and confident in the Jeep making it to my destination than the van.

A 3500 lb. rating will be too low in my opinion. Yes, it would be able to do it. But only at the expense of lesser reliability and safety.

indykoch brings up a GREAT point regarding wheelbase. you'll definitely get more sway with a shorter wheelbase, and if you've never towed before, sway can really suck, especially if it gets out of control. Ever heard the term "The Tail Wags the Dog"? Not fun to experience in real life. You'll definitely appreciate the stronger truck components to help alleviate sway issues.

On the sway issue, I have a Ford F250 Super Duty and had sway problems until I changed the hitch height until the trailer frame was level. On dual axel trailers it is important to keep the load even on each axle.

Take it to a scale!
 

3100 seems like it might be a little low for the weight of your whole rig. Can you run this across a public scale somewhere like at a grain elevator? Most people seem to underestimate their total weight and the scale is the only way to know for sure with your normal equipment aboard and the fuel load you would haul with. I used a heavy half ton GMC to haul my 18' Mariah and it did a nice job pulling and controlling it. (Before I sold the boat) I'm now towing a 16' aluminum runabout and that outfit weighs 1500. I hardly know it is there.

My tow vehicle is a Grand Cherokee, and I've never had any bounce/sway issues. Mine does have the Up Country package (1" lift on stiffer springs) but I still run my 2" drop hitch inverted to keep the trailer level . Most of the time I need to look in my mirrors to remind myself the boat is back there. :wink_thumbup:

Mind you my trailer is a single axle unit. Don't know if that makes any difference.

No bounce issues? With the Up Country package?? I would think that's even worse with the softer, off-road type of suspension. Hey, if it works - great! I love the GC!

I may be more sensitive to it after using full size vans, pick-ups, and the minivan on previous occasions. It's not terrible, just bounces more than the others. Much the same way a Jeep Wrangler bounces around - the short wheelbase causes it, and added weight behind the rear axle magnifies it.

I don't usually see much sway either. Again, it's more than other vehicles which is why I mentioned it. Slight corrections on the interstate at 70 mph towing something that seems twice as long as the Jeep makes it "wag" a little.

My trailer is a Prestige tandem axle from the factory (custom built), it's level when hooked up to the Jeep, and tows great. Maybe having the tandem, slightly longer/heavier boat makes a bit of difference.

I'm glad you're happy with your set-up too. The Grand Cherokee is a strong, dependable tow vehicle. I just wanted to point out that I think the tow rating could be even higher if it didn't have the off-road mindset of a short wheelbase. It's really a great "all around use" type of vehicle that I plan to keep a long time!

U/C package also includes high pressure monotube shocks. That could well be the difference.

X2 on lovin' the GC. For me it's a great all around vehicle. In the snow, the QuadraDrive system is simply awesome. :wink_thumbup:

Great information.

Clearly, a true 4x4 vehicle with a truck frame as its basis seems to be the way to go. I was really considering the Pilot until the AWD issue was mentioned in a previous post -- I'd hate to struggle on a ramp--or worse--tear up the tranny on an $18,000+ vehicle.

It's funny, though, as the more I discover about this, the higher the tow capacity recommendations become! Before long, I'll be considering an F-350 Diesel Dually. :rolling_laugh:

Re: Towing Capacity Question
 

I am looking at buying a 1992 Mariah Diablo, I think its about 18 feet long, comes with the 3.0l Mer Alpha 1 drive.

I am going to be towing this with a GMC Canyon 2WD, rated for 5500lbs. The truck has the off road suspension package with a 4000lb hitch. 500lb tung capicity.

Do you guys think that I should be ok with this set up? I am still a little nervous at the boat ramp being it is only the 2WD, the truck has a button to turn on and off the limited slip traction control as well. Not sure what the better option would be.

Anyone know what the weight of the 18 foot Mariah and a single axel trailer would be aprox?

Thanks guys, I am new to this site...and I hopefully will be a Mariah owner tomorrow.

Re: Towing Capacity Question
 

Juno. You should be fine. boat is about 2200 lbs and trailer 1000 lbs. add people, fuel, etc and you will be 4000 or so.

on the boat ramp, it depends on conditions.

Re: Towing Capacity Question
 

Thanks, thats what i was thinking as well. Do you know where on this site I could get the specs on this boat?

Re: Towing Capacity Question
 

your welcome



Contribute a little money and get all the downloads. some is basic boat info and other pdfs are for more detailed info.

http://www.mariahownersclub.com/forum/payments.php

Re: Towing Capacity Question
 

Hi All,

Similar question but for a 202 shabah......boat comes in at 2800lbs, but sure what the trailered weight would be?

currently I have a 5.4 V8 Isuzu Acender with 6400lbs but looking at newer cars I may have to go down to a V6 with 4500lbs.......

Re: Towing Capacity Question
 

I had this concern recently. I sold my Durango last year, so when I bought my Z202 I was wondering if my wife's 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac would pull it. The truck itself is very solid and has a longer wheelbase than the SUV Explorer, but she only has the 4.0L V6...and the 3500LB hitch. After discussing it with a boater friend he assured me it would be no problem. He has a 2006 Sea Ray 200 Select and for the first summer he pulled it with a Chevy Equinox. I decided I would try pulling it with our Sport Trac and if it was uneasy, then I would go buy myself a truck.

After pulling it for the summer (including two 500-mile round-trips), I am at ease. Believe it or not, my buddy was right. This truck doesn't even think about it. Even though it's a V6, it's 210HP is the same as the brand new GMC Z-71 I bought back in 1994 with a 350 V8 in it. The braking is just fine also - no problem. (my trailer has tandem axle and surge brakes so that helps I'm sure)

I'm not comparing it to that 1/2 ton pickup. I know there are other factors - frame, suspension, torque rating @ rpm, and yes the biggy - transmission, but if you are careful driving it can be done. My only big issue is the hitch itself. Dang Ford! I still plan to buy myself another truck soon and then I'll pull it with that, but for now the Sport Trac gets the nod.

I know you are considering other vehicles (not Sport-Trac) but the issues are similar and I would suggest you buy as much vehicle as you can live with (and pay for) if you are towing. But if you need a smaller for the majority of your driving and just occasionally pull your boat, it can be done.

Re: Towing Capacity Question
 

thank you that is reassuring ..... I guess i would not have the question if i had a smaller vehicle first as the boat and trailer weight is within the rated towing capacity.....