Author Topic: Do we really need trucks to tow things? (Read 1369 times)

SapphireSeo · « **on:** October 31, 2011, 08:22:46 pm »

If I wanted to tow something like a moderately large family boat, would I need a truck, or would a car with a diesel engine like the VW Jetta TDI do the job? The jetta has lots of torque, only a slightly smaller wheelbase than a Colorado and also has a wider front and rear wheel track. The Jetta doesn't weigh much less than the Colorado and the only large difference I can think of is height. Is there something I'm ignorant to, or is the Jetta TDI a suitable vehicle for a family that wants to tow a boat around?

Also if it isn't much trouble, I'd like to hear everyone's opinion on the very best vehicle to tow heavy trailers around with.

rrocket · « **Reply #1 on:** October 31, 2011, 08:23:54 pm »

How heavy is the boat?

AP · « **Reply #2 on:** October 31, 2011, 09:05:39 pm »

"Moderately large boat" is likely going to disqualify most if not all cars. Keep in mind that very often you have to deduct from the max tow ratings the weight of passengers and cargo. It becomes apparent very quickly that towing the family boat with the family in the car is not going to happen, at least not safely.

Cord · « **Reply #3 on:** October 31, 2011, 09:16:25 pm »

The Colorado isn't exactly a benchmark of towing ability. With a 5.3L V8 it can tow 6000 lbs. With the 4 and 5 cyl versions the towing capacity ranges from <1000 to 2500 lbs. As was said above, those figures have to be reduced by the weight of any passengers and cargo.

Towing a significant load requires much more than just a torquey engine. Transmission capability, engine and tranny cooling, braking ability, and frame strength are particularly critical. Somehow, I doubt that jamming on the brakes while pulling a 5000 lb trailer with a Jetta would instill a lot of confidence.

tortoise · « **Reply #4 on:** October 31, 2011, 09:48:14 pm »

Two anecdotes:

A friend towed a loaded double axle U-Haul trailer from Calgary to Ottawa with a 2000 Jetta TDi. He said there weren't any issues but he definitely knew the trailer was there.

My dad towed our 18.5 foot Sea Ray (from the 80's so it's HEAVY) with an Mid 90's Taurus wagon and with a 92 Grand Carvan. Again, no issues.

Where the Jetta will let you down is trying to pull it out of the water up a wet loading ramp.

SapphireSeo · « **Reply #5 on:** October 31, 2011, 10:37:28 pm »

Thanks for the input so far everyone.

Another note. The boat weighs around 1500 lbs, is that still too heavy if maybe the trailer used had brakes?

Are there any alternatives that one can use to tow a boat that aren't trucks, CUVs or SUVs?

1TSX · « **Reply #6 on:** October 31, 2011, 10:44:30 pm »

Quote from: SapphireSeo on October 31, 2011, 10:37:28 pm

Thanks for the input so far everyone.

Another note. The boat weighs around 1500 lbs, is that still too heavy if maybe the trailer used had brakes?

Are there any alternatives that one can use to tow a boat that aren't trucks, CUVs or SUVs?

A body on frame Crown Victoria or Grand Marquis.

Or a minivan.

johngenx · « **Reply #7 on:** October 31, 2011, 11:40:49 pm »

1500lbs? We have friends with a Forester that routinely haul a 1300lb small camper without any difficulty. It has trailer brakes and they added an extra trans cooler, and their AT-trans temp light has not come on once, even hauling the camper over high mountain passes.

tortoise · « **Reply #8 on:** November 01, 2011, 07:45:40 am »

I wonder if manufacturers list lower tow ratings for cars sold in the US vs. in Europe. I was looking into towing with the 5 last night and in NA it clearly states that you should not tow anything. However, in the UK it's rated for over 1300 lbs.

I think 1500 lbs in a properly balanced trailer would be no problem for your Jetta.

Mike · « **Reply #9 on:** November 01, 2011, 08:37:58 am »

Quote from: SapphireSeo on October 31, 2011, 10:37:28 pm

Thanks for the input so far everyone.

Another note. The boat weighs around 1500 lbs, is that still too heavy if maybe the trailer used had brakes?

Are there any alternatives that one can use to tow a boat that aren't trucks, CUVs or SUVs?

Read car's tow ratings. Most max out at 1000lbs and some will go up to 1500lbs. If your boat is 1500lbs without gear or trailer, you are probably pushing things. I know the Dodge Magnum could tow something like 5000lbs with the optional towing package.

5 Wheel Drive · « **Reply #10 on:** November 01, 2011, 09:06:22 am »

I wouldn't want to tow a 1500lb boat with the average family car. Even balanced, that's a lot of extra weight on the back of the car. Since most cars are fwd, you'll unweight the front wheels. The wheels that do all the steering, all the driving, and most of the braking. As Tortoise mentioned, good luck getting that up a wet boat ramp.

wing · « **Reply #11 on:** November 01, 2011, 09:14:43 am »

Look at the Euro ratings and go from there IMO. I am sure the safety nazi's are against us here.

safristi · « **Reply #12 on:** November 01, 2011, 09:19:53 am »

Maybe ...just maybe.....do realistic "wot do I need".......a wee boat....no problemo......a Bigger boat 3,000lbs...we May have a problem HOUSTON if yer ferrying it back and forth every weekend from May24 till Labour Day..and beyond.....so a larger towing capacity is good.....If ya have a Mega Boatty floaty thingy...5,000lbs plus....DOCK THE THING and pay for /or rent a Hemi TRUCK twice a year.... too simple for ya...then ya shouldn't "operate" a bath duck..........

AP · « **Reply #13 on:** November 01, 2011, 09:29:01 am »

Whether the North American tow specs are sandbagged or not, I would be concerned about liability issues associated with towing in excess of the maximum tow rating. For all you know your insurance may even exclude coverage if you tow in excess of capacity.

Mike · « **Reply #14 on:** November 01, 2011, 09:32:41 am »

Just don't severely over do it with weight and trailer size

http://youtu.be/mfLnLwFcSBc

blur911 · « **Reply #15 on:** November 01, 2011, 09:39:20 am »

Quote from: Mike on November 01, 2011, 09:32:41 am

Just don't severely over do it with weight and trailer size

http://youtu.be/mfLnLwFcSBc

This one is a classic:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8ChOMh4QdM

tortoise · « **Reply #16 on:** November 01, 2011, 09:42:52 am »

Quote from: 5 Wheel Drive on November 01, 2011, 09:06:22 am

I wouldn't want to tow a 1500lb boat with the average family car. Even balanced, that's a lot of extra weight on the back of the car.

It really isn't much extra weight on the back of the car. For a 1500lb boat the tongue weight would be around 100 lbs. Not nearly enough to worry about steering issues.

Mike · « **Reply #17 on:** November 01, 2011, 09:48:28 am »

Maybe just power the boat trailer?

http://youtu.be/4UCZF_UnG10

safristi · « **Reply #18 on:** November 01, 2011, 09:51:05 am »

..Monkey SEA...Monkey DOO.................ya can get the Royal Yacht Britannia fer 1 cent on the dollar..............,,

tpl · « **Reply #19 on:** November 01, 2011, 09:58:48 am »

There is a good argument that the towing vehicle including its load should weigh MORE that the trailer and its load. To do with airflow, like sidewinds and centre of mass vs centre of aero pressure. Can't quote chapter and verse on this but I read it in the context of a heavy racecar on a trailer behind a SUV. The trailer was within the tow limit and probably would have been fine in still air and dry roads.