Tow vehicle question

[scrat]

I have a 2004 trophy 2002. The manual says the trailer plus boat is around 4430 lbs. My regular tow vehicle is strong enuff. However, I'm purchasing a new suv for the wife. its towing capacity is rated at 7500. I get confused with tounge weight etc. Will the SUV be okay to tow this boat (short distances) from house to launch about 20 miles? launch will not be on a ramp but off a hoist.

 

[scrat]

Re: Tow vehicle question

Correction it's rated at 5000 (tow vehicle)

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: Tow vehicle question

It will be fine, just take it easy


Stopping is the hardest part as you'll be right at the maximum allowed capacity for the SUV. Be sure you have good trailer brakes and that they are installed on both axles.

 

[109jb]

Re: Tow vehicle question

It should be fine if the trailer is set up right. Check the hitch rating. I know you said 5000 pounds, but there should also be a maximum tongue weight rating. The hitch tongue weight rating is usually exactly 10% of the total hitch rating, so 500 pounds (Check it to be sure). Then you need to make sure the tongue weighht of the loaded trailer doesn''t exceed this. Trailers are set up usually for 10-15% tongue weight related to total weight. At 4430 pounds 15 percent would be 665 pounds. So, the tongue weight could exceed the hitch's max tongue weight. Would require re-positioning the boat or moving the axle if the tongue weight is exceeded.

Also, the maximum tow rating may be for a load equalizing hitch setup. If that is the case then you would need that setup. If the trailer has electric brakes you can use just about any load equalizing setup if required by the tow vehicle manual. If it is surge brakes, there is one equalizing setup that I know of that will work. There may be more but at least one exists. I'll see if I can find it and post a link later.

Last point. You will need brakes. If the trailer has surge brakes then you are set. If the trailer has electric brakes (not common on boaat trailers) then you will need a brake controller. The vehicle manufacturer probably has a wiring harness that you can buy that allows simply plugging the controller into the vehicle wiring.

Good luck

 

[109jb]

Re: Tow vehicle question

I found the equalizer that works with surge brakes if you need it:

http://www.equalizerhitch.com/productinfo/compatibility.php

 

[wcsellers]

Re: Tow vehicle question

do yourself a favor and have your mechanic install the biggest aftermarket trans cooler that will fit in the front. even the factory coolers suck and you will be soo close to the limits. Think cooler now $200 or trans later $3500

 

[Outsider]

Re: Tow vehicle question

Have the rig weighed loaded as you'll usually tow it, 'manual' weights are notoriously low-ball. I'm guessing you're looking at a mid-sized SUV. While you'll 'probably' be OK, I'd also guess you're already over-loaded. Ya pays your money and takes yur chances ...

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Tow vehicle question

Add a tranny cooler and stay out of overdrive. All should then be well.

 

[109jb]

Re: Tow vehicle question

As I said in my previous post, it should be fine provided....

I have to disagree with the simple "It's fine", or "good to go" type posts. It is not fine or good to go until ALL, yes ALL, of the parameters are checked. Not guessed at but checked. Total trailer weight and max towing weight are only part of the equation. Total trailer weight AND tongue weight have to be checked against what the vehicle is capable of AND all of the equipment required for those weights must be met. If one parameter is exceeded or one piece of required equipment is omitted then it is NOT fine. That is the ONLY way it works.

Nobody knows what the max tongue weight rating is or what the required equipment for those maximum ratings is because we haven't been told them specifically and we haven't been told the make or model of vehicle. It is pure speculation that the 5000 stated max tow rating does or does not require extra equipment or that the tongue weight will or will not exceed the max the vehicle is rated for.

Also, a vehicle's max tow rating is for the empty vehicle except for the driver. Load up the vehicle and the tow rating is less.

All of this info is in the vehicle owner's manual.

All of this has to be checked and it is irresponsible in my opinion not to say so.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Tow vehicle question

That 4430# is almost definitely "dry" weight i.e. without fuel, batteries, or water (if applicable), not to mention food, beverages, ice, etc. You can easily exceed the 5000# mark if you aren't very careful.

 

[Fl_Richard]

Re: Tow vehicle question

You'll be fine

Just check the tongue weight and make sure you dont exceed the towing capacity of the vehicle or the hitch.

 

[dbkerley]

Re: Tow vehicle question

My truck had a pallet of tile in it this morning and judging by some of the posts here it would have been fine to hook up my boat also.

My best advice is to first know your or your wife's limitations and then those of your vehicle.

Buy too much hitch. In your case, that would likely be a class V.

Get trailer brakes and make sure they are properly adjusted.

Never put automotive tires on a trailer.

If it makes you nervous - UPGRADE.