Towing a pontoon

[mickeygr]

Being new to the pontoon scene, I was wondering what size of a pontoon can be towed by my 07 H2 Hummer with a 5 cyl. automatic?

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Towing a pontoon

What is the towing capisity of the truck.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Towing a pontoon

Look in your owners manual for the towing capacity. If it is not there, go to the GM web site and look at the "Towing Considerations". Towing a pontoon is like towing a barn door into the wind so that is going to be more of a factor than the length of the pontoon or its weight.

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: Towing a pontoon

Never seen an H2 with a 5 cyl. 6.0 liter yes an possibly 5.7.

 

[jkust]

Re: Towing a pontoon

Do you mean the H3 that came with a 5 cylinder?

 

[mickeygr]

Re: Towing a pontoon

Sorry. It is a H3 with the 5 cyl and a maxium trailer weight of 4,500 lbs, with a GCWR of 9,500 lbs.

 

[Part-time]

Re: Towing a pontoon

Like Silvertip said... It has alot to do with the wind.
I tow several pontoons every week with a GMC 1/2 ton diesel but I never have to go more than 1/2 hr drive from the shop and it's all small hwy's with a 50mph max or back roads.
And I wouldn't want to have to go faster or further with most!
I think your H3 would do ok for shorter trips, but I would stay away from freeways.
Also leave the tranny in drive/3rd or turn the O/D off if your truck has the option.
Don't forget to get extentions for your rear view mirrors so you can see behind you as well.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Towing a pontoon

Something interesting happens when towing a pontoon... The drag going down the highway is basically the same for a 16 footer as it is for a 26 foot pontoon. Pontoons are generally light, but as mentioned above, they are an aerodynamic brick going down the highway.

I wouldn't tow any pontoon for extended trips with that vehicle, think more than a hour every weekend. Short tows at less than highway speeds, not a problem, just keep it under the max weight. (which you should be able to find LOTS of pontoons.)

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Towing a pontoon

I would think with a 4500 pound tow limit a 28 footer should be no problem at all.

 

[jkust]

Re: Towing a pontoon

How is it that a Chevy Taverse crossover that seems to be minivan with doors based on the many I've driven can tow 5000lbs with a generic 3.6 but a Hummer, even the smaller H3, is only good for 4500lbs? I just saw an H3 the other day and it seemed more robust than that.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Towing a pontoon

I would think with a 4500 pound tow limit a 28 footer should be no problem at all.

Not at highway speed for 3 hours every weekend... Goodby trans and engine.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Towing a pontoon

Install an additional transmission cooler, if it doesn't have it already, and drive sensibility. This is the same frame and engine as a basic half ton work truck. If your towing the boat 2 or 3 hours every second weekend, consider a HD dual cab pickup. For shorter trips with less frequency, let common sense prevail and you'll be fine. BTW, the trailer needs electric or surge brakes.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Towing a pontoon

How is it that a Chevy Taverse crossover that seems to be minivan with doors based on the many I've driven can tow 5000lbs with a generic 3.6 but a Hummer, even the smaller H3, is only good for 4500lbs? I just saw an H3 the other day and it seemed more robust than that.

H3 is nothing more than the old chevy S10 blazer/colorado sized vehicle with square body work on it. They are made to look beefy, but are not.

 

[jkust]

Re: Towing a pontoon

H3 is nothing more than the old chevy S10 blazer/colorado sized vehicle with square body work on it. They are made to look beefy, but are not.

Well the 5 cylinder matching the Colorado made me wonder but yes the huge tires give the impression of something more capable. Even so with the body on frame my common sense would think you can tow more than 4500 vesrus the unibody of the example Traverse. I guess it's a good thing the OP is shopping for large pontoons and not large bowriders then.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Towing a pontoon

Well the 5 cylinder matching the Colorado made me wonder but yes the huge tires give the impression of something more capable. Even so with the body on frame my common sense would think you can tow more than 4500 vesrus the unibody of the example Traverse. I guess it's a good thing the OP is shopping for large pontoons and not large bowriders then.

Problem is that the huge tires are part of the problem. Bigger tires = more rotating mass = less tow rating and more stress on the drivetrain. In any event, it should tow a pontoon OK but I would want a full sized truck for much highway travel. My dads 21ft can be a handfull in the wind even behind my crewcab ram.

 

[Nightfisher-]

Re: Towing a pontoon

I pull my 24ft toon with my Jeep Liberty and I know another guy that pulls his with a Wrangler. Both, pull fine for short distances, but like others stated, they suck at highway towing. A short wheel base does not help either. If I paid as much for a Hummer as what they cost I would be pissed if it wouldn't tow my boat anywhere I wanted. Just goes to confirm my feelings on what the Hummer has become since they first came out. Just another high priced blingmobile now, barely a 4x4 anymore. I'd LOVE to get ahold of a military surplus one though, MPGs be damned! lol.

 

[stuw pidasso]

Re: Towing a pontoon

Hello All!

I hope I'm not hijacking this thread.
I'm not only new to this Site , I'm new to Boating. I have a 1988 bayliner Capri 19' bowrider W/ a Force 125, I just put in a new Floor, floor supports & Fiberglassed all of the Wood. From this Site I learned how to set the timing & adjust the Carbs, Great info. What I need to know, Does anyone know if I'll be able pull it up the ramp and out of the Water. I have a 2001 ford Ranger 2 wheel drive W/ a 4.0 V-6 with a towing wt. of 5000 lbs the Trailer has a tongue wt. of 194 lbs at towing height, If I need more tongue wt. I can move the Axle back to increase it. I live Two miles from one of the many Boat Ramps in Clearlake Ca,