TOW VEHICLE MUST-HAVES
Let’s face it: Towing your trailer boat is not the most enjoyable part of part of boating. Yet for trailer boaters, it’s integral to the experience. Choosing a tow vehicle with the highest capabilities can make this part of the trip as trouble-free as possible.
For any boat/trailer weighing more than 5,000 pounds, you will need a full-size pickup or sport utility vehicle. Here are tips for picking the best model for your needs. —Jim Hendricks KNOW YOUR WEIGHT Before you can choose a tow vehicle, you need to know the weight of your boat/engine, trailer and gear/equipment. Have your rig weighed at a facility such as a Cat Scale (catscale.com), says Todd Brinkman, trailer engineer for GM Trucks. “Load up as you would when going out for a day on the water,” Brinkman advises. “Make sure you get the tongue weight, which involves unhooking the trailer to allow the tongue jack to rest on the scale, as well as the weight on trailer axles.” CHECK THE SPECS Compare the towed weight against the trailer weight allowance (TWA), the maximum weight a vehicle can tow. Another important vehicle specification is the gross combined weight rating, Brinkman says. “This reflects the maximum allowable loaded weight of the
tow vehicle and its trailer, including all passengers, equipment and fuel carried in both,” he points out. Finally, check the vehicle’s maximum allowable tongue weight against the tongue weight of your boat/ trailer to be sure the vehicle and its trailer hitch can handle the tongue weight. Give yourself a margin. If your boat/ trailer weighs 6,000 pounds, select a tow vehicle with a TWA of 7,500 to 8,000 to be safe.
PACKAGE DEAL Factory towing packages maximize the towing capacity. These often include a wire harness and receptacle for trailer lights, a trailer hitch, large side-view mirrors, oversize radiator, oil cooler, heavy-duty transmis- sion, and tranny cooler.
PONY UP When it comes
to engines for tow vehicles, you have two basic choices: gasoline or diesel. Gas engines are still the most popular, but diesel engines are gaining ground, particularly for trucks with a TWA of 8,000 pounds or more. Diesels offer exceptional torque, along with good mileage. Diesels had been found primarily in larger trucks such as the Chevy 2500 and Ford F-250 (so-called 34 /-tons), and Chevy 3500 and Ford F-350 (so-called 1-tons). But now diesels are finding their way into trucks such as the Chevy Colorado, Ford F-150 and Ram 1500. Whether you choose a gas or diesel engine, don’t skimp on the ponies; nothing is more stressful than trailering with an underpowered vehicle. TRANSFER OF POWER Today’s sophisticated automatic transmissions maximize the capabilities of tow vehicles. The number of available gears has steadily increased from six to eight to 10 to help keep the engine revving in its power
band. If you have a choice in transmissions, opt for one with the greatest number of gears.
Selectable tow/haul modes — included with most tow packages — hold gears longer and prevent gear hunting. Make sure your next vehicle has this technology.
TWO- VS. FOUR-WHEEL
DRIVE The decision between two- and four-wheel drive hinges on what kinds of launch ramps you use. If you launch on ramps subject to extreme tides, four-wheel drive can be helpful when low tide leaves the ramp covered with moss. Also, if you plan on using unpaved ramps, four-wheel drive is nearly a must on muddy or sandy inclines. Otherwise, twowheel drive can save you a bit of money on the purchase price.