Towing with V-6's

[soulsurfer52]

How many people on here Tow there boats with V-6 trucks and how does it perform, I have a V-6 02 explorer I read the explorer post but I'm also thinking about getting a V-6 Tacoma newer model.

[tenn162000]

I have a 2003 toyota V6 4runner and it pulls the Epic fine.  When I was going though the Hills (some say mountains of TN)  I just popped it down to gears 1-3 and basically took off the overdrive - No propblems.  But just last weekend I able to get ahold of V8 silverado and used it for about half the drive home then made the switch at a gas station.  You can really tell that the 4runner is smaller so the Silverado felt like a better ride.  If I never knew the difference the 4runner wouldn't have made me ever think twice.   But basically, the boat weights the same as light truck, suv so keep that in mind when driving on a windy day.     

[Bitzco]

Ditto all that. I've pulled mine with my Honda Pilot, 4runner, and Ford Ranger. They are all 6 cylinder and do fine until I'm in the mountains. My Landcruiser  (8 cylinder) does a lot better though. All of the six cylinders weigh a lot less and you can feel it in maneuvering and handling. YOu have to be more careful about your driving, but I guess that's a good thing.

[festivus]

I would be more concerned about the longevity of your suspension than about how easily it goes up a hill.  I've seen some people pulling epics with "little" suvs and trucks and the poor vehicle looks like it is just begging for help.   That tongue weight is abusive.  Although no different than other boats, just a lot of weight.

[malo8899]

For comparison sakes.....I have 2001 Nissan frontier Crew Cab.  (the bigger one thats jacked up a little with 4 doors).

Its got a 200 horse V6.  Engine handles it fine, but the shocks are struuuuugling, the boat and the truck make a big "V" with the apex at the hitch, if you know what I mean.  The transmission seems to be having a bit of a hard time too.

Personally, i would get something bigger, and 4x4.  I've almost not made it off of the ramp a few times trying to get the boat out of the water.

[malo8899]

Speaking of toungue weight....anyone know what it is on an epic with the standard dual axel trailer?

[festivus]

i'm not a very good estimator, but i's something like 5000 pounds

[Lakeside]

We pull ours with a Pilot with the automatic transmission/power steering cooler option which is recommended by Honda for towing heavy loads.  The Pilot's been perfect, even on some long 1,000 mile trips.  We tow in the Midwest, so big hills on the highway are not really a factor.  The 4WD has helped on some steep unfinished boat ramps (i.e. sandy unpaved hills into the lake).

[skiboarder]

I pull mine with my little s 10 blazer the tounge wheight is not 5000lbs  proubanly only like a 1000lbs

[westtx]

The boat and trailer weigh around 4,000 pounds, so tongue weight is probably 400 - 500 pounds. Most truck-based V-6 SUV's (4Runner, Explorer, Trailblazer, etc) can easily tow 5,000 lbs + if properly equipped with a tow package. Some 4Runners are rated for 7,000 lbs now.

[soulsurfer52]

Thanks guys

[lesman01]

I towed mine a few times with a 4 cyl TRD Tacoma with the Tow package and while it took a second to get up to speed, it worked fine. Those littel 4cyls are machines. It'll turn some rpms..

[westtx]

I was catching up on Trailer Boats magazine today, and they are supposed to have tow ratings for all trucks posted on their website www.trailerboats.com.