Advice on a Tow Vehicle 2024
reelnmn reply :
I'm currently in the market for my first tow vehicle and would like some input from those with more experience. I just bought my first boat, an 18' fiberglass ProCraft in excellent condition, and now need something to tow it with. Currently I'm deployed to Afghanistan for the summer, so I can't test drive anything yet.
Preferably I'd like a midsize SUV, less than 4 years old and 4WD is a must. I'm currently looking at 4Runners, Pathfinders, Xterras, Tahoes, and Trail Blazers.
Any advice?
zerofivenismo reply :
Are Tahoes considered mid-size suv's? Being a Nissan guy, I'd recommend the Pathy or a...370Z 8-)
Under the Radar reply :
I know you said not more than 4 yr old & I understand.
I'm pulling a Stratos 176XT with an '02 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited. 4.7L V-8. Really nice. Don't know 'bout the newer Jeeps tho.
Thanks for Serving,
'Nam '65
Nick O
Crestliner2008 reply :
I've always liked having more power than what is necessary to get the job done. You won't need it....until you need it! Minimum 6 cyl.....8 cyl., 350 c.i. is better. J.M.O.
And yes....THANKS for serving!
'67 Vietnam, DD-790
shootermcbob reply :
I can't comment on the towing part as I don't have a boat. I did use my nissan patherfinder (1991) to tow my brothers 22 FT? bayliner boat for a couple summers. It handled the boat just fine.
As a side note, We put 292,000 miles on that pathfinder, with nary a problem. It always started, went through snow like a tank, and came through 4 deer, three rear end collisions ( we got hit), and an explosion in a car next to it. If not for the rust taking over, way over, I would still be driving that Nissan. Great Vehicle.
skunked_again reply :
ford explorer V-8. mine did me very well.
KU_Bassmaster. reply :
2006 Toyota 4Runner V6. She does the job, but she does not like it much.
Crestliner2008 reply :
Remember one other thing, as I haven't seen it covered here. You can tow just about anything with a Volkswagon. It's the stopping that you have to worry about! Your vehicle weight is just as important as power and 4WD.
My brother towed a 22' Larson Cruiser with a Jeep Cherokee for about a month. He sold it after backing his boat down to launch one day, he couldn't stop! Wheels were locked up and emergency brake on and he was still going backwards down the ramp. Fortunately, the braking stopped the boat when it got to the water, but it scared the living daylights out of both of us. We pulled out immediately and never launched that day - or any other day with that vehicle. The next week he bought an F-250 with a big V-8 engine, which he successfully towed the boat with for many years.
So matching vehicle weight to your boat's weight is every bit as important as power. And also, using a light weight vehicle in an emergency braking situation, you are going to have to allow twice or three times the braking distance than you would if properly matched up. Just some things to think about.
NateFollmer reply :
I'm sporting a 96 jeep cherokee. That baby has some power for how small it is.
Don't get the xterra, its a friggin gas hog. I realize suv aren't normally gas friendly vehicles, but that thing will put you in debt haha.
Stay safe over there and thanks for your service!
Chaz Hickcox reply :
07 avelanche and my silverado have been working real well for me. V8 is a must otherwise you will actually burn more gas because of way higher rpms. When I was a kid we had fords and they worked well too, but trannys would go out too soon. They may have fixed that since I started buying gm, but I dunno.
I got my silverado while I was in Afghan in 08. Look for dealerships online that are close to your house and if you have access to an iridium or something like that call and let them know where you are, obviuosly not specifics. If they're worth anything as Americans they should be able to help you find what you're looking for. Semper Fi.
BigMouthBasstard reply :
Look at the jeeps with the diesel. 4X4, great torque, great gas mileage towing downside is the price of fuel but they last longer than gasoline motors. otherwise id say toyota hylander v6. pulled a 19'6" triton with a 200 through the mountains better than my smallblock Silverado did. personally, i buy American if I have the choice.
Diablos reply :
If you're not too concerned with whether it's foreign or domestic, the Toyota Highlander, 4Runner or Honda Pilot are good reliable choices with fairly strong engines.
My boss has a 2005 Pilot and tows a 3000lb Sailfish boat and hasn't had any service issues.
If I was in the market for a tow vehicle I would probably buy a certified used GMC Terrain with the 3.0liter 264hp engine with the 3500lb tow capacity.
CKFishin reply :
I pull race car trailers with my truck but those are like 10k-15k lbs lol I use a 07 Silverado 2500HD diesel.... id bet a boat would be a laugh for it
Tuckman reply :
For an 18'-19' boat I would highly recommend a Silverado with the 4.8liter or the 5.3 V8.(or a similar truck) If you need room get one with an extended/crew cab. I tow(and I tow a LOT) a Tr186 with an 2005 1500 with the 4.8 liter. Tows the rig great and I get 18+mpg towing on the highway. My buddy tows another 18.5 foot boat with his 5.3 liter and gets 18+ mpg as well. We both get 20+ when not towing.
If you tow with a midsize SUV you may end up getting pushed around by the boat and thats a bad situation. I've also seen smaller SUV's/Trucks just plain cr@p the bed after a year or two towing boats that they are not made to handle.
Good Luck! 8-)
burleytog reply :
No matter the size of the boat, go with a full-size vehicle. You'll get better mileage while pulling.
When I bought my Blazer, I chose it over a full-size pickup thinking it would get better mileage. And while it does do pretty well empty, it sucks when pulling. And the GM 4.3L engine has plenty of power.
mrclean77 reply :
(Don't mean to hijack)
How important is 4WD? My concern is trying to get back up a wet ramp in my 2WD (if/when I ever get a boat, lol)
reelnmn reply :
Thank you all for the support and help. I'm still a long way from making a decision but your responses have definitely narrowed the field.
This will be my first used vehicle purchase...what should I look for when inspecting the vehicle? I plan on getting a carfax report before I buy, but is there anything specific I should look at or have someone look over before buying?
Frogman reply :
Come on man! Your in the desert about to come home...you can't be thinking midsize! Grow up! Get you an F-150 and tow any boat you want! I can tow any bass boat....ANYWHERE ANYTIME! FORD TOUGH (and not government owned) 
Once again! Thanks man.... while your headin home I'll be headed over! I'm leaving around Dec for 2nd tour
skunked_again reply :
QuoteNo matter the size of the boat, go with a full-size vehicle. You'll get better mileage while pulling.When I bought my Blazer, I chose it over a full-size pickup thinking it would get better mileage. And while it does do pretty well empty, it sucks when pulling. And the GM 4.3L engine has plenty of power.
my explorer got better mileage over my F-150. in fact i might go back to pulling the boat with that truck full time.
Strike King reply :
can i piggyback this topic?
I currently tow my Nitro 882 with my 1987 Astro with a 305 V8. terrible on gas, about 11 mpg and seems not alot of power.
From what im reading here im guessing i'd get much better mpg and easier (power) towing with a older 350 2wd Tahoe? I've been thing of getting about a 90's model.
CAdeltaLipRipper reply :
CUMMINS.Dont get a powerjoke.Ford Tough my butt lol.
Oh you said an SUV lol. Well idk i like Tahoes theyre pretty cool
CAdeltaLipRipper reply :
QuoteLook at the jeeps with the diesel. 4X4, great torque, great gas mileage towing downside is the price of fuel but they last longer than gasoline motors. otherwise id say toyota hylander v6. pulled a 19'6" triton with a 200 through the mountains better than my smallblock Silverado did. personally, i buy American if I have the choice.
They make diesel jeeps????
Grey Wolf reply :
QuoteCUMMINS.Dont get a powerjoke.Ford Tough my butt lol.Oh you said an SUV lol. Well idk i like Tahoes theyre pretty cool
HOW WOULD YOU KNOW , YOU'RE NOT OLD ENOUGH TO HAVE A LICENSE ?
Stasher1 reply :
Ya know, I was going to post something very similar. ;D
You'll have to excuse us if we ignore the advice of a 15 yr old when it comes to vehicle durability and longevity, especially since some of us are driving trucks older than you are. :
jeremyt reply :
QuoteThank you all for the support and help. I'm still a long way from making a decision but your responses have definitely narrowed the field.This will be my first used vehicle purchase...what should I look for when inspecting the vehicle? I plan on getting a carfax report before I buy, but is there anything specific I should look at or have someone look over before buying?
Carfax is a start, but they are sometimes over rated. If something happens and it wasn't reported then the carfax is useless. I have heard of instances where someone gets in an accident and a shadetree mechanic fixes it up and the next owner has nothing but problems. I think the biggest thing to look for is a reputable dealer and don't jump on the first one that catches your eye.
Comparative SHopping!
BassThumb reply :
QuoteIf you tow with a midsize SUV you may end up getting pushed around by the boat and thats a bad situation. I've also seen smaller SUV's/Trucks just plain cr@p the bed after a year or two towing boats that they are not made to handle.
Great advice. An 18' glass boat is not light, and I'm assuming it doesn't have trailer brakes. Mine is a 17.5'(Stratos 275) and the whole tow package weighs about 2500 lbs. That will beat the hell out of an underpowered, underequipped tow vehicle, even if you're gentle...MPG, tranny, brakes, suspension, etc.
Hot Rod reply :
Quote(Don't mean to hijack)How important is 4WD? My concern is trying to get back up a wet ramp in my 2WD (if/when I ever get a boat, lol)
Only ever needed to use 4WD once to get up a ramp. Nice to have it, but I wouldn't say it is essential. If you have two people you can always use the outboard to give a bit of a "push start". A Posi-trac rearend might be another option at less cost than 4WD. Tires have an impact on traction too.
Generally the bigger tow vehicles are going to tow nicer of course like most others have said. A lot depends on the terrain where you tow (flat vs. mountains/hills) and how far you have to tow is another consideration, as well as if the trailer has brakes.
Still I wouldn't recommend towing an 18' glass boat with anything less than a full-size truck/suv with a V8. Not saying other vehicles can't do the job, just that it is a lot safer and more comfortable with full size.
BassThumb reply :
QuoteHow important is 4WD? My concern is trying to get back up a wet ramp in my 2WD (if/when I ever get a boat, lol)
I don't think I've ever needed 4WD (4 HI) on a concrete ramp. I have never seen any significant tire slippage. Some of the lakes I fish have sand landings, and I always use 4 LOW on these landing. 4WD is a must then.
Tpayneful reply :
Last year I towed my Stratos 294XLE (19.5' 200HP outboard) from Virginia to Florida and back in my 2004 F150 2 wheel drive with a 4.6L V8 and got 13 MPG. I towed the same boat from Virginia to Florida and back in my 2003 Ford Explorer 4L V6 4x4 and got 10-11 MPG.
My buddy towed his ZX19 Skeeter (18.5' 150HP outboard) with a 2 wheel drive 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac 4L V6 and he got 10-11 MPG.
This was the first year that I took the Explorer and the gas mileage was always 20 to 30% worse than my F150. I have made this trip six times with both aluminum and fiberglass boats and always got 13 MPG with my F150. The only way that I could see an Explorer getting better gas mileage than an F150 would be if it had a V8. The F150 weighs 1000lbs more but the engine does not work as hard as the V6.
If you are only going to be towing short distances, a midsize SUV or Truck are both fine. If you are going to be towing long distances, I would suggest a Truck or full size SUV with a V8.
Stay safe and hope this information helps!
Pa Angler reply :
Ford F150, The F Series is the number one selling truck the last 33 years and the number one selling vehicle sold the last two years.
Tight Lines
Pa Angler
Stingray23 reply :
Heres what my towing vehicle will look like
Fishing Rhino reply :
QuoteFord F150, The F Series is the number one selling truck the last 33 years and the number one selling vehicle sold the last two years.Tight Lines
Pa Angler
That is true, but somewhat meaningless since GM sells two brands of trucks which are basically the same. Combine Silverado and Sierra, and they sell more units than the F150.
It's a meaningless boast by Ford.
If numbers prove anything, then the Camry is the best car in the world.
Tpayneful reply :
At least Ford didn't take any tax payer money.....Sorry couldn't help myself :
Pa Angler reply :
QuoteQuoteFord F150, The F Series is the number one selling truck the last 33 years and the number one selling vehicle sold the last two years.Tight Lines
Pa Angler
That is true, but somewhat meaningless since GM sells two brands of trucks which are basically the same. Combine Silverado and Sierra, and they sell more units than the F150.
It's a meaningless boast by Ford.
If numbers prove anything, then the Camry is the best car in the world.
Check your info the two GM brands together didn't out sell the F series 2009 & 2010.
Tight Lines
Pa Angler
Fishing Rhino reply :
QuoteAt least Ford didn't take any tax payer money.....Sorry couldn't help myself :
You are correct, and I didn't support any bailouts. In fact, I doubt I'll buy another GM product for that reason alone.
Fishing Rhino reply :
QuoteQuoteQuoteFord F150, The F Series is the number one selling truck the last 33 years and the number one selling vehicle sold the last two years.Tight Lines
Pa Angler
That is true, but somewhat meaningless since GM sells two brands of trucks which are basically the same. Combine Silverado and Sierra, and they sell more units than the F150.
It's a meaningless boast by Ford.
If numbers prove anything, then the Camry is the best car in the world.
Check your info the two GM brands together didn't out sell the F series 2009 & 2010.
Tight Lines
Pa Angler
LOL. There goes the 33 years down to two. But, since your counting numbers, which I consider meaningless, GM sells more units worldwide than Ford, and has for as long as I can remember, and that goes back to the late 1940s. By your logic, that has to mean that GM has produced better vehicles than Ford for over 70 successive years.
I quit arguing about cars when I was in my 20s. To each his own. I'm secure in what I like. I feel no need to run down what someone else may choose.
slonezp reply :
QuoteQuoteAt least Ford didn't take any tax payer money.....Sorry couldn't help myself :You are correct, and I didn't support any bailouts. In fact, I doubt I'll buy another GM product for that reason alone.
Depends on how you look at it. They did participate in the cash for clunkers trainwreck.
Pa Angler reply :
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteFord F150, The F Series is the number one selling truck the last 33 years and the number one selling vehicle sold the last two years.Tight Lines
Pa Angler
That is true, but somewhat meaningless since GM sells two brands of trucks which are basically the same. Combine Silverado and Sierra, and they sell more units than the F150.
It's a meaningless boast by Ford.
If numbers prove anything, then the Camry is the best car in the world.
Check your info the two GM brands together didn't out sell the F series 2009 & 2010.
Tight Lines
Pa Angler
LOL. There goes the 33 years down to two. But, since your counting numbers, which I consider meaningless, GM sells more units worldwide than Ford, and has for as long as I can remember, and that goes back to the late 1940s. By your logic, that has to mean that GM has produced better vehicles than Ford for over 70 successive years.
I quit arguing about cars when I was in my 20s. To each his own. I'm secure in what I like. I feel no need to run down what someone else may choose.
GM sells more junk I know I owned them and by far my Fords were more reliable. As far as 33 years down to two Chevy and GMC are seperate divisions I just wanted it to be known that 1 division out sold two that last two years but on a single division vs single division the F sereis rules the last 33 years it's not an argument it's a fact "THE BEST BUILT TRUCKS ARE BUILT FORD TOUGH". I won't buy another GM product as far the last 70 years how many of GM divisions have been lost Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Hummer & Saturn the time for GM to be king is over Ford has increased market share since 2007 but GM has lost market share. Without queston Ford today is producing a better product.
Tight Lines
Pa Angler
Pa Angler reply :
QuoteHeres what my towing vehicle will look like
Awesome truck. Built Ford Tough.
Tight Lines
Pa Angler
J Francho reply :
Stay on topic......
Out of the OP's original list, only the full size Tahoe is appropriate for anything other than very short towing duty of a boat that size.
Personally, a pickup is preferable. I've also seen tons of Blazers, Explorers, Pathfinders, etc. types get eaten alive after a year or two towing.
CAdeltaLipRipper reply :
Personally,i like all american trucks,i like rams the best. I dont really like chevys that much, but i love theyre cars.Theyre very nice and comfy
ctf58 reply :
I have a 2004 f150 4door 5.4 liter 4x4. Towing a boat or my 1968 Ford 2000 tractor with bushhog on a 16 foot trailer, does not change the mpg that much. It sucks either way. Hwy W/O towing is around 15mpg, With trailer I get 12mpg. I have straight 3" pipes from the headers back, no cats. Bought it used last year for towing. I can not tell a trailer is back there as far as power goes. The trailer and tractor does require trailer brakes otherwise it pushes pretty hard even though I have oversized tires for grip.
Like others have said stopping is as important as going.
4x4 is nice to get up a wet ramp.
I had a 1995 Honda Passport 4x4 v6 that pulled the boat well. Put it in 4x4 low and it would crawl up any ramp. The downside was that it only got 13 mph all day long
Chaz Hickcox reply :
QuoteGM sells more junk I know I owned them and by far my Fords were more reliable. As far as 33 years down to two Chevy and GMC are seperate divisions I just wanted it to be known that 1 division out sold two that last two years but on a single division vs single division the F sereis rules the last 33 years it's not an argument it's a fact "THE BEST BUILT TRUCKS ARE BUILT FORD TOUGH". I won't buy another GM product as far the last 70 years how many of GM divisions have been lost Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Hummer & Saturn the time for GM to be king is over Ford has increased market share since 2007 but GM has lost market share. Without queston Ford today is producing a better product.
Tight Lines
Pa Angler
Ahh, you see this is where it get's subjective. I had three F-150's, 1997, 1999, and 2001. ALL THREE dropped their tranny's at 80,000 miles, and I am anal about regular maintenance and scheduled detailed maintenance. All three of my Silverados have not, but I am only at 45,000 with my current 2008. Who cares? Just buy AMERICAN, well as many of the parts as you can.
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