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Towing tips for SUVs

396 messages,  Last post on Jun 27, 2008 at 7:45 PM

You are in the SUVs Forum.

What is this discussion about? Towing, SUV

Messages Page 39 of 40

#377 of 396 Re: Manual vs. Automatic for towing ?'s [britt22] by britt22

Jul 29, 2007 (1:38 pm)

Replying to: britt22 (Jul 29, 2007 11:33 am)
ALSO totally meant to ask pro's vs. con's of a manual vs. automatic on a boat ramp getting boat in and out.
 
Better to stick with automatic??? or, manual ????
 
Again - I am all ears to opinions, experiences, recommendations, etc, etc...... ???
 
ASAP if at all possible. Looking to buy/order an '07 Jeep Unlimited very, very soon here. Just don't know which to choose - if either?? Thanks!!!

#378 of 396 Re: Manual vs. Automatic for towing ?'s [britt22] by paisan

Jul 29, 2007 (8:00 pm)

Replying to: britt22 (Jul 29, 2007 1:38 pm)
Automatics are much better for towing, especially boat ramps. On the manuals you will slip the clutch more and generally aren't good for towing.
 
The next question is how heavy will the trailer be as towed. (Fuel in the boat, coolers, gear, etc) and how much gear will go in the vehicle itself? The Wrangler is a good vehicle, but not a good tow vehicle though. I'd want to only tow about 75% of whatever the max towing is. So if the max is 3500 you are looking at around 2500 as your max useable towing at 75% of the rated level.
 
I'd look at something different if towing was what I was planning for the vehicle. How often and how far will also effect how good the Jeep would be for your application. Is it 5-10 miles to the lake? or is it 250 miles to the lake? etc.
 
-mike

#379 of 396 Re: Manual vs. Automatic for towing ?'s [paisan] by britt22

Jul 30, 2007 (8:41 am)

Replying to: paisan (Jul 29, 2007 8:00 pm)
Thanks Mike - your input and time is MUCH appreciated.
 
We are actually looking to tow a Seadoo Sportster which total package (boat & trailer) weights 2,000 lb.'s dry.
 
Most driving would be close to home, but there would be occasional distant driving to further lakes here in Washington state - thus, some uphill grades.
 
Based on what you wrote, and what I have read else where (same rule of thumb of 75% max. towing) it sounds like we should be fine with the tow package put on - and knowing we might have to take it slow on the uphill grades.
 
And, it sounds like you definitely recommend staying with an automatic. Bummer for me, but good for my husband.

#380 of 396 Re: Manual vs. Automatic for towing ?'s [britt22] by steve_ HOST

Jul 30, 2007 (11:15 am)

Replying to: britt22 (Jul 30, 2007 8:41 am)
My sailing buddy tows a 20' Ranger with a manual F150 - just a few trips a year (the boat lives in a slip for most of the summer), and it also weights in at 2,000 pounds (boat and trailer).
 
He hates the manual at the boat ramp and wishes he had gotten the automatic.

#381 of 396 Re: Manual vs. Automatic for towing ?'s [steve_] by paisan

Jul 30, 2007 (4:06 pm)

Replying to: steve_ (Jul 30, 2007 11:15 am)
Yup for that application the Jeep with the AT will do you fine as long as you get the tow package. Sportster is great, my buddy just traded in his 15' speedster w/215hp supercharged engine for the 20' speedster with twin 215hp supercharged engines. Great boats!
 
-mike

#382 of 396 Re: enjoy the great outdoors [steve_] by maltb

Aug 24, 2007 (11:57 am)

Replying to: steve_ (Jan 22, 2007 6:46 pm)
I use canoes for that, and they ride on top of the minivan.

 
Steve, how well does your canoe pull a wakeboarder? I just hate to be polluting the lake if I don't have to.
 
I know, it's old and all but you sent me here.

#383 of 396 Re: enjoy the great outdoors [maltb] by steve_ HOST

Aug 24, 2007 (2:43 pm)

Replying to: maltb (Aug 24, 2007 11:57 am)
Wakeboarders don't need speed, they just need a steep wave. So, maybe with a strong tandem team. ...
 
Have I got the deal for you:
 
Banshee Riverboards
 
No boat, no gas, but lots of towing.

#384 of 396 Re: enjoy the great outdoors [maltb] by paisan

Aug 24, 2007 (5:49 pm)

Replying to: maltb (Aug 24, 2007 11:57 am)
Don't worry you probably get better milage than I do with my boat
 

#385 of 396 Re: GM is only SUV choice for maximum towing capacity [heatwave3] by 52132

Dec 11, 2007 (9:46 am)

Replying to: heatwave3 (Feb 18, 2001 12:48 pm)
You could tow something with a GM as long as it doesn't break down(which it usually does)

#386 of 396 Re: GM is only SUV choice for maximum towing capacity [52132] by paisan

Dec 11, 2007 (2:25 pm)

Replying to: 52132 (Dec 11, 2007 9:46 am)
As much as I hate to say it, Toyota has now trumped even a 2500 series Suburban/Yukon XL. IIRC the new Sequoia will tow 10,000lbs. Looks like Nissan, GM, Ford all need to step it up on their re-designs.
 
-mike

Messages Page 39 of 40

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