

Most full-size trucks and SUVs have a Class 3 hitch (8,000 pounds). Hitches are rated by capacity in five classes, from Class 1 (2,000-pound trailer weight) to Class 5 (18,000-pound trailer weight). Tow vehicles require a receiver hitch that may be attached to the vehicle frame or the bumper of a truck. Some full-size trucks have a self-leveling suspension that levels the vehicle during towing however, a towing package may not be necessary if you are only going to tow your boat a few miles to the launch ramp. Extra-large side mirrors or extendable mirrors.A heavy-duty cooling system for the engine coolant, the engine oil, and for the transmission.It is in fact beneficial for a vehicle’s durability and performance when towing a longer distance with hilly terrain or through the mountains. If you plan to tow your boat a long distance, trucks or SUVs with an optional towing package are probably your best bet. Of course, if you are buying a boat, it would be good to know that the weight of the boat/trailer combination does not exceed the capacity of your current tow vehicle unless you intend to buy a new one to tow the boat. This way you have a safe margin of error. To determine tongue weight, unhitch the trailer so that only the trailer tongue jack is resting on the scale.įor each of these specifications, it’s good practice to use up to 90 percent of the rating. Tongue weight should not exceed the capacity of the vehicle or the hitch. The final spec to consider is Tongue Weight, the amount of weight the loaded trailer tongue is placing on the vehicle hitch.Larger boats may require the capacity of a full-size truck or SUV. Vans, compact trucks, and SUVs can usually tow up to 5,000 pounds for a pair of personal watercraft, a small family runabout, or a mid-size fishing boat.

To determine the accurate weight of the boat on its trailer, unhitch it and weigh the boat separately on the scale. Not every boat company publishes the combined weight of its boat and trailer combinations, and the boat’s “dry weight” may not include fuel, batteries, and other gear. The GTW includes the weight of the boat, trailer, fuel, and gear.
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The GCVW is the weight of the vehicle, its passengers, and its fuel and gear PLUS the weight of your boat (including fuel, water, and gear) on its trailer.

Your best source of information on towing capacity is the vehicle manual. Towing capacity is determined by the vehicle manufacturer and takes into account a number of factors.

Own a Boat? Rent it out on Boatsetter to earn an avg. Choose the right hitch capacity-most trucks and SUVs are class 3 (8,000 pounds).Determine towing capacity, as outlined by vehicle manufacturer.And of course, budget matters!Ĭonsider the following key factors when determining the best vehicle to tow your boat: The number of people with you and the amount of gear you bring should also be considered. Ready to hit the road towing your boat?Ĭhoosing the best tow vehicle for your boat is a matter of matching the capacity of the vehicle and its trailer hitch to your boat’s weight and trailer.
