Hey!

A friend gave me a 15 foot boat (4 seat, 50HP), with trailer.
It takes a 1 7/8" ball hitch.
I would estimate the boat and trailer to weigh 700-800lbs combined.

I'm looking at picking up a hitch from Canadian Tire, Class 1, 2000lbs, for $150CAD.

Will my car have problems towing this load?
Did I pick a good hitch?
Is the price resonable and the class appropriate??
Will my clutch or engine have problems with this load?
Is there specific RPMs that I should drive at with a load like this?

All information is more than welcome!
Thanks in advance!!

P.S. My car is a 95 GXE, stick. 220k. Runs great.

dave h.

 

I've got a 16' boat with a 50 hp engine and trailer. Total weight is around 1100 lbs. The max is listed as having a max tow of 1000 lbs. The car has plenty of power to pull it, but the suspension and brakes are not designed to handle this load all that well. I only have to tow a few miles to the boat ramp, so it is not a big deal. I would not want to be on the highway going 60 and try to stop.

Give yourself a lot of room, anticipate stops and take it easy, you should be all right.

I've got a picture of it if you want me to email it to you (I have no idea how to post pics on a thread...).

Good luck.

Eric
99SE 5 spd

 

Sure I'd like to see a picture of it.
Is your car standard? or auto?
I think I'll run my boat on a scale, see exactly what it is.
I'd like to make 8 hour drives... but maybe I will avoid that....

Thanks for the information!
dave h.

northeastwestsouth@hotmail.com

 

I'd say if you really want to haul your boat around, you should upgrade your springs and struts. You don't have to buy lowering springs and I believe H&R sells OEM replacements that are stiffer.

 

My car is a stick. It probably damages the clutch some (especially when you are pulling the boat out of the water - up the ramp). However at 85k, it hasn't started slipping yet.

To answer your other questions, I think you have picked a fine hitch. I have a class 1 as well, and paid about $100 US for it. As far as what RPM to drive at, just drive at a safe and normal speed, and you should be okay. you may have to downshift more often if going up a slight incline.

An 8 hour trip might be a lot, but you'd have to see how your particular setup feels to you.

Eric

 

If you're stick, you'll be fine. I tow 360 miles 2 times a year with about 1500lbs.

 

I think youd have more of a reason to worry if you had an auto.