Can I pull a boat?!?!
06-29-2006, 12:00 PM
#41
Donating Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 17
Originally Posted by dgeesaman
I think it should be made clear that the guys who have a hitch on their Max appear to be well within the recommended weight limits for a Maxima. The original question involved a considerably larger boat and also the question of negotiating a pull up the boat ramp. It's those elements that make the Maxima unsuitable.
Maximas are perfectly fine for pulling small loads, as long as traction and total weight are not a problem. It's certainly less effort for the car than when it's loaded with cargo and people, yet nobody worries when that happens. You can always gear down for more torque, and of course the hitch can be bought as a removable type so that it isn't visible. In fact, I'm considering a hitch not for my Maxima, but for my RX-7 - just so that I can tow a small tire trailer to racing events.
It's not that towing a Maxima or other car is bad, but you have to know its limits and really respect them.
Dave
Maximas are perfectly fine for pulling small loads, as long as traction and total weight are not a problem. It's certainly less effort for the car than when it's loaded with cargo and people, yet nobody worries when that happens. You can always gear down for more torque, and of course the hitch can be bought as a removable type so that it isn't visible. In fact, I'm considering a hitch not for my Maxima, but for my RX-7 - just so that I can tow a small tire trailer to racing events.
It's not that towing a Maxima or other car is bad, but you have to know its limits and really respect them.
Dave
Removable hitches still leave a visible reciever. If your car ever has to be towed its something else to worry about clearance wise.
07-23-2006, 03:21 AM
#44
Originally Posted by O_Rly
Cargo/people don't put stress on the frame directly.
Dave
04-09-2010, 09:03 AM
#45
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Hermitage, TN
Posts: 30
Ok guys, so its too long to ask on this thread, I didn't found a thread better than this one so my question goes....
I am moving from CT to TX and planning to tow my stuff with my 97 Max, stock, considering 500LB of passenger + cargo weight, how much should I tow maximum ( trailer weight + Cargo weight ) safely, and what it can be detrimental to my car for this one time hauling of around 2000 Miles....I simply checked U-haul option and one way is costing me 2 grands (U haul truck + trailer to tow my car), I baught Maxima in 2007 for $ 3700
, it already has 145K mile on it....will appreciate response...
I am moving from CT to TX and planning to tow my stuff with my 97 Max, stock, considering 500LB of passenger + cargo weight, how much should I tow maximum ( trailer weight + Cargo weight ) safely, and what it can be detrimental to my car for this one time hauling of around 2000 Miles....I simply checked U-haul option and one way is costing me 2 grands (U haul truck + trailer to tow my car), I baught Maxima in 2007 for $ 3700
, it already has 145K mile on it....will appreciate response...
04-09-2010, 09:12 AM
#46
Check the owners manual, it might have this info.
Ok guys, so its too long to ask on this thread, I didn't found a thread better than this one so my question goes....
I am moving from CT to TX and planning to tow my stuff with my 97 Max, stock, considering 500LB of passenger + cargo weight, how much should I tow maximum ( trailer weight + Cargo weight ) safely, and what it can be detrimental to my car for this one time hauling of around 2000 Miles....I simply checked U-haul option and one way is costing me 2 grands (U haul truck + trailer to tow my car), I baught Maxima in 2007 for $ 3700, it already has 145K mile on it....will appreciate response...
I am moving from CT to TX and planning to tow my stuff with my 97 Max, stock, considering 500LB of passenger + cargo weight, how much should I tow maximum ( trailer weight + Cargo weight ) safely, and what it can be detrimental to my car for this one time hauling of around 2000 Miles....I simply checked U-haul option and one way is costing me 2 grands (U haul truck + trailer to tow my car), I baught Maxima in 2007 for $ 3700
, it already has 145K mile on it....will appreciate response...
04-09-2010, 10:46 AM
#47
As much as the OP has already stated that he's changed his mind on this - a couple of things to consider.
FWD and boat ramp - honestly the front tires are on dry ground - load balance would be the only issue with traction. I still wouldn't recommend towing anything with your Maxima since it wasn't really designed for having a hitch...
Toyota Trucks are ok - but you should consider an UPGRADE to a Nissan Hardbody/Frontier truck for you towing needs.
and on that subject I've seen a Hardbody with a VG30DE swap - nice wide tires and a class 3 tow package... They had no problems towing a 16' Cobia with a 75hp Merc Outboard (can we say heavy boat, with heavy motor) -
FWD and boat ramp - honestly the front tires are on dry ground - load balance would be the only issue with traction. I still wouldn't recommend towing anything with your Maxima since it wasn't really designed for having a hitch...
Toyota Trucks are ok - but you should consider an UPGRADE to a Nissan Hardbody/Frontier truck for you towing needs.
and on that subject I've seen a Hardbody with a VG30DE swap - nice wide tires and a class 3 tow package... They had no problems towing a 16' Cobia with a 75hp Merc Outboard (can we say heavy boat, with heavy motor) -
04-09-2010, 05:55 PM
#50
The OP was referring to a 3,000 lbs boat/trailer combo... which in my experience is a bad idea on a front drive car, especially one not designed to have more than a class 1 hitch (which isn't recommended either)
04-10-2010, 07:21 AM
#52
First, I've seen a post around here where this guy has a sweet maxima, maybe even a swap engine and he tows a big @$$ boat. I dont have time to search for the thread but its here on the org.
Second, I have a hitch on my car for towing bikes on a rack. Three bikes to be exact at about 30lbs a bike, plus the rack is about 100lbs on the tounge. You can tow whatever you want, I'd just pay close attention to the tongue weight. Make sure it's about 200lbs or less. You may have to have the axels moved on the boat trailer to balance it better. My family and I have done a lot of boat towing, everything from my 14' Jon Boat to 26" twin engine beasts...
You will be fine towing with the max for short trips(roundtrip under 20miles). I wouldnt open highway tow for hours. The launch ramp as others said is a big consideration, you may need more weight on the front end(ie friends on the hood). As i've seen a bunch of times---the ramps get wet and slick as H&ll---YOU w/ FWD will be losing traction!
I would drive it gingerly to say the least. And btw, I plan on towing a Jon boat w/15hp yamaha on a trailer this summer when I can find a deal.
Second, I have a hitch on my car for towing bikes on a rack. Three bikes to be exact at about 30lbs a bike, plus the rack is about 100lbs on the tounge. You can tow whatever you want, I'd just pay close attention to the tongue weight. Make sure it's about 200lbs or less. You may have to have the axels moved on the boat trailer to balance it better. My family and I have done a lot of boat towing, everything from my 14' Jon Boat to 26" twin engine beasts...
You will be fine towing with the max for short trips(roundtrip under 20miles). I wouldnt open highway tow for hours. The launch ramp as others said is a big consideration, you may need more weight on the front end(ie friends on the hood). As i've seen a bunch of times---the ramps get wet and slick as H&ll---YOU w/ FWD will be losing traction!
I would drive it gingerly to say the least. And btw, I plan on towing a Jon boat w/15hp yamaha on a trailer this summer when I can find a deal.
Last edited by max96imaaaa; 04-10-2010 at 07:23 AM.
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