When looking for a tow vehicle...

Ridewithme38

New Member
May 10, 2007
15
Ok i'm buying a 1999 searay 270da sundancer and it says this boat is 7,500 dry soo sounds like i'd need a vehicle that can tow close to 10,000 lbs...I'm not planning on towing this i've got a slip at a marina already setup...but i'd like something that could tow it as a "Just in case"

Sooo when looking for a tow vehicle what should i look for...From what i've been told it would need a tranny cooler and stiffer springs in the rear...what else is important? I have a 1998 Infiniti qx4...but the rated towing capacity is only 5000lbs...can i up that with stiffer springs and tranny cooler what else matters?
 
Ridewithme38 said:
I'm not planning on towing this i've got a slip at a marina already setup...but i'd like something that could tow it as a "Just in case"

If you arent going to be towing it regularly, save yourself a lot of money and hire a truck if and when you need to tow it out for those rare occasions. The truck you'll need to pull your 7500lb boat is pretty significant to do it safely. If you arent going to tow it except to launch it and retrive it for the winter, have it done for you by hiring someone. Much cheaper and much less hassle. Just my 2cents.

Mike
 
Seeing as you already have a slip, you're better off not towing yourself at all.
At the rate of approximately $250 to $300 per haul by a professional with the right equipment, it would take forever to justify the expenditure of purchasing an adequate tow vehicle, unless you have another use for it.

The Infinity will never tow that boat, as you'll destroy (twist) the body or frame, and your doors will probably bind, not to mention inadequate brakes.
It's a fine vehicle for it's intended purpose, but not towing what could be 10,000 pounds of live load.
 
IMO, you need at least a 3/4-ton truck (preferably diesel) and good brakes on the trailer for any significant distance towing.
 
First off, No you don't need to be towing anything bigger than a "Jon Boat" with that Infinity Q4 Crossover SUV. Those vehicles were never intended to tow anything.

2nd The dry weight has nothing to do with real weight. Add about 3000 lbs to that 7500 to cover motor, generator and misc items added to the boat. Bet it goes over 11,000 lbs easy. To tow 11,000 lbs you need a 350-3500 diesel truck.

From reading your posts you don't sound like you have a lot of experiance with this kind of thing. What would it hurt if you purchased a 175 bow rider (Which could be towed by the Q4) and learned at least the basics before you dumped a bunch of money in a big boat. A year with a smaller boat will give you insight and experiance and confidence. Best of luck. :smt001
 
If your towing anything of significance I would strongly look to a diesel powered 3/4 or 1 ton vehicle. You will not have to worry about stiffer springs, coolers, etc, etc..... as most of these vehicles come equipped to tow weight....

I often wonder why folks work really hard at piece together a gasser to pull larger boats when an good older diesel will pull it nicely ..... no assembly required... and will get decent mileage doing so.

Add 270DA+Trailer+Load+Fluids to a gasser.... and you'll likely be competing with the boat in mileage numbers (ok not that bad but close).

Best of luck with your decision.
 
I agree with the others to have it hired out unless there is any justification for the larger vehicle.. I tried towing our 240SD for about half a season ( and the ride was less than a mile ) and towing to the dealer about 2 hours, once, with a Ford Explorer that I thought was beefed up. :smt018 never again..... you see what I have now :wink: The difference is amazing and definatley gives a greater peace of mind ... I am sold on diesel power! ( hey.... its even 35 cents/ gal cheaper now! )
 

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