Pulling your trailerable boat requires a vehicle that has enough horsepower, sufficient torque, adequate suspension for the weight involved, a suitable transmission, and enough braking power. If you choose a vehicle that is too small for your boat, you create an unsafe situation as well as one that will damage your vehicle. Picking a vehicle that is way oversized for your towing needs will waste you money in initial purchase price, and be less fuel efficient than a right-sized solution.
Do your homework on picking the right vehicle and you can save yourself money. More than that you probably will find an even better ride and one that is more efficient for those times when you are not heading for the water pulling a boat. And that could be the majority of your driving time in the vehicle.
For my three-thousand pound boat-motors-trailer rig, I have a Tacoma pick-up that is rated to handle the tow but it does not have the passenger room I need. You might be surprised at the option that best fit my needs - at least on paper. This vehicle has:
- 340 H.P.
- 390 lbs. of torque
- Spacious seating for five.
- Towing capacity of 3,800 lbs.
- Mercedes running gear for a great cruising ride.
- Limited slip differential for great traction.
- 26 mpg on the highway when not towing.
- a killer car enthusiast’s design.
What is it? A 2008 Dodge Magnum RT 2 wheel drive. If you don’t think this is a rare overlap of daily driver with tow vehicle muscle, call any dealer and give that same criteria for your next tow vehicle. The 26 mpg puts it in a class all by itself. The performance ride outclasses all trucks and SUVs that are the standard go to tow vehicles. And it looks great.
Only two problems here. One - 2008 was the last year for this car. Two - even though Dodge specs it for 3,800 lbs. and it does have a tow package, there is no touting of its towing prowess by the Dodge boys and girls - and some internet chats say they don’t recommend it.
But for now, I love the look of my possible next tow vehicle - on paper.
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