towing a boat

dacoach · 10-16-2008, 04:25 PM

I have a 2007 chevy equinox and a friend has a 16 foot alumacraft boat with a 150 johnson motor. Do you think that this vehicle can pull it. Expecially up to minnesota.
Thanks,
Dacoach

Big Johnson · 10-16-2008, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dacoach

I have a 2007 chevy equinox and a friend has a 16 foot alumacraft boat with a 150 johnson motor. Do you think that this vehicle can pull it. Expecially up to minnesota.
Thanks,
Dacoach

Can you give us a little more info...

What is the towing capacity of your vehical? I think it is 3500lbs.

What is the total weight of your boat loaded with trailer?

There are many other factors like tongue weight and such but this will be a start...

flatcoats · 10-16-2008, 06:26 PM

my question is if that boat can take the engine...not if the truck can take the boat

a 150 on a 16ft boat! my boats a 16 foot alumacraft and its max is a 60hp, some are at most 70hp.

brian40 · 10-16-2008, 06:34 PM

My 16' Alumacraft has a max of 70 hp but it has a 48 hp on it. Holy cow a 150 would be a screamer

Tone2129 · 10-16-2008, 07:12 PM

you need to know how much the boat weighs, then from that you can determine what the towing capabilities are. If it works here are some tips.

Drive with the Over Drive off - it will help your transmission.
Drive the boat around town if you haven't towed one, get comfortable with driving it, and learn how to stop while towing the boat. Also if your car seems to be having a hard time puling it, dont tow it up to Minnesota.

magnusthebigbrownlab · 10-16-2008, 09:55 PM

The question is not if you can pull it, the question is if you can stop it once you've got it moving.

Fish4Fun · 10-16-2008, 10:22 PM

I agree I think 150 is well over the max recommended limit. We have a 17 foot Deep-V Tracker and it is only rated for a Max of either 115 or 125. We have a 90 on the boat with a power-head of a 115. The boat initially had a 60 horse until we upgraded. Sorry for the rant on the engine but I just worry about the safety of something like this. Most 150's are on 17.5 and bigger boats on the Deep-V style.

Pike Hunter · 10-16-2008, 10:40 PM

That may be a challenge pulling that much weight with a 3.4L in your 'Nox. I suppose it can be done, but that tranny will most likely be under some stress...i could be wrong though. I'd find the weight and see what your vehicle is rated for towing lbs.

wildernesswomen · 10-16-2008, 10:43 PM

2007
3.4 v6
185hp
210 lb-ft torque
tow cap. 3500lbs

I am sure if it won't pull it, someone on here would pull it for a fishing trip to Mn.

cap10longboat · 10-17-2008, 02:48 AM

Aluminum boats are LIGHT!! I've pulled a 16 foot aluminum boat with my '93 Ranger with a 2.3L 4 cylinder and didn't have any trouble (except the bigger hills). I have a 5 speed and didn't use 5th gear. I did have a couple pretty intense moments at the boat ramp without an automatic transmission.

I would think a vehicle like an Equinox would have no trouble with something like that.

Justin83 · 10-17-2008, 12:05 PM

If it's a 07 Equinox and not the sport version with the big 3.6 V6 in it, then you have the 185 hp version. This has 210 lbs of torque, and is indeed rated for 3500 lbs if you have the All-Time AWD model, which features a special towing package. Total package weight would be the big issue, as you could probably pull it fine, it may labor a bit on big hills, but the safety issue of stopping is another thing. The equinox is about the same size and weight of a small minivan, and I've seen guys pull boats with mini-vans before, but not with 150's on the back...more like 70's and below.

Evenflow · 10-17-2008, 12:15 PM

If you are going up to a resort up there, maybe consider renting a boat from the resort. Factor in the decreased gas mileage versus the cost of renting a boat, it might be cheaper and less hassle. Also, are you sure there is a 150 hp motor on that thing, it is probably a 50 hp. I tow a 16ft lund w/ 60hp motor w/ my 2003 4.0 ranger and it has no problems, when driving around town turn the overdrive off, once you get up to higher speeds, 50-60mph you can turn it back on. Also, when towing any boat make sure the lights work properly and always give yourself plenty of stopping distance from the vehicle in front of you...this is not the time to be a nascar driver. If you go 5mph slower on the highway or interstate, open up the windows and use the ac sparingly you are also going to do a lot better on gas mileage. I would have taken 4 or 5 more fishing trips this summer if not for gas prices, it's pretty hard to go every weekend when it costs $200 or more in gas to get to some of the lakes I like to go to!

**Ty Stromquist** · 10-17-2008, 02:09 PM

now saying this boat doesnt have a 150 hanging on the back of an aluminum boat and its a normal 16 ft aluminum boat you will be fine.

I used to have a s-10 4 cylinder that would pull my 16.5 ft with thick flooring and side lockers made of plywood with ease.

Just remember if its auto to tow in tow mode or to not use overdrive.

lazyike · 10-18-2008, 10:36 AM

i believe justin is right

Bass-Assassin · 10-18-2008, 09:48 PM

I drive a 2000 Ford Explorer with a 4.0 160hp and 220 ft lb of torque. I've pulled my 16 ft Smokercraft with a 50 horse on it to Northern MN non stop 12hrs a few times. Can cruise pretty good going 65 but hills put some pretty good strain on it, lots of downshifting. Just use your head and be easy on the tranny. If you notice lots of downshifting turn overdrive off. My next purchase will be a V8 just for the simple fact I like to cruise about 80mph on long trips. Good luck!

MURF · 10-18-2008, 10:43 PM

I have a 16.5 welded aluminum with a 75hp on it. I have pulled it with a Olds mini-van that has a 3.4 and a towing package. I didn't have all my gear in the boat and it seemed to be labored towing with half tank of gas in the boat (25 gal cap.) I tow now with a 4.3.

In any case, when you tow, shift the auto transmission as if it was a manual. By holding in the lower gears and manually shifting prevents slippage, if allowed the auto to work the slipping causes the wear on the tranny. Also the slippage causes heat build up of the transmission also bad.

**Ty Stromquist** · 10-19-2008, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bass-Assassin

If you notice lots of downshifting turn overdrive off.

Being a former mechanic do yourself a favor and NEVER tow in overdrive at all. Its absolutely terrible for a tranny even if you think its doing nothing bad.

brian40 · 10-19-2008, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ty Stromquist

Being a former mechanic do yourself a favor and NEVER tow in overdrive at all. Its absolutely terrible for a tranny even if you think its doing nothing bad.

The owners manual for my Jeep Liberty says right in it I do not need to turn the overdrive off unless it is downshifting a lot.

Dad O. · 10-20-2008, 03:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brian40

The owners manual for my Jeep Liberty says right in it I do not need to turn the overdrive off unless it is downshifting a lot.

I tow a 13000 lb. load a lot and use overdrive when on the highway most of the time. The truck has 128,000 miles and when I have the fluid in the tranny changed it is always nice and clean.

Coop · 10-20-2008, 10:42 AM

You should be fine. I used to tow my heavy fiberglass boat with a Nissan Xterra with a 3.3. No problems at all... Well other than halving my gas mileage. That's the nice thing about a full-size truck, my ram doesn't even really notice the boat is there.

As someone else said you might look into renting a boat. You'll save on gas, and won't have the headache of a trailer behind you all the way up.

10-16-2008, 04:25 PM	#1 (permalink)
dacoach Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 12 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	towing a boat I have a 2007 chevy equinox and a friend has a 16 foot alumacraft boat with a 150 johnson motor. Do you think that this vehicle can pull it. Expecially up to minnesota. Thanks, Dacoach

10-16-2008, 06:34 PM	#4 (permalink)
brian40 Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Kearney Posts: 423 Thanks: 19 Thanked 5 Times in 3 Posts	My 16' Alumacraft has a max of 70 hp but it has a 48 hp on it. Holy cow a 150 would be a screamer __________________ Did I say that outloud??

10-16-2008, 07:12 PM	#5 (permalink)
Tone2129 Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Millard/Lincoln Posts: 1,067 Thanks: 3 Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts	you need to know how much the boat weighs, then from that you can determine what the towing capabilities are. If it works here are some tips. Drive with the Over Drive off - it will help your transmission. Drive the boat around town if you haven't towed one, get comfortable with driving it, and learn how to stop while towing the boat. Also if your car seems to be having a hard time puling it, dont tow it up to Minnesota. __________________ Husker Bass Angler - Events Coordinator Sponsors: To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. face="Arial Black"> Triton Boats Sportsmans Haircut Wolf Tackle Supplies Venom Lures THANK YOU!

10-16-2008, 09:55 PM	#6 (permalink)
magnusthebigbrownlab Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Omaha Posts: 1,629 Thanks: 44 Thanked 87 Times in 66 Posts	The question is not if you can pull it, the question is if you can stop it once you've got it moving. __________________ Just like the pied piper Led rats through the streets We dance like marionettes, Swaying to the symphony... Of destruction!!

10-16-2008, 10:22 PM	#7 (permalink)
Fish4Fun Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 171 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	I agree I think 150 is well over the max recommended limit. We have a 17 foot Deep-V Tracker and it is only rated for a Max of either 115 or 125. We have a 90 on the boat with a power-head of a 115. The boat initially had a 60 horse until we upgraded. Sorry for the rant on the engine but I just worry about the safety of something like this. Most 150's are on 17.5 and bigger boats on the Deep-V style. __________________ "Better Fish"

10-16-2008, 06:26 PM	#3 (permalink)
flatcoats Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: omaha Posts: 1,328 Thanks: 15 Thanked 39 Times in 29 Posts	my question is if that boat can take the engine...not if the truck can take the boat a 150 on a 16ft boat! my boats a 16 foot alumacraft and its max is a 60hp, some are at most 70hp.

10-16-2008, 10:40 PM	#8 (permalink)
Pike Hunter Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Omaha Posts: 962 Thanks: 3 Thanked 10 Times in 9 Posts	That may be a challenge pulling that much weight with a 3.4L in your 'Nox. I suppose it can be done, but that tranny will most likely be under some stress...i could be wrong though. I'd find the weight and see what your vehicle is rated for towing lbs.

10-16-2008, 10:43 PM	#9 (permalink)
wildernesswomen Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: outdoors in Neb or at the cabin in the Northwoods........ Posts: 110 Thanks: 16 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	2007 3.4 v6 185hp 210 lb-ft torque tow cap. 3500lbs I am sure if it won't pull it, someone on here would pull it for a fishing trip to Mn.

10-17-2008, 02:48 AM	#10 (permalink)
cap10longboat Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Lincoln Posts: 137 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Aluminum boats are LIGHT!! I've pulled a 16 foot aluminum boat with my '93 Ranger with a 2.3L 4 cylinder and didn't have any trouble (except the bigger hills). I have a 5 speed and didn't use 5th gear. I did have a couple pretty intense moments at the boat ramp without an automatic transmission. I would think a vehicle like an Equinox would have no trouble with something like that. __________________ Official Irish drinking team

10-17-2008, 12:05 PM	#11 (permalink)
Justin83 Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Omaha Posts: 405 Thanks: 0 Thanked 7 Times in 6 Posts	If it's a 07 Equinox and not the sport version with the big 3.6 V6 in it, then you have the 185 hp version. This has 210 lbs of torque, and is indeed rated for 3500 lbs if you have the All-Time AWD model, which features a special towing package. Total package weight would be the big issue, as you could probably pull it fine, it may labor a bit on big hills, but the safety issue of stopping is another thing. The equinox is about the same size and weight of a small minivan, and I've seen guys pull boats with mini-vans before, but not with 150's on the back...more like 70's and below. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

10-17-2008, 12:15 PM	#12 (permalink)
Evenflow Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Omaha Posts: 276 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	If you are going up to a resort up there, maybe consider renting a boat from the resort. Factor in the decreased gas mileage versus the cost of renting a boat, it might be cheaper and less hassle. Also, are you sure there is a 150 hp motor on that thing, it is probably a 50 hp. I tow a 16ft lund w/ 60hp motor w/ my 2003 4.0 ranger and it has no problems, when driving around town turn the overdrive off, once you get up to higher speeds, 50-60mph you can turn it back on. Also, when towing any boat make sure the lights work properly and always give yourself plenty of stopping distance from the vehicle in front of you...this is not the time to be a nascar driver. If you go 5mph slower on the highway or interstate, open up the windows and use the ac sparingly you are also going to do a lot better on gas mileage. I would have taken 4 or 5 more fishing trips this summer if not for gas prices, it's pretty hard to go every weekend when it costs $200 or more in gas to get to some of the lakes I like to go to!

10-17-2008, 02:09 PM	#13 (permalink)
Ty Stromquist Moderator Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: in a treestand Posts: 4,017 Thanks: 52 Thanked 25 Times in 20 Posts	now saying this boat doesnt have a 150 hanging on the back of an aluminum boat and its a normal 16 ft aluminum boat you will be fine. I used to have a s-10 4 cylinder that would pull my 16.5 ft with thick flooring and side lockers made of plywood with ease. Just remember if its auto to tow in tow mode or to not use overdrive. __________________ "Go afield with a good attitude, with respect for the wildlife you hunt and for the forest and fields you walk. Immerse yourself in the outdoor experience. It will cleanse your soul and make you a better person." - Fred Bear

10-18-2008, 10:36 AM	#14 (permalink)
lazyike Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 7 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	i believe justin is right

10-18-2008, 09:48 PM	#15 (permalink)
Bass-Assassin 2008 Catch and Continue Finalist Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Lincoln Posts: 121 Thanks: 8 Thanked 5 Times in 3 Posts	I drive a 2000 Ford Explorer with a 4.0 160hp and 220 ft lb of torque. I've pulled my 16 ft Smokercraft with a 50 horse on it to Northern MN non stop 12hrs a few times. Can cruise pretty good going 65 but hills put some pretty good strain on it, lots of downshifting. Just use your head and be easy on the tranny. If you notice lots of downshifting turn overdrive off. My next purchase will be a V8 just for the simple fact I like to cruise about 80mph on long trips. Good luck!

10-18-2008, 10:43 PM	#16 (permalink)
MURF Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Papillion Posts: 141 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	I have a 16.5 welded aluminum with a 75hp on it. I have pulled it with a Olds mini-van that has a 3.4 and a towing package. I didn't have all my gear in the boat and it seemed to be labored towing with half tank of gas in the boat (25 gal cap.) I tow now with a 4.3. In any case, when you tow, shift the auto transmission as if it was a manual. By holding in the lower gears and manually shifting prevents slippage, if allowed the auto to work the slipping causes the wear on the tranny. Also the slippage causes heat build up of the transmission also bad. __________________ May the saddest day of your future. Be no worse than the happiest day of you past.

10-20-2008, 10:42 AM	#20 (permalink)
Coop Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Omaha Posts: 65 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	You should be fine. I used to tow my heavy fiberglass boat with a Nissan Xterra with a 3.3. No problems at all... Well other than halving my gas mileage. That's the nice thing about a full-size truck, my ram doesn't even really notice the boat is there. As someone else said you might look into renting a boat. You'll save on gas, and won't have the headache of a trailer behind you all the way up.

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