So keep in mind you might be dealing with water hitting your exhaust, and even trunk!ĭo Trucks Always Make For The Best Tow Vehicle? This means your tow vehicle will often be partially in the water. And while a big truck will offer all the clearance you need to stay dry, a low to the ground sedan will likely struggle a little more to stay above water. Depending on how steep the boat ramp is, you will often find yourself backing your tow vehicle into the water until the boat is buoyant and can float off the trailer. So while you may be able to tow a small boat with certain cars, it likely isn’t your best option in most cases.Īsides from the lower tow ratings, another issue with trying to tow a trailered boat with a car is that boats usually launch off trailers into the water. That said, there are some exceptions to the rule, even though they have a considerably lower tow rating than a truck or SUV.
#TOWING A BOAT WITH 2500 HD TAG REQUIREMENTS MANUALS#
Not surprisingly most car owner manuals will tell you that the vehicle is not recommended for towing. You can easily find this information in your vehicle user’s manual, online, or by contacting the manufacturer.Īs mentioned earlier, your Honda Accord might not make the cut as the ultimate tow vehicle, but that’s not to say you cannot tow a boat with a sedan. To come up with this rating the manufacturer factors in the engine size, the axle ratio, chassis, transmission, suspension, brakes, tires, cooling systems and any tow packages.Īll of this boils down to coming up with that magic number that will tell you exactly how much your vehicle can safely tow. Some of the problems you’ll likely run into include damages to the suspension and braking systems, transmission issues related to overheating, stress to the frame of the vehicle, and damages to the engine.Įvery vehicle undergoes extensive testing by the manufacturer to determine the tow vehicle rating. Did you know that pulling a trailer that’s too heavy for your vehicle can cause a dangerous driving situation, damage to your vehicle, and possibly voided warrantees? It’s important to know your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity before you hitch your trailer and boat on to head out to the water. Let’s spend a little time exploring what you should be considering when looking for a tow vehicle. Not only does the vehicle need to handle your towing needs, but you will typically want it to be multifunctional so that it can still meet your needs on the day-to-day basis. Picking the perfect tow vehicle can be as difficult as choosing the perfect boat. Sure, you can attach a hitch to your 4-banger Honda Accord, but that doesn’t mean it has what it takes to tow a trailered boat! So what kind of vehicle will you need to tow your boat? And whether you picked up that small bass boat you’ve been eyeing, or the luxury pontoon you plan to lounge on this summer, you are likely going to need to tow it at some point. For more information, click here.So you are ready to buy a new boat, but now find yourself with the pesky problem of figuring out exactly how you’re going to get it to and from the lakes. Sign & Glide provides 24 hour emergency dispatch services and unlimited on-water towing coverage for your registered vessel. Tip: If you are visiting or just passing through a state, your trailer configuration does not need to be modified to accommodate local laws.īefore you leave for your adventure, make sure that you understand fully the boat width and other over the road trailering requirements of each state you are travelling through. You will also need a wide load permit if your boat and trailer exceed that permissible width of any state you are travelling through, even if you will not be stopping. If your boat has a wider beam than what is permissible and legal in your home state, you’ll need a wide-load permit. Tip: Be aware that often the guideposts in the trailer are included in this width. The exceptions to the norm include New York, New Jersey, and Hawaii, which have an 8 foot (96 inches) limit and North Carolina, which allows a generous 10 foot (120 inches) for boat and trailer.
When it comes to towing boat width, the great majority of states – 47 to be exact – do not require a wide-load permit as long as your boat and trailer width does not exceed 8 1/2 feet (102 inches). Tip: Also, if you relocate to a new state, you may need to purchase a new trailer to meet the requirements of your new home. When you are towing a boat through multiple states, it is important to understand compliance on every road you will travel. Often we are so familiar with the laws in our own state, that we forget that other states may have different laws regarding what width are allowed.
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