Looking to buy 20’ boat with a dry weight of about 3200 lbs and need to know if my SUV is appropriate. I have a 4Runner that is rated at 5500 and I typically pull around a 17’ Hydra Sport with no issues.

What are the rules for towing? Do I have enough horsepower to do the work?

Thank you in advance.

I am not sure of the vehicle specifics ,but being over 3000 pounds you are required to install electric trailer brakes.

I am not sure of the vehicle specifics ,but being over 3000 pounds you are required to install electric trailer brakes.

Do they have to work though? :)

Do they have to work though? :)

I tow my Sea Hunt which weighs 4000 # with a Trailblazer. No electric brakes and no problem.

After my disk brakes and line rusted out I had them taken off, no problems towing (stopping) with my tundra. Boat/eng/gas/stuff probably right @3500. Before ripping out the breaks, I asked if there was a law to keep them on and answer was no.

if i remember right toyota has specific towing numbers for each vehicle. call toyo or check a toyo forum

What's the worst that could happen
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What's the worst that could happen
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:jester:

boat - 3200 #
motor - 475
trailer -1100
fuel - 450
gear - 300
5555 #
better have brakes & your gonna slow kill your Toyo.

I'll change my "required" to recommended..if they work or not thats up to you. Most manufacturers (probably says it in the owners manual) say to install trailer brakes when towing anything over 3000 #. The guys above without them tow no problem, so apparently its your decision.

Most areas we trailer around here are fairly flat. The steepest thing you will encounter is the boat ramps. Vehicle towing recommendations likely are set covering a wide variety of terrain situations (6% grades???). Around NE we are on the easy side of those so you can probably get away with a heavier load.

I have been instructed it is not PULLING the trailer that is hard, it is STOPPING! 4WD can help on those slippery ramps.

Most areas we trailer around here are fairly flat. The steepest thing you will encounter is the boat ramps. Vehicle towing recommendations likely are set covering a wide variety of terrain situations (6% grades???). Around NE we are on the easy side of those so you can probably get away with a heavier load.

I have been instructed it is not PULLING the trailer that is hard, it is STOPPING! 4WD can help on those slippery ramps.

I believe that's why I have no problem. My Trailblazer is pretty heavy and is 4WD. Not AWD but true 4WD with a Limited Slip rear end.

I don't think you need or want electric brakes...hydraulic brakes work OK. IMO if you are traveling on the highway you want good breaks period. If you are taking it down the street to splash 2X per season...remove all breaks as they will seize up and be a real PIA to use your trailer at all.

Most trucks can pull more than their rated load but check your hitch and receiver and make sure it is really solid, too much tongue weight can also a problem so check that as well. I have pulled and 11000# boat out of the water with a truck that is rated for 10K with no problem. I will not take it on the highway but in and out for a quick haul is not a problem. 4WD in Low and it comes out without much issue.

Like the others have said - depends on your situation - pulling that much weight on the highway without a braking system (hydraulic preferred) is very shaky - also take into account peoples aggressive driving habits nowadays.
Better not to push the limit if you are on the edge & plan on towing long distances. On top of that - if you are over specs, and cause a bad accident - prepare to see the Law firm of Dewey Cheatem & How.

Law firm of Dewey Cheatem & How.[/QUOTE]

:rotf2:

Thanks everyone for the comments... I guess I have to buy a bigger car before the bigger boat

I have a 2010 4Runner SR5 with the 5500# tow package. I tow a 20ft seacraft no problem. You shouldnt have any issue.