|
|
Posts: 214
| I am thinking about getting a Jeep Grand Cherokee 2020 6 Cyl. 3.6 liter or newer for a second tow vehicle but need to make sure no problem towing my Skeeter WX 1850, took it to a CAT truck scale this weekend and the boat/ trailer weighed 4250 lbs. Does anyone have experience towing something around this same weight with this vehicle?
Thanks
Darren |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1200
Location: Walker, MN | I towed my WX 1900 for years with a Toyota 4Runner. Wasn't ideal, but I'm close to boat ramps and just traveling on country roads. If you have to keep up with traffic on the interstate, I'd go bigger. I even towed my WX2060 a few times with the 4runner, but that was beyond it's limits really.
I'd say the Grand Cherokee will do the job as long as you can keep it under 60ish. |
|
| |
|
| I am guessing the trailer for your boat has brakes. I am in the process of deciding on a replacement for my Yukon XL. My fishing boat trailer has brakes but I also tow a pontoon trailer without brakes and a utility trailer with a rating of 3,000 pounds. In looking at smaller SUV found a huge difference between braked towing and unbraked towing ratings. Not all vehicle specs list that but you can normally find if you dig. One had a 4,500 pound rating for braked trailer but only 1,500 for unbraked trailer. The utility trailer is almost 1,000 pounds empty.
I don't tow the pontoon far or often but even with a 5,000 lb tow vehicle with good brakes I feel the push when I have to stop or slow down hauling that trailer. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 452
| I think the tow vehicle would be undersized.
4250 is a pretty heavy load. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 166
| If this is indeed a second tow vehicle how many trips are you actually going to make with it? Also what's the tow rating?
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 1135
Location: NorthCentral WI | Maxing out the capacity of your tow vehicle will not be good long-term. Just because it can do the job, doesn't mean you should. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 214
| It will pull it, but it may not stop it. Big brakes and big stopping power are as important as towing power and towing capacity.
Edited by Abu7000 3/5/2024 4:31 PM
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 3775
| That's a heavy boat. You might be able to get by for a while but in the long run you'll need a more powerful truck and safety requires a tow package to manage the trailer brakes. Vehicles with tow packages usually include an "integrated tow/haul" option to adjust the gear shifting to help with protecting your tranny. Vehicles with tow packages usually have a "look down" camera for backing the trailer ball exactly under the hitch. Last, my truck (Ford F150 XLT Off Road, 3.5L twin turbo 6) also has an oversized radiator just for the transmission. That truck/motor tows up to around 13,000lbs. I have a Yar Craft 209tfx, a heavy boat, too, and I hauled that boat for over 30,000 miles without a single problem.
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 479
Location: Northern Illinois | As many here have indicated towing any trailer is more than the ability to pull it. Pulling it safely and stopping it safely in wind, on hills, and other myriad conditions takes a heavier, more powerful vehicle. IMHO only trucks and large SUVs like Tahoe, Sub, Excursion, Sequoia, etc. should be used to pull a boat and trailer that size. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 2228
Location: SE, WI. | musky1969 - 3/4/2024 5:22 AM I am thinking about getting a Jeep Grand Cherokee 2020 6 Cyl. 3.6 liter or newer for a second tow vehicle but need to make sure no problem towing my Skeeter WX 1850, took it to a CAT truck scale this weekend and the boat/ trailer weighed 4250 lbs. Does anyone have experience towing something around this same weight with this vehicle? Thanks Darren Darren….hopefully you’re Not driving this Rig to the woods…..yikes!  |
|
| |
|
Posts: 770
Location: Delavan, WI | Hey Darren, I sent you a pm. |
|
| |
|
Location: Athens, Ohio | If you have to ask, you prolly already had doubts; bigger, stronger is safer. Don't forget, your scale weight may not have included a full tank of gas, baits, tackle, and whatever gear didn't fit in the truck for the trip. How many people gonna ride i n this tow vehicle? What are they bringing? m
Edited by mikie 3/6/2024 10:05 AM
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 1184
| Some SUV's come with a "tow package" build in hitch, beefed up shocks and brakes ECT. Easier driving if your not fighting your rig the whole way. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 733
| It's interesting what kinds of vehicles that many here are recommending. I would also agree, a full size suv or truck is required. But, I'm curious here if there is an electric out there that is up to the task? Kdawg |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1184
| kdawg - 3/6/2024 12:41 PM
It's interesting what kinds of vehicles that many here are recommending. I would also agree, a full size suv or truck is required. But, I'm curious here if there is an electric out there that is up to the task? Kdawg
I think the Ford Lightning is probably up to the task...as long as you aren't going very far. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 214
| I have been doing a lot of research and seen quite a few Youtube videos with the Chevy 2.7 liter 4 cyl. engine doing some serious towing up to 9000lb trailers through the Smokey Mountains, anyone have experience with this engine?
Darren |
|
| |
|
Posts: 733
| musky1969 - 3/7/2024 2:40 PM
I have been doing a lot of research and seen quite a few Youtube videos with the Chevy 2.7 liter 4 cyl. engine doing some serious towing up to 9000lb trailers through the Smokey Mountains, anyone have experience with this engine?
Darren No experience with that engine but I also seen some of the reviews. Just a few years ago, who would of thought you could get 300 plus hp. out of a four banger. Impressive. But remember, like the others have mentioned, Horse power is only half the battle. Tranny, brakes, cooling systems,all must be taken into consideration. Kdawg |
|
| |
|
Posts: 733
| TCESOX - 3/6/2024 4:39 PM
kdawg - 3/6/2024 12:41 PM
It's interesting what kinds of vehicles that many here are recommending. I would also agree, a full size suv or truck is required. But, I'm curious here if there is an electric out there that is up to the task? Kdawg
I think the Ford Lightning is probably up to the task...as long as you aren't going very far.[/QUOTEOnly one so far? TCESOX says the the Ford Lightning is "probably" up to the task, meaning no guarantee. "As long as you are not going very far." Kinda vague here, how far? From the kind of vehicles that some of the guys on this thread mentioned driving, reliance on fossils continue. There are environmental climate change warriors on this site and I hope that they chime in here. Kdawg |
|
| |
|
Posts: 166
| You'd be lucky to get 75 miles on a F150 Lightning towing the rig the OP wants to. It's not even a consideration.
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 120
Location: Twin Cities Metro | Edmund’s test of the Ford Lightning towing a 7500-lb trailer through hilly terrain gave it about 130 miles of range (average of right around 1.0 miles per kilowatt-hr with 134 kW-hr of battery capacity). |
|
| |
|
Posts: 103
| I usually go by the 75% rule of capacity. If X vehicle has a max towing capacity of X amount, my personal limit would be 75% of that. Mileage also usually goes way down unless you're using a big SUV or full size truck. |
|
| |
|
| RobertK - 3/8/2024 10:16 AM
Edmund’s test of the Ford Lightning towing a 7500-lb trailer through hilly terrain gave it about 130 miles of range (average of right around 1.0 miles per kilowatt-hr with 134 kW-hr of battery capacity).
Buddy of mine has a nephew that uses his Lightning to pull his contractor trailer with all his carpentry equipment. Heavy, double axle trailer, lots of gear and he estimates about 150 mile range. Apparently it has lots of power, range is the issue. Said it works for him because all his jobs are within 50 miles of home. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 733
| North of 8 - 3/8/2024 2:52 PM
RobertK - 3/8/2024 10:16 AM
Edmund’s test of the Ford Lightning towing a 7500-lb trailer through hilly terrain gave it about 130 miles of range (average of right around 1.0 miles per kilowatt-hr with 134 kW-hr of battery capacity).
Buddy of mine has a nephew that uses his Lightning to pull his contractor trailer with all his carpentry equipment. Heavy, double axle trailer, lots of gear and he estimates about 150 mile range. Apparently it has lots of power, range is the issue. Said it works for him because all his jobs are within 50 miles of home. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 8719
| Look at that little sticker inside the drivers door. You'll see some specs for GVWR. That will tell you what you can put in the vehicle. (payload) I'll use my truck as an example for this just so you can see how the math works.
GVWR = 9,200#
subtract:
Curb Weight = 6,197#
Bed Liner = 100#
35 gal. gas = 210#
Me and a suitcase = 250#
Wife and 3 suitcases = 300#
Stupid amounts of musky gear = 100#
Dog = 60#
That comes to 1983#. Why is that important??? Because according to Chevy, payload is over 3000#. If I loaded the bed with 3000# I'd be more than half a ton over.
Which leads us to towing capacity. You'll also see GCWR (Gross Combination Weight Rating) on that sticker. What you need to do is subtract the weight of everything else - vehicle, accessories, passengers, cargo, boat, gas, gear from the GCWR to find out what you can safely tow. Listed towing capacities do not take any of that into account. If you put 4 guys in your truck, your towing capacity goes down by 800# right off the bat. A bunch of beer for the trip, a couple coolers, 20 gallons of gas in the boat, that all factors in. You don't have to go bonkers about it, weighing a thermos full of coffee or asking who hasn't taken a dump today. But when they list a towing capacity, they don't tell you it's minus the weight of all the stuff in your truck and your boat, including you and the gas you need to get there.
Edited by esoxaddict 3/8/2024 4:40 PM
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 1184
| kdawg - 3/8/2024 9:24 AM
TCESOX - 3/6/2024 4:39 PM
kdawg - 3/6/2024 12:41 PM
It's interesting what kinds of vehicles that many here are recommending. I would also agree, a full size suv or truck is required. But, I'm curious here if there is an electric out there that is up to the task? Kdawg
I think the Ford Lightning is probably up to the task...as long as you aren't going very far.[/QUOTEOnly one so far? TCESOX says the the Ford Lightning is "probably" up to the task, meaning no guarantee. "As long as you are not going very far." Kinda vague here, how far? From the kind of vehicles that some of the guys on this thread mentioned driving, reliance on fossils continue. There are environmental climate change warriors on this site and I hope that they chime in here. Kdawg
I have no idea how any of these vehicles actually affect climate change. However, my neighbor, who owns a landscape company, now has three of the electric Fords. Started with one, then swapped the other two trucks, as well. He doesn't do any work outside of the metro, so range isn't really a thing for him. Deal breaker for me. He has a trailer that has 3 of those zero turn Toro's, and another trailer with a skid steer. After he got the first one, he really liked how it handled all his equipment, and said it was cheap enough to operate, that the math made sense for him to swap his other two.
That being said, I have a 2018 Silverado 1500, with the V8. My rig is pretty light, an 18' Lund Pro Guide, with a 90 horse Merc. I make 3 to 4 trips from the Twin Cities across Wisconsin on Hwy. 8, to the UP. 6 hour drive. I average 17 to 20 MPG on that trip. If I'm not going up hill, or into the wind, I'm only running on 4 cylinders. Probably 2/3 to 3/4 of the time. I can hardly tell I'm pulling anything, even when loaded and two buddies in the truck. Perfect rig for me, at this time. |
|
| |
|
| kdawg - 3/8/2024 3:47 PM
North of 8 - 3/8/2024 2:52 PM
RobertK - 3/8/2024 10:16 AM
Edmund’s test of the Ford Lightning towing a 7500-lb trailer through hilly terrain gave it about 130 miles of range (average of right around 1.0 miles per kilowatt-hr with 134 kW-hr of battery capacity).
Buddy of mine has a nephew that uses his Lightning to pull his contractor trailer with all his carpentry equipment. Heavy, double axle trailer, lots of gear and he estimates about 150 mile range. Apparently it has lots of power, range is the issue. Said it works for him because all his jobs are within 50 miles of home. NO8, at this time, would you be willing to trade in the vehicle your driving for the Ford? kdawg
No, although I took a hard look at it. The guy I referenced has solar panels charging a storage battery that in turn charges his Lightning. He took advantage of the older tax credits for both vehicle and panels. I looked into panels but electrician said I don't have good sun exposure. And I am not willing to take down a lot of trees |
|
| |
|
Posts: 733
| I'm surprised at your answer NO8, but one more follow up question for ya. I apologize, sometimes I'm like Columbo and just need a little more info. We then can now agree that electrics can and do work for some folks, but not everyone. Will let the rest of the folks decide what's best for them and there personal needs. Eventually, would you agree, Americans will drive this market? Kdawg |
|
| |
|
| I think Americans will drive the market for full size trucks/SUVs. But the rest of the world is more interested in smaller, efficient vehicles. China is putting a lot of effort into electric vehicles for example. Most of the other developed nations have highly efficient mass transit, something we lack and apparently don't want
If the Ford Lightning had delivered on the promises Ford made, I would have been a lot more interested. But even their CEO has acknowledged issues, including such basics as charging stations. Hybrids are very interesting but the only full size SUV hybrid, the Toyota Sequia, has gotten very mediocre reviews. Power train is powerful and efficient but rest of vehicle leaves a lot to be desired compared to a Tahoe/Yukon from GM. Actually looking seriously at a Tahoe with the 3 Liter diesel. My brother in law has a crew cab Chevy with that and his mileage on the highway is upper 20s, at times hitting over 30mpg. Afraid I am experiencing paralysis by analysis. My poor old Yukon XL needs to be replaced, gotta make a decision soon. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 733
| North of 8 - 3/8/2024 9:28 PM
I think Americans will drive the market for full size trucks/SUVs. But the rest of the world is more interested in smaller, efficient vehicles. China is putting a lot of effort into electric vehicles for example. Most of the other developed nations have highly efficient mass transit, something we lack and apparently don't want
If the Ford Lightning had delivered on the promises Ford made, I would have been a lot more interested. But even their CEO has acknowledged issues, including such basics as charging stations. Hybrids are very interesting but the only full size SUV hybrid, the Toyota Sequia, has gotten very mediocre reviews. Power train is powerful and efficient but rest of vehicle leaves a lot to be desired compared to a Tahoe/Yukon from GM. Actually looking seriously at a Tahoe with the 3 Liter diesel. My brother in law has a crew cab Chevy with that and his mileage on the highway is upper 20s, at times hitting over 30mpg. Afraid I am experiencing paralysis by analysis. My poor old Yukon XL needs to be replaced, gotta make a decision soon. Personally, I could care less what they do in China. The government there will force people to drive the vehicles they want them to. Fortunately, we are blessed to not live in that situation. As I move forward, I will assure our fine moderators here, Steve and Slamr, that I will not try to lecture people or make them feel guilty how they choose to live there own lives. And finally, I had to look up this definition," the practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform. Hypocrisy. Kdawg |
|
| |
|
Posts: 516
Location: WI | We swapped my F150 for a full size SUV this past fall. When shopping, it didn’t seem like many of them were set up to tow to there “up to” capacity. They all had receivers but few had the tow packages you’d need to get close to that maximum tow capacity. Salesmen were always quick to assure they would be fine for towing. We ended up with a wagoneer with the twin turbo inline 6 and max tow package. Not fuel efficient by any means but works for what we need. |
|
| |
