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Posts: 59
Location: Madison, WI | Hey guys, I've seen similar questions on here regarding towing, but this one is a little more specific. I'm looking at a 2020 Blazer that has a 4500lb towing capacity, AWD, as well as a tow mode - Is this vehicle sufficient enough to properly tow a 17-18' aluminum boat like a single side console Alumacraft, Lund, Tracker, etc? Would this capacity be too taxing on the vehicle during longer trips and just kill the gas milage? Don't have too much experience when it comes to towing numbers, but I understand that a boat like that fully loaded w/ trailer would run about 2800-3000lbs. Thank you guys in advanced.
Edited by ordmusky 6/23/2020 2:13 PM
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Posts: 224
Location: Madison | I pulled a 1860 Angler to Canada multiple times with a SUV rated for 4500 lbs. You definitely knew it was there, yep it’s not great for gas mileage, but if you take it easy it’s doable. Just remember the weight limit includes everything inside the vehicle and everything on the trailer. |
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Posts: 499
Location: Northern Illinois | You can do it. In my experience of towing different boats and campers over the years it comes down to, not the towing, but the stopping. Even on flat ground, when it's an emergency situation or when it's windy you're much better off in a larger vehicle that has good brakes. On hilly ground it's a no-brainer. I've had brake fade in Duluth in a Tahoe pulling a 19' Lund with surge brakes. I will never forget the experience of finally getting stopped to let the brakes cool down. I now tow a Ranger with a Duramax diesel that I use for camping. It might be overkill, but I'm always in control. I say if it's in your budget, move up in class for your tow vehicle |
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Posts: 135
Location: Roscoe IL | depending on the amount you tow, and how long you're going to keep the vehicle, you might be doing a lot of extra wear on a lighter duty vehicle. |
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Posts: 199
| Why buy a new over 30k vehicle and be worried about the towing capabilities? Buy what you need for the job. |
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Posts: 427
| You want to be able to stop. That's the problem with minimal towing capacity. I'd be Leary. look into a small truck. I towed with a Ford Ranger for years pulling an 18 ft Lund with no problems. Braking is the issue period. I now have an F150 Eco boost. Great truck for my 18 ft Lund. Good Luck! |
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Location: 31 | Assuming you're planning on 80-90% not towing with that vehicle?
I don't see why you'd wouldn't be okay with towing that size boat (3000lb) with two people and under 1000 pounds of gear…. you would still be under the recommended limit. Trailer surge brakes would be good, but some common sense and a little patience is probably just as important. If you're going to do a lot of towing, you might want to consider stepping up in size.
Re: tow mode
I do *not* engage tow mode while towing (I'm not sure if this will work for you, best to consult owner's manual). However, when I'm at highway cruising speed and want to gradually slow down, I start by pushing the tow mode button to drop the transmission one gear down. On curves/hills where I need to decelerate, sometimes I don't even have to apply the brakes, and the lower gear helps to keep the rig under better control. This old school habit also helps to remove some of the wear and stress on the brakes.
Edited by Jerry Newman 6/28/2020 5:11 AM
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