towing capacity

[SeaMiler]

I'm considering getting a small center console boat and I'll likely be using my 68 SIIA 109 6cyl to tow it - anyone know the typical towing capacity? I'm not going far, so close enough is good enough. Thanks in advance.

[Firemanshort]

I do not know real hard numbers but I towed a 1500# pop-up camper behind my S3 88" for about 150 miles at (Series) highway speeds and had no problem.

I figure a 109" with strong engine and good brakes could go 2000# - but that is me just guessing.

[scott]

i've got a sankey that once restored will be pulled around by my 88 w/its 2.25. the trailer is rated at 3/4 tons and wieghs over 1/2 ton. this in a military application is towed by 88 or 109 lightwieghts. so i'm guessing my 88 is rated to tow 1 1/4 ton.

[StX_Rovers]

We pulled our 26 foot sailboat up pour hill with our 2A 109 diesel wagon. At the bottom of the hill I put it into low range and took my friend's advice: "Put your foot on the floor, do what I tell you, don't look back". It worked. The keels had been dropped out so it was 1000 lbf lighter but still, between the trailer and the boat it was probably 4250 lbf minimum. Our trailer has brakes on all four wheels which helps.

One advantage of the 109 6 cylinder is the larger front brakes. Don't forget that towing capacity is not just a function of being able to go but even more importantly, being able to stop.

[Tim Smith]

Once pulled a multiple thousands of pounds 40' travel trailer across town at about 25 miles an hour. Very steep hills with sharp bends made for some hair raising moments but keeping the speed down made it possible.

I also have pulled a 25' folding keel sailboat on a number of occasions. Not sure but must be at least 2500#. The truck pulled it pretty well but the acceleration and stopping distances need great exaggeration. Had that set up on the highway even and to my astonishment was able to keep up.

Kinda.



Before towing anything, inspect your rear cross member. I've folded mine a bit due to a bad tow plate setup and inherent weakness of the box steel.

[SeaMiler]

Thanks for the responses. Picking up the boat tomorrow - we'll see! Btw, got a hitch plate from Ike Goss, it's mean lookin'.

[yorker]

On Road towing capacities:

Unbraked Trailers: 500kg
Trailers with over-run brakes: 2000kg
4 wheer Trailers w/ close brakes: 4000kg Petrol 3000kg Diesel

[NickDawson]

Thanks for the responses. Picking up the boat tomorrow - we'll see! Btw, got a hitch plate from Ike Goss, it's mean lookin'.

how' the towing going?

Been wondering about pulling a boat as well, but worried about the short wheel base... always hear those rumors about jeeps pulling a boat and flipping over. Any concerns there?

[Tim Smith]

How big and heavy is your boat? Like I noted above, I've pulled a couple of things and not had any issues. Even had the 25' boat up to highway speeds with no issues. As you can see in my picture, the trailer axle is pretty far back which puts a lot more weight on my truck. That makes the steering a little light but not dangerously so. The hardest part is just accelerating and stopping since that trailer has no brakes. Still though, it's not dangerous.

I have a buddy who has a TJ. At least I think that is the model. Even though he has practically twice my horse power and brakes, he wouldn't even think about towing the things I have. His suspension is much softer and the truck feels much less under control on the road even on it's own. He once towed the 22' boat and swore he would never do it again.

My guess is that the combination of soft suspension and probably lack of towing experience really gave him a hard time. If you take it easy and anticipate your actions, you should be fine.

Also, don't forget about those 10 spline axles. If you have locking hubs, then lock them before setting off. Snapping an axle mid way and then not having any way to set the parking brake and safely park is a real hassle. Don't ask how I know this.

[NickDawson]

How big and heavy is your boat?

Also, don't forget about those 10 spline axles. If you have locking hubs, then lock them before setting off.

Thanks Tim!

The boat is a 17.5' at about 1800lbs dryweight, we are as novice to boating as we are to Rovers which probably makes trying to combine the two a serious disaster

My old man picked it up over the weekend with the intention of us doing some fishing and recreational boating around Virginia (IE, lakes, River and bay). He's got a dodge pickup, so no issues towing there. The question is whether I could drive 3 hours in the rover and tow the boat back to this part of VA - highways mostly... although some put-ins are via some very windy roads.

My truck has parabolics and a 2.5l engine - sounds like I'm at least better off than the TJ

In regards to your comment about hubs - does that suggest that its best to tow, or at least start, in 4wd?

[Tim Smith]

You'll have no problems. The hardest part will be keeping up with traffic but the 2.5 is a little better than the 2.25 so you are one up on me.

No, don't start off in four wheel. Only use two wheel on the tarmac unless there is snow between it and your tires.

I mention locking up the front hubs so that you will have an emergency brake if you need it. The parking brake works off the drive shaft, so if you snap an axle and have no way to engage the front, then you are stuck inside your truck with the foot on the brake unless you can roll up against something to stop the truck.

I've snapped lots of axles just in daily driving and luckily non while towing. I can tell you that I've found myself in tough enough situations on hilly back roads in commuter traffic. Having a trailer in tow would really limit your options.

[NickDawson]

I've snapped lots of axles just in daily driving and luckily non while towing. I can tell you that I've found myself in tough enough situations on hilly back roads in commuter traffic. Having a trailer in tow would really limit your options.

thanks for the great reply

that paragraph alone sounds like a compelling argument to keep the hubs locked. I know thats a bit of a controversial subject, but I keep hearing more pitfalls to unlocking... doesnt sound like the minuscule boost in MPG is even worth it.

[TJR]

Check this out... Not a Series LR, but very close...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xI9qSnmpDTk&feature=quicklist