Trailer limitations

[GoldHorde]

The Buick Century 6cyl 3.1L like every other 6cyl sedan and most of the smaller 6cyl SUVs and trucks are only rated to tow 1000 lbs or less in the manuals. I find that hard to believe when I know others having been towing more with less for years so I expect these limits are like the expiration dates everyone ignores. What is the actual range of towing capabilities of these vehicles? I'm looking to tow a 16' boat w/20' trailer and a 50hp 2/stroke) weighing in around a total of approx 1400-1600lbs depending on whether the 24gal gas tank is full. The boat dealers say I can and the automotive people say I can't.

[mnrstrider]

You can, but it's probably not going to be good for your car, I figured when I towed my boat behind the car I had to be very easy on it, didn't use cruise control so the tranny was never hunting, take it easy an you'll be better off.

[Surface Tension]

Your driving style has a lot to do with how much trailer weight you pull. Use a hot foot and you can burn a tranny out pulling even light loads. Use slow acceleration and lower hwy speeds. You have to take into consideration the terrain too. Your next consideration would be stopping the car and trailer. Sure you give yourself extra room to slow down and stop but what happens when you need to brake fast and hard, will your tow vehicle do the job safely?

[GoldHorde]

I appreciate the input from you both. I understand the tranny and brake concerns - coming back down I94 to the cities always has that brake-screeching tie-up in Rogers. I'm considering the 400.00 option of trailer brakes but the manual says I must not "tap them into" the Buick brakes due to the Anti-Brake System - whatever that means.

[cheesehead]

I had a 1990 Olds Ciera wagon with a 4 cylinder engine that pulled my 16' smoker craft with. I wasn't setting any speed records but had no problems pulling it.

[morpho]

i have a 87 buick centry with the 3.1 and i'm not so sure about towing a 14' alum with a 15horse johnny but this makes me thing it will do just fine...

thanks

[MNice]

Just something to think about. If the car mfg says they limit to 1000 lbs. and you go OVER that and have an accident, my guess is a lawyer would love to take that case. It’s sad that one has to think this way but you have to consider your liability these days.

[Wavey Davey]

Towing with any front wheel drive vehicle is very hard on the tranny.

[morpho]

few hundred lbs shouldent do much hard in the 15-20 mi range i would think

[GoldHorde]

I'm getting trailer brakes put on the trailer - BUT now it turns out there is a bunch of flavors of those I gotta weed through! Geesh...one needs a "marine consultant" nowadays - guess that's ALL YOU GUYS. Anyways, I'm thinking of going with the uncomplicated surge brakes (aka: enertia brakes) but I've heard there are different concerns when going down steep hills or when going in reverse (backing up) - apparently some brands/models of surge brakes address tose issues so that the surge brake doesn't trigger "on" during those situations.

[Valv]

I would skip this whole deal and buy a used pickup. Evidently there is no long distance towing, otherwise you can kiss your car goodbye, braking power is very limited, loading/unloading at landing is tough with a car, safety (which is my main concern) is gone completely.

At this point why don't you just buy a used 4x4 pickup truck to use only when towing. Insurance won't be much, and you will have peace of mind pulling a boat behind.

I see many cars pulling larger boats, if you want to see what could happen, I'll send you some pics.

------------------
Val Vignati

www.kvesurplus.com
[email protected]