OK guys I need your input on this. I want to buy a small boat that I can tow to Florida from the Midwest for use during the winter. My vehicle is a Honda CRV. I have my eyes on a 13' Boston Whaler with a 40 HP Tohatsu. If I do this I want to be able to tow safely and without damage to the CRV.
I've run the numbers vs the Honda specs for the vehicle:
Total weight of the boat, motor, trailer and gear: 1000 lbs.
Towing capacity of the CRV: 1500 lbs.
Max vehicle load limit spec: 850 lbs our actual load will be no more than 750 lbs.
I've also estimated the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) at 4400 lbs vs a max spec of 4630.
I've estimated the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for front and rear axle and I am within the specs.
So I'm within all the Honda specs which would indicate I should be able to tow this boat safely and without damage to the vehicle. Am I missing something?
Thanks for your help.
I'd say you are cutting it close. Just remember gear and gas always ends up weighing more than you think. Load as much as you can over the axles when going down the road. I'd suggest loading up all the stuff you'd ever think you'd carry and go up to a scale and get some actual numbers to work with. I have a feeling a fiberglass whaler will be around 700 pounds alone empty, motor and trailer will put you around the 1000 mark. Now add your gear and we are reaching the danger zone.
I would be concerned as well due to the length of the trip. Also some very long climbs along the way. An hour tow on fairly level expressway is one thing. Climbing some of those grades going all the way to Florida would be a concern. I am told often the issue also is related to your ability to brake safely with this load. The down side of some of those grades might be much for your brakes as well.
Towing isn't the problem when you couple a small vehicle to a large load. The problems start when you try to stop the load in an emergency situation. The short wheelbase isn't going to help matters.
And hope and pray that you can hit the bottom of Jellico Mountain(if you go that route) at almost wide open so you can reach the top at about 20mph. Then have enough brake and transmission to keep you slowed down going down the other side with your load pushing you. Further, pray that you don't hit the mountain when it's a bit slippery. Being that close on weight limit for the tow vehicle and that short of rig would be fun trying to keep speed down plus keeping it from jack knifing if the roads were slick. Especially if you have no trailer brakes. And if you do have trailer brakes, they better be adjusted just right.
IMO, doable??? Yes....if the circumstances are right. But agree you are asking an awful lot out of the CRV and it most likely won't make that trip very often. Would surely consider either a lighter boat or heavier towing vehicle as you obviously aren't on flat ground making that trip
I won't go over 75% the recommended weights listed for the vehicle. As mentioned you don't have much to stop the load behind you. And I foresee you needing to replace the tranny if you decide on this adventure. So..Take the money you would have to spend on a new transmission and use that now as a deposit on a new Chevy truck..
With that small of boat a small truck, properly set up will work.
I towed a 17' tracker, 40hp mercury back and forth to Lake of the Woods Canada four years in a row with a Ranger, 4liter with factory tow package. That's a 1000 mi. each way nonstop.
Never had a minute of problem with that truck, can't say that about the f-150 I replaced it with. The 150 was a tow monster but reliability wasn't a strong point.
I still don't think a CRV is enough for that long of a tow.
My vehicle is a 2015 Honda CRV with about 25000 miles. My local Honda dealer has done all of the scheduled maintenance at the scheduled mileage. The transmission fluid has not been changed yet as its not called for yet. Off hand I don't know at what mileage it is to be changed. I'll check my owners manual.
The owners manual says change transmission fluid at 60k miles, except at 25k mIles for severe conditions like towing. If I do this I would change the transmission fluid before going to Florida.
I'm impressed how you calculated all your numbers. You should be ok with the load you have, just keep it as light as possible & change the ATF before you tow. I'd also suggest surge brakes on the boat trailer ; not so much due to boat weight but also the added weight in your vehicle while traveling.
I'm assuming the CRV is all wheel drive? I agree with others, a long trip like that will really give your trans and brakes a work out. Even though it's not a big boat, boat ramps can be really slick which might cause some issues if it's only front wheel drive when you're trying to pull it out.
Personally I think you would be fine to make the trip if all your calculations are correct. I would add you may want to take your time and don't try to push making the trip.
Most manufactures are going to build in some margin of error in their specified limits. No way are they going to give you the very max weights to go by. I do know on some items the margin can be as high as 20-25%. I do like the idea of loading everything as you would for the trip and then taking the boat to a scale and getting it weighed. If you really think about it you can easily push 1000# around with just one hand so I don't think the towing will be an issue. Like others have said my concern would be the stopping. Again, if you are within the limits the manufacture set, I believe you should be fine.
I've towed boats at or near my limit on several occasions for a few hour trip and never had any problems.
Get a scan gauge 2 or an ultra gauge that plugs into the ODB port under the dash. In my Toyotas I'm able to monitor trans temps. Not sure if it works for Honda but it is the best $100 bucks you'll spend. Does your CRV have a CVT style transmission or gears like a traditional trans? If it is a CVT I'd say don't do it. If it is a 5 or 6 speed auto then stay out of overdrive and you should be good.
just my .02cts worth . no! but you can do it. your mpg are going to be shot ,your tranny will be shot and you,ll need a brake job before you come home . I own three crv,s great for two people trips .NOT a tow car.
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