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5 Best Vehicles to Tow Your Boat

Posted May 23, 2013 by Melanie to Green / Environment 0 0
This post was written by a EasyFinance.com Community member. The views expressed below may not reflect the views of EasyFinance.com.

Boat on the Road

 

With summertime upon us, you're probably thinking about getting back out on the water in your boat, or maybe you're thinking of buying a new one. Either way, you're going to need a vehicle to tow it. There are plenty of common misconceptions about the size of truck or SUV you need to tow a boat, and chances are you can get away with a much smaller ride than you imagine. You'll need to know roughly how much weight you need to tow and how much weight the vehicle is capable of towing, but there's plenty of room to find a vehicle that suits your many other needs. Here are five top suggestions.

1. Ford F-150

The F-150 was named Motor Trend's Truck of the Year in 2012 and boasts an impressive towing capacity of up to 11,300 pounds. Known for its excellent fuel economy, this is a truck that can handle almost anything you hitch up to it, and it's designed to drive even better when it's loaded down. Considering that an 18-foot boat only weighs about 2,300 pounds on average, the F-150 will have no trouble at all.

2. Jeep Wrangler

There's no better vehicle for off-road four wheeling or trips to the beach than a jeep, but many people don't realize that the Jeep Wrangler also tows up to 3,500 pounds. This is perfect for towing jet skis, trailers, and most boats under 20 feet. If you're looking for an alternative to owning a pickup or SUV but still want a sturdy towing platform, Jeep Wrangler is the best way to go, hands down.

3. Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer is one of the most classic SUVs on the market, but the new ones are sleeker, more versatile, and have much better fuel economy than ever before. They have a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, which makes them a great vehicle for camping trips and weekends at the lake when you want to bring along the whole family. Its roomy and comfortable interior combined with a smooth towing ability are why it remains as popular today as ever.

DODGE RAM 1500

4. Dodge Ram 1500

Like the Ford F-150, the Dodge Ram is a well-known reliable pickup truck, and the 1500 was named Truck of the Year for 2013. It's been widely praised for its rear suspension, which improves the quality of the ride and the handling of the vehicle. But the advancements in suspension don't compromise its towing capabilities - it can handle a payload of up to 10,000 pounds. The Dodge Ram will meet all your needs, from the smallest trailer to the largest boat or other vessel you need to transport.

5. Chevrolet Traverse

Most Chevy cars are great for gas mileage, and the Traverse is no exception. It's a mid-size SUV but it's capable of towing as much as a full-size, coming in at 5,200 pounds. Many drivers like the compact nature of the car and the optional all-wheel drive, which can get you up a slippery boat ramp. It also offers the ample space and storage you'd expect from an SUV, while being less of a gas-guzzler than its larger counterparts.

Whatever vehicle you use to tow your boat, it's important to use the right equipment to help you stay safe and avoid drag while you're on the road. If your truck or SUV is in good working condition and you've hitched the boat correctly, you should have a solid ride in store with most vehicle options. Choose the vehicle that's right for you and your family, and you could find yourself getting the most for your money for many summers to come.

 

About Melanie: Writer Dan Nielson is an avid full-time blogger. Looking for safe ways to tow your stuff? Make sure that if you're towing a boat, you find the correct  winch recovery rope.  

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