Exceeding an SUV's tow capacity

[DallasTexasEx]

I am considering buying a boat (and trailer) that weighs more than my Tahoe's towing capacity. Should I decide to tow it with my Tahoe, It'll exceed its capacity by about 500-800 llbs depending on how much fuel, gear, etc. I have. I've read that manufacturers underrate their vehicle's towing capacities for a variety of reasons. Further, I've "heard" and read about several folks that exceed their towing capacity all the time without issues. Since I plan on keeping it in a slip, I would only tow it a couple of times a year fairly short distances. (no long highway trips) Anyway, I am no expert on this and thought someone out there might have some first hand experience with this.

Should I not even consider this??

 

[01 grad]

I wouldn't thing you'd have a problem towing it short distances just a few times a year. Insurance would be a problem if you had an accident.

If you really only need to tow it that often and you're only over by that amount, why not just tow it with tank empty, tank low on tow vehicle, no other passengers in tow vehicle and no gear in boat. I'm sure you'd be within towing capacity. Know that sounds stringent, but for just a few times a ytear, why not?

Or for the few times you have to tow it borrow or rent another, more capable, vehicle.

I would definitly not not purchase my boat if this were the only drawback to owning it.

 

[Summerof79]

just wait and buy an excursion... they are getting cheaper every day... then you will have all the towing capacity you need.

i woudl think a couple times a year isn't going to destroy the engine, but befrending somebody with a big 4x4 might not be a bad idea also...

 

[Orange&White]

You should be fine for what you have described if you have 4WD.

 

[Longhorn_Fan68]

It wouldn't be towing capacity that I'd be worried about; it'd be braking capacity. Does the trailer have brakes? Also, towing from a dead stop on a steep incline (read: boat ramp) could pose a problem. 4-wheel should help, though.

 

[01 grad]

All else being equal, 4-wheel drive decreases towing capacity because of the additional weight. The only benefit 4 wheel drive will give to a trailer boater is help getting up a slck ramp. Easy enought o avoid if only hauling a couple times a year.

 

[DallasTexasEx]

The trailer does have brakes and the tahoe is 4X4 and it has a class IV receiver hitch. That's a good idea about keeping all the tanks empty, etc.

I think it would work too, but it still makes me a bit nervous. I guess I could try it once and if I have a hard time braking or if the trailer starts swaying, I just won't do it again.

 

[pevodog]

The main thing you need to worry about is the transmission. Automatic transmissions with a towing package have extra cooling capacity for the transmissions. If the weight of the boat is rated higher than the transmission, I'd worry about burning my transmission up. I have known a few people burn up an automatic transmission, but since it is for short distances you'll probably be okay.

 

[UTEE]

If your tow vehicle doesn't already have one, I'd recommend adding a transmission cooler to your set-up. These can be added at any transmission shop for around $100 or so, which is a heckuva lot cheaper than a new transmission.

And those who point out that braking capacity is the most critical factor are correct-- that's not just a maintenance/repair issue, but a safety issue.

In general, it's just not a good idea to exceed your tow vehicle's rating. But if you're only doing it on rare occasions, you're probably okay.

 

[accuratehorn]

Yes, vehicle towing capacity is determined not just by engine, but by suspension, brakes, and transmission strain that can be handled.
As everyone said, you are not planning to haul the boat up the Rockies or to Yellowstone, just to the lake a couple of times a year, so you probably won't have problems.
You could ask the experts at a place like Spillar Custom Hitches for an opinion, although they might not want to go on record as recommending you exceed the capacity. If you dropped by there an asked informally, they would most likely give you a pretty informed opinion.

 

[NCAAFBALLROX]

I will assume by your ID that you're still in Shiny Shirt-ville (Dallas)?

If you were in the Austin area, I'd let you borrow my C3500 a few times a year for a family boat trip once or twice...

 

[HornTillDeath]

I pull horses all over Texas and Colorado. Exceeding the the limit by 10%, a few times a year for short hauls shouldn't be a problem unless you're pulling over hills.

FWIW. If you're going to pull a lot, get either a Ford or Dodge. Chevy's will either burn up a transmission or rear differential at around 60K miles. Go to a horse show and look around at all the big rigs. They're all being pulled by either Fords or Dodges.

 

[DallasTexasEx]

All good points...thanks for the advice.