20 Overnighter towing weight.

[cdejm]

I'm interested in the 20 Overnighter model. Many seem to be available in my price range that are from the mid - late 80's. What do owners find to be their towing weight? My vehicle is rated 4500 lbs and I fear this boat will be pushing the limits based on 2500 lbs hull, 400 lbs motor, 1000 lbs trailer, fuel, batteries, gear etc. I would tow approx. 500 miles per year with an 09 Pilot. Dual axle trailer with surge brakes for sure. Sure would appreciate some input from others, especially those towing with a smaller vehicle. Thank you Dave

 

[bondstreet]

I have a 1988 overnoghter with an I/O. I tow with a half ton Toyota with a 4.7L V-8. I don't think I would try and tow my boat very far with a Honda Pilot. My truck handles the load well, but if you have to go up any steep hills, you may be in for trouble. Stopping is a little hairy if you need to stop quickly, even with surge brakes on the trailer.

 

[gradyfish22]

Your pushing that tow limit if not exceeding it. For short distances being at the limit might work, but for long distances I would not recommend it, your braking system and suspension will not be tailored well to that type of travel with that weight. You would want something bigger. We trailered our 1989 22 seafarer with a GMC Envoy, plenty of pulling power, but the suspension lacked, but we only did it 2 times a year so we did not care. For far distances we would not have used that vechicle. We had an explorer before that, V6, not much pep with that boat behind it but better suspension, before that was a mid 1990's Jimmy...that was the best believe it or not. We've also used friends pick ups with higherr tow ratings and it made a huge difference, puts a lot less worry in your head when the tow vechicle rides well and can handle the load, you can put your mind on the road instead of watching the trailer every 10 seconds wondering if every bump or creek is something going on.

Either find a bigger tow vechicle, or a marine to leave it at. you will have a tough time going up steep grades, and I don;t even want to think about hauling that boat out on a slippery ramp...

 

[BobP]

If you are acquiring a new trailer, get one higher rated than the one suited and (cheapest for your boat as the dealer may likely try to sell you to make the sale - not that it is unsafe)

It will have the next size tires and more rollers. That's a heavy and tall boat for 20 foot, When I had my loadrite and 204C I wanted more rollers against the hull.

And for a blowout or otherwise flat tire, I wanted stability and to keep going though I would slow down to get there.

I recall the next weight range had larger tire diameter and heavier load rated tire as well.

Ironicalyy, the first trailer I bought for the boat was a single axle and no brakes, since Ii was just using two times a year to store after pulling out of the local marina -didn't want to spend any more than I had to.

First time I stepped on the brakes I realized there was no way the car was going to stop it in the usual way, car tires just skidded. It was a 3000 or 3500 lb trailer, one axle, no brakes.

The dual axle loadrite bought to replace the first one, when I was going to haul it 100 miles to the new marina, I believe was 4600 lbs ratimg, brakes on one axle. No problem stopping at all. Very stable on the highway.