Tow Vehicles

[dainlaroche]

Factory tow package on 2013 Dodge Durango V6. Very good match for my 209.

 

[wrxhoon]

A lot of nice rigs to match the nice boats. Ky, really nice pull vehicles! wrxhoon & DennisG01, how far do you normally tow and what terrain. You have pretty big boats for relatively small tow vehicles. Just curious.

Mine weighs about 7000 lb , my Landcruiser is rated 8100 lb, towbar is part of the chassis not an added bolt on like most are . She has very strong chassis with curb weight 6000 lb ( ours are heavier that USA specs, heavier engine is part of that). I used Landcruisers to tow since 1991, always found them good platforms to tow with. The latest 200 series are very stable the kinetic suspension has a lot to do with that.
I normally tow at the speed limit 110 kmh (68 mph) on the motorways and 80 (50MPH) 100 kmh (62MPH) on secondary roads. I don't have any problem keeping to the speed limit even on very steep hills, the diesel much smaller at 4.5 lt than the gas engine you guys get, has a lot more torque 480 ft/lb.
I tow up to 500km (300 miles) up and down the coast chasing the fish, marlin /tuna.
In reality it doesn't matter how far you tow it has to be set up right. I guess if you are going a few miles to your local ramp you could drive slower.
Specs on the USA Landcruiser bellow. We use 12 pin plugs here on the electric over hydraulic actuators . 4 pins are not allowed here because you can't use the towball to transfer negative to the trailer .
WEIGHTS AND CAPACITIES Curb weight (lb.) 5815 5715 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) (lb.) 7385 7385 Cargo volume (cu. ft.)46 behind front/second-row/third-row seats 82.8/41.4/16.1 82.8/53.5/– Fuel tank (gal.) 24.6 24.6 Seating capacity 8 5 TOWING Integrated towing hitch receiver and wiring harness with 4-/7-pin connectors4 S S Towing capacity 8100lb

 

[Lite Tackle]

Mine weighs about 7000 lb , my Landcruiser is rated 8100 lb, towbar is part of the chassis not an added bolt on like most are . She has very strong chassis with curb weight 6000 lb ( ours are heavier that USA specs, heavier engine is part of that). I used Landcruisers to tow since 1991, always found them good platforms to tow with. The latest 200 series are very stable the kinetic suspension has a lot to do with that.
I normally tow at the speed limit 110 kmh (68 mph) on the motorways and 80 (50MPH) 100 kmh (62MPH) on secondary roads. I don't have any problem keeping to the speed limit even on very steep hills, the diesel much smaller at 4.5 lt than the gas engine you guys get, has a lot more torque 480 ft/lb.
I tow up to 500km (300 miles) up and down the coast chasing the fish, marlin /tuna.
In reality it doesn't matter how far you tow it has to be set up right. I guess if you are going a few miles to your local ramp you could drive slower.
Specs on the USA Landcruiser bellow. We use 12 pin plugs here on the electric over hydraulic actuators . 4 pins are not allowed here because you can't use the towball to transfer negative to the trailer .
WEIGHTS AND CAPACITIES Curb weight (lb.) 5815 5715 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) (lb.) 7385 7385 Cargo volume (cu. ft.)46 behind front/second-row/third-row seats 82.8/41.4/16.1 82.8/53.5/– Fuel tank (gal.) 24.6 24.6 Seating capacity 8 5 TOWING Integrated towing hitch receiver and wiring harness with 4-/7-pin connectors4 S S Towing capacity 8100lb

Sounds like a very capable rig.

 

[DennisG01]

A lot of nice rigs to match the nice boats. Ky, really nice pull vehicles! wrxhoon & DennisG01, how far do you normally tow and what terrain. You have pretty big boats for relatively small tow vehicles. Just curious.

The Grady now stays in ME (bought it in DE). But I have other boats with similar dimensions (some smaller, some a bit bigger) that I tow, as well.

I tow the East coast from MD to ME. There's some pretty good inclines throughout that - flatter down by MD, but plenty of 6% grades up North. The Merc GL is about the length of a Tahoe, but a few inches narrower (I can't quite get a sheet plywood in the back... which kinda sucks). I'd call it a good, medium-sized vehicle. They actually make quite good tow vehicles and are often commended around the world for how stable they are. In comparison to how it feels towing, I'd put it on par with a 1/2 ton from 7 or 8 years ago. The 4-wheel air suspension makes a marked improvement since it can firm up any corner instantly. Towing a 24' is WELL within it's capabilities. Believe me, between my job and my "life", I've towed with many, many combinations and it does VERY well. Is it equal to the newer 1/2 tons - no - they have the edge. But remember - those Germans never underbuild something.

I used to have a '98 Durango - loved it, but the Merc is a better tow vehicle, hands down. Another comparison is to early and later model Tahoes - the Merc is better there, too. To be honest, it's surprised me with how capable it is. Take a look back at how I "tested" the Merc... other "larger" vehicles have not felt as safe. Can't beat the ride quality and mileage, either! Whisper quiet on the highway and after an 8-hour drive with no stops (and still a 1/4 tank left of the 26-gallon tank), I pop out of the vehicle almost relaxed feeling! That's without towing... can't go quite as far when towing

 

[Ridge Runner]

 

[Ky Grady]

Big girl put the squat on the ole Cheby there Ridge!!!

 

[Fowl Hooked]

Hauling the 265 Express with a GMC Denali HD 3/4 ton diesel, very happy with the rig.

 

[Ridge Runner]

Big girl put the squat on the ole Cheby there Ridge!!!

Running a drop hitch to get 'er as low as possible... Truck actually only squats an inch or so, 3500HD. Planning bunk modifications so I can get my trailer level and spread the load over all 3 axles better. Only 13K lbs in this picture.