Looking to get a Nautique, Can I tow with a v6 SUV?

[chris196]

I tow a 98 Ski with a 96 Toyota Tacoma V6. Someone mentioned the 96-2002 4Runners. The 4runner is based off the tacoma and has the same drive train. It's a 3.4 V6 with 195HP and 225 ft-lbs of torque. Both the tacoma and 4runners from these years are rated for 5000# with a class 3 hitch installed.
Starting in 2003 the tacoma and 4runner got bigger and more powerful with a 4.0 V6, but doubt you'll find one for the price listed.
The tacoma does ok, but I don't pull it far and I have good ramps. The one thing I would change is having limited slip. I have infinite slip. I sometimes spin a bit pulling out the trailer without the boat, but with the extra weight of the boat to help traction, no problem.

[TRBenj]

Before dad bought the Pathy, he towed the '92 with a '91 Explorer. That had the 160hp OHV 4.0L, which certainly wasnt overwhelming- but it got the job done.

[M3Fan]

I tow a 98 Ski with a 96 Toyota Tacoma V6. Someone mentioned the 96-2002 4Runners. The 4runner is based off the tacoma and has the same drive train. It's a 3.4 V6 with 195HP and 225 ft-lbs of torque. Both the tacoma and 4runners from these years are rated for 5000# with a class 3 hitch installed.
Starting in 2003 the tacoma and 4runner got bigger and more powerful with a 4.0 V6, but doubt you'll find one for the price listed.
The tacoma does ok, but I don't pull it far and I have good ramps. The one thing I would change is having limited slip. I have infinite slip. I sometimes spin a bit pulling out the trailer without the boat, but with the extra weight of the boat to help traction, no problem.

The Tacoma is NOT the 4Runner platform. Not in the 3rd Gen, and not in the 4th gen either. The only Toyota in the states based on the 4th Gen 'runner is the Lexus GX470.

[TRDon]

I pulled mine with a 2wd v6 dakota without a problem. Just make sure the vehicla is rated for what you pull.

This thread turned out better than on wakeworld. Whenever this comes up, everyone swears you need a diesel to pull a 4x6 utility trailer

[chris196]

I tow a 98 Ski with a 96 Toyota Tacoma V6. Someone mentioned the 96-2002 4Runners. The 4runner is based off the tacoma and has the same drive train. It's a 3.4 V6 with 195HP and 225 ft-lbs of torque. Both the tacoma and 4runners from these years are rated for 5000# with a class 3 hitch installed.
Starting in 2003 the tacoma and 4runner got bigger and more powerful with a 4.0 V6, but doubt you'll find one for the price listed.
The tacoma does ok, but I don't pull it far and I have good ramps. The one thing I would change is having limited slip. I have infinite slip. I sometimes spin a bit pulling out the trailer without the boat, but with the extra weight of the boat to help traction, no problem.

The Tacoma is NOT the 4Runner platform. Not in the 3rd Gen, and not in the 4th gen either. The only Toyota in the states based on the 4th Gen 'runner is the Lexus GX470.

Didn't realize I was stepping on toes. Sorry.
But fact is they share the same drive train and some other elements.
Are they the same vehicle, of course not?

http://consumerguideauto.howstuffwor...ta-4runner.htm

[east tx skier]

Engine size (eg. horsepower) is important, but remember there is more to towing than that. Wheelbase plays a big part in ride, and good brakes are a must. Also, how far do you intend to tow? A V6 is fine for down the road, but a 6 hour tow through the mountains is a different story.

This is a very good point. I've towed ski boats with 6 cyl explorers and the power was ample. But stopping and feeling like the boat is in charge was always a cause for concern.

[TravisFling]

I've just got the 5.7l double cab tundra at 382 hp and 400 f/p torque. It does ok... hehehehe. just kidding, but had a silverado before that and before that a durango. all did well. My neighbor is a big Ford guy and tows all over the place with his explorer. but then he also towed down the ramp with his lawnmower... hahahaha... (flat area, we're very close to the launch 1/4 mile +/-.) I would say the 4runner, taco and explorer should all be good. IF you get the durango get the 318 or 5.2, which is a great engine. One of the few great dodge products...

[mf01]

I've towed my 94 Sport with my girlfriend's Murano (245hp) a few times. I only towed a few times from storage to my house, which was only a couple of miles. It has more of a car platform, so I would suggest against it. The power was fine, but the rear suspension was definitely feeling the weight.

[TravisFling]

Also thought I'd mention the Cummins is a 6. inline 6, but there's plenty of power there... probably not what you were looking for, but another good dodge motor.

[Chris4x4Gill2]

guys.....remember that all these horsepower numbers dont mean crap. Torque is what pulls.

An engine that makes low horsepower and ample Torque at a low RPM is much more desirable than an engine with a high HP rating that peaks at a high RPM and has anemic torque numbers lower in the RPM range.

[Mikeski]

I had both L6 and V8 Jeep Grand Cherokee's. The L6 did nearly as well as the V8. I also had a 4.3L V6 Silverado which also did very well towing my 1995 Ski Nautique. When I stepped up to a 2005 Air Nautique 211, the V6 silverado was not too happy going up long hills. Now I have a V8 Silverado and Tahoe.

You should be fine with most 4+ liter 6 cylinder SUVs towing a Ski Nautique.

[M3Fan]

I tow a 98 Ski with a 96 Toyota Tacoma V6. Someone mentioned the 96-2002 4Runners. The 4runner is based off the tacoma and has the same drive train. It's a 3.4 V6 with 195HP and 225 ft-lbs of torque. Both the tacoma and 4runners from these years are rated for 5000# with a class 3 hitch installed.
Starting in 2003 the tacoma and 4runner got bigger and more powerful with a 4.0 V6, but doubt you'll find one for the price listed.
The tacoma does ok, but I don't pull it far and I have good ramps. The one thing I would change is having limited slip. I have infinite slip. I sometimes spin a bit pulling out the trailer without the boat, but with the extra weight of the boat to help traction, no problem.

The Tacoma is NOT the 4Runner platform. Not in the 3rd Gen, and not in the 4th gen either. The only Toyota in the states based on the 4th Gen 'runner is the Lexus GX470.

Didn't realize I was stepping on toes. Sorry.
But fact is they share the same drive train and some other elements.
Are they the same vehicle, of course not?

http://consumerguideauto.howstuffwor...ta-4runner.htm

It's very common for auto makers to have their SUVs on the exact same platform as their SUVs. I just find it admirable that Toyota didn't do this with the 4Runner so I'm always quick to point it out. The current 4Runner is based more on a 7/8ths Land Cruiser platform.

[jpduster]

Would an Explorer with a 4L v6 do it? They aren't even rated over 200hp

My father towed their caravan round with his and never had any problems or complaints, don't know what diff ratio.

Trailer brakes, the right tow bar, vehicle rated to tow the weight, drive like an "old man" and the only problems will be for the hundred or so cars stuck behind. At least the first one gets to look at the back of a nautique.

[ally606]

I always have a chuckle to myself when I read these posts. There is a very different viewpoint to tow vehicles in Europe v's the US. I personally tow my '97 sport with my Audi A4, 1.9 litre diesel engine and have no problems at all. That said I make sure the brakes on the trailer are in tip top condition as there is a large load, 2 tonnes or thereabouts out back which doesn't what to stop when it's got going. Yes I'm towing at the max allowable limit fot my car, the only problem I have is pulling the boat out of a steep slipway, too much traction from the 4WD means I need to slip the clutch a little but I figure a new clutch every 5 yrs v's buying some fuel guzzling tow vehicle is worth it!

[mf01]

One word... safety.

I personally feel that my 1/2 ton Quad Cab Dodge Ram is perfect for my Sport Nautique. I don't think I'd want to tow with anything smaller. To me it's more of the boat pushing the tow vehicle around, right now I don't feel much.

My boss had a BMW X5 and a Moomba Outback (21ft). The X5 was the V8 and had enough power, but it didn't seem right. You could hear the X5 make all sorts of creaking noises as he towed it and it felt like it pushed it going around hills.