Weight and Trailering ???

[scag]

I am beginning to do research on Nautiques and have some questions regarding weight. Specifically, I want to know if my 2wd 4runner will have what it takes to trailer and launch this boat. My truck has a tow capacity of 5000 lbs. I understand the weights are model specific. So, my question is, what would the average weight for a mid 90's 196 be? Is there a good resource where I can find the weight of all the models? And secondly, what are your opinions/experiences trailering and launching boats with a 2wd truck.

Thanks in advance! 8-)

[rbalan]

The reference section of correctcraftfan.com will have the boat's weight minus gear, fuel, and trailer.

[Teleman]

RE: Weight and Trailering ???

If you search on these topics you will find lots......I would not use a 2 wheel Drive 4Runner for this. It might get it into the water, but it probably won't get it out. And what do you do now?? I am using the 4WD Tacoma V6 with a 2000 Sport Nautique (about 4800 Lbs loaded). This seems to be the lowest I would go. It also depends on distance, speed, traffic, ramp condition, experience, balls...you get the idea...

[NautiqueJeff]

The reference section of correctcraftfan.com will have the boat's weight minus gear, fuel, and trailer.

So will the downloads section of this site.....

[hondaprlud]

RE: Weight and Trailering ???

When I first bought my 96 Sport (4800lbs), I used an 89 4 Runner 4WD 5spd for a few months. I would put it in 4WD to get it out of the water. That truck was only rated @ 3500lbs towing capacity. But I think you'll have a hard time. would depend on the quality and steepness of the ramps etc. Any way you could try it first? take 2 trucks to the water in case it doesn't work.

[sodbuster88]

RE: Weight and Trailering ???

What year is your 4-Runner? I pull my '04 196 with an '07 Tacoma Prerunner (4X2)....no problems. Recall that 4-Runners and Tacomas were upsized in about '04 and '05 respectively. You should be fine. I'm guessing my boat with gas and gear weighs no more than 3000# plus a 1200# trailer = 4200#. Tongue weight is about 350 to 400# on the truck.

[SkiTower]

Re: Weight and Trailering ???

I am beginning to do research on Nautiques and have some questions regarding weight. Specifically, I want to know if my 2wd 4runner will have what it takes to trailer and launch this boat. My truck has a tow capacity of 5000 lbs. I understand the weights are model specific. So, my question is, what would the average weight for a mid 90's 196 be? Is there a good resource where I can find the weight of all the models? And secondly, what are your opinions/experiences trailering and launching boats with a 2wd truck.

Thanks in advance! 8-)

And of course the question isn't whether or not to buy the boat, but whether to upgrade the truck in the process! PDT_005

[tadelfio]

RE: Re: Weight and Trailering ???

Your truck will tow and pull out of the lake, a 196 just fine. A heavier V-drive, pulling it out of the lake will prove to be a little more challenging but not impossible. It all comes down to knowing your vehicle, boat, load plans and ramp. I speak from experience.

[vthokies]

I have a 2002 Ski Nautique 196 and tow it in and out of the lake (somewhat a steep incline on the ramp) and my Volvo XC 90 front wheel drive 3.2 engine tows it without any issues whatsoever. I think your 4 Runner should be fine with a 196.

[2gofaster]

The 2 wheel drive 4 runner will be just fine with a 196. You can figure a 196 runs about 2600 lbs and the trailer is 1200 or so. I used to tow my 96 196 with that same vehicle.

[Nautiquehunter]

I tow my 08 210 with 2001 GMC Safari van 4.3 L V6 . The rear suspension has been rework and extra trans cooler. I just got back from a 800 mile trip. Although all went well I would say the van is maxed out at this load.
Pulling with a light short wheel base vehicle always runs the risk of the boat steering or dragging the tow vehicle.
It will probably work for short trips. If you are going any distance its best to get a bigger tow vechile.

[chris196]

I tow a 196 with a 1996 tacoma 2wd with the 3.4 V6. It works hard, but it pulls it fine. My truck is rated for 5000# with a class IV hitch installed.
I do not have limited slip and sometimes I spin a little. I use a light amount of emergency brake at times to minimize that.
There was only one time I needed help out of the water. Some guy who had launched before me had dropped a full quart of 2 cycle oil on the ramp. My pulling tire was covered with oil before I realized what had happened. Another truck gave me a pull out (I keep a tow strap in my truck).

You didn't mention which year or if you have limited slip or the quality of the ramp. If you have limited slip and a good ramp, you'll have no problems at all.

The suggestion to have another vehicle with you is a good one so you can see where you stand. Of course, you need a tow strap to have second vehicle help if needed and you need to know where to hook it up on your vehicle.

[TylerO]

I have pulled three different boats from 3000lbs to 5500lbs. with a 1996 4WD V6 4Runner and a 2000 2WD 4runner. Your 2WD will work fine for launching as long as the ramp is good and you've got some experience. You can tow around town no problem. But.....

1) 4Runners just don't have the weight/width/wheel track/brakes or power to be a solid tow vehicle. You can anticipate poor stoping capacity, heavy brake wear/fade, and rotors warping. There will be times when you feel like the boat is pushing you instead of you pulling it. Downshifting is your friend.

2) Pulling over distance magnifies #1 substanially. Climibing or descending steep hills, passing large commercial rigs, etc. Are all much more challenging in a smaller tow vehicle than in say a 1/2 ton truck or full size SUV.

This is all just my opinion but let me add one note of comparison. I pulled a 4500lb Jet boat from San Diego to Arizona using the 96 4WD 4runner multiple times. This meant downshifting on the grades, 45mph climbing hills, and struggling with different hitch types to reduces tongue weight due to the inferior rear springs on the 4runner.
I then borrowed a friends half ton truck one trip and never used the 4 runner to tow again.

[CradGen2]

I use to pull my 196 with a 1995 Ford Thunderbird v8 4.6L and used a crappy ramp. I never have any issues. Boat 2600 LBS, single Ramlin 1100. couple skies - priceless....

If you have any issues, have the boat driver give it a little gas as you pull up the ramp then kill the motor.

[scag]

Thanks for all the insight everyone. Luckily, since I'm not buying a boat tomorrow, I can do a lot of research and hopefully find some friends with boats to just see how it works out. My 4runner is a 98 3.4v6 limited. From what I've gathered on various boards, it seems like a brake upgrade would be wise. Most say that I should be able to pull out in "most" circumstances with limited problems/difficulty. There are exceptions of course. I think 4wd would be a nice feature to have and if one crosses my path in the near future, I may upgrade.