Few noobie questions

[cobra_nuggets]

Hello everyone, 1st post here although I have been lurking for a while. I just graduated law school and the old lady is giving me the thumbs up on buying a SAN. I had a few questions that some of you all may have the answer to. I used the search function but it was not very helpful. First and foremost, I drive a 2004 toyota tacoma v6. It has the tow package and it is rated at 5000 lbs towing capacity. I am leaning towards a 210 which weighs just under that w/ fuel. So is it OK to tow a boat that is so close to the max towing load? DO any of you guys tow w/ a midsize truck? Secondly, how does the heated shower work on a SAN? I'm just curious as to how there is a shower on one of these boats. TIA and love the forum.

[Nautiquehunter]

RE: Few noobie questions

What year are you looking at? I have a 2008 210 sante and its closer to 6000lbs with gear ,fuel and trailer.
You might get by for short trips but I think you will have trouble with the boat steering the truck especially in a emergency situation. If its not 4wd you will have trouble at the ramp. Mine has the heater I never thought we would use it. Was I wrong we used it every time out for the first 3 months of this season. The shower might be good if you are in a muddy lake.

[MHayes]

Re: Few noobie questions

Secondly, how does the heated shower work on a SAN? I'm just curious as to how there is a shower on one of these boats.

Typically, they are using heat generated inside the cooling system of the engine.

[chris196]

RE: Re: Few noobie questions

I tow a 1998 ski nautique with a 1996 toyota tacoma. I think that's the same generation as yours with the 3.4 V6. If you have the newer tacoma with the 4.0 V6, I'd say no problem. But with the 3.4, I think you'll be able to but it will work hard.
My tacoma is also rated for 5000 and I've estimated my total load to be max of 4200. My truck does ok pulling my boat, but it's a much smaller boat than a 210.
I also don't go very far and no big hills.

[seth]

RE: Re: Few noobie questions

Yeah the shower hot water goes through the engine to heat it. I used to have a 96 T100 and towed a buddys sunsetter vlx with it and was quite impressed by that 3.4 V6.

[cobra_nuggets]

RE: Re: Few noobie questions

Thanks for the replys guys. I wouldnt be towing very far and I live in FL so no hills or anything around here. No 4x4, so would I have serious problems getting it out of the water? As far as the shower, where is it located? Inside the boat?

[TRO]

RE: Re: Few noobie questions

being able to pull it wouldn't be the issue probably, it is being about to stop it in an emergency situation or getting pulled back down the ramp. i have no idea how much those trucks can pull, but i'd be hesitant to put anything bigger than a 210, if even that, behind a tacoma.

[AirTool]

RE: Re: Few noobie questions

I wouldn't pull any of them (not even 196) with a Tacoma.

I have a 99 Navigator, 99 2 dr Tahoe 4x4, and a 93 C1500 short bed reg cab (w/4.3z)

All three get up and go with my 206. The short bed regular cab will NOT stop the boat in the rain without fishtailing. It does have rear antilock but that doesn't help.

[DanielC]

RE: Re: Few noobie questions

I tow my 1997 ski Nautique with an Aerostar van. 4.0 V6 , 3.73 rear limited slip rear axle.
Some people think I am nuts, but I am not one of those people who think they have to have a one ton dual rear wheel 4x4 diesel, for their semi annual trip to Home Depot for a 2x4.
You have a few advantages living in Florida. Its flat, and at sea level.
I think your current truck will do just fine. Do not tailgate when towing the boat, and plan ahead when driving.
If you lived in Colorado, I would suggest a larger tow vehicle, but you do not.

[surfaddict]

tow

i towed my 07 210 with a trailblazer V6 2wd and never had any issues - if the wheels started to slip at the ramp i just had someone put more weight towards the front of the boat - you'll be fine

[chris196]

RE: tow

AirTool, I understand you wouldn't pull with a tacoma, but for a 196 either generation of tacoma will pull and stop that load fine. No, it won't accelerate like a Tahoe, but I don't think that is a bad thing. I feel very comfortable pulling my 196 with my tacoma. My trailer has surge brakes and they definitely help. The new generation tacoma would pull the 196 very easily.
I don't think I'd pull the 210 in question with the previous generation tacoma, but I'd have no problems doing it with the current generation truck. The current generation is probably a more capable tow vehicle than an F150 from 10 years ago.

Regarding traction, it depends on your ramp. I unfortunately don't have limited slip (I like to call mine infinite slip), so sometimes I spin a little bit. If you have limited slip, you'll have no problems. I usually don't have a problem pulling mine out, but I have a secret weapon in case I do encounter problems. I keep a 25lb bag of the cheap kitty litter in my truck. Some of that in front of the pulling wheel and I get traction. I've had to use my kitty litter once this year.

I also don't agree with the idea you need a truck capable of pulling double your actual load. I think people who can't feel the load back there are more likely to get into trouble for just that reason.

[Nautiquehunter]

RE: tow

I have a 2001 GMC Safari van 4.3L V6 it has worked fine pulling my 20' 89 Supra Sunsport . I have made many upgrades to the suspension and trans to handle the load . Pulling the 08 210 is another story it has all the power to pull it but with the short wheel base and light weight I can tell its not as stable as it should be . I also have had some problems pulling out of the ramp. I have pulled the 210 about 3000 miles this year . Although my van can do the job I feel a larger vehicle is needed to be safe especially at highway speed.

[AirTool]

Re: RE: tow

AirTool, I understand you wouldn't pull with a tacoma, but for a 196 either generation of tacoma will pull and stop that load fine.

Your rear axle weight is probably less than 2000 lbs. depending on which cab you have. I have a hard time believing you have the traction for a safe emergency stop when traveling 45+ on a flat, wet road and pulling a 3500 lb load.

I'm not trying to start a fight. My experience pulling trailers in the rain with light pickup trucks with empty beds borders on unsafe to me.

I believe the rest of your post about traction, limited slip, etc was directed at the original poster. My first concern about any trailering question is control and braking capability. Engine, transmission, differential, axle rating, and GVWR come after.

[MikeC]

RE: Re: RE: tow

Toyota Tacoma - 4000 lbs; Nautique 210 - 5000+lbs (with trailer). Can you say "tail wagging the dog"?

[WakeSlayer]

RE: Re: RE: tow

MikeC ^^funny^^ and scary.

Agree that bigger is better for towing. I would want a bigger vehicle than what you have to tow a SAN. As mentioned a couple times, it is about stopping, not pulling. I have an F350 DRW diesel, but I actually use it for a lot more than picking up 2x4's. I towed my SN with a 4.3; Astro van, and it was borderline. I towed my BFN with an 85 Suburban, and thought that that was adequate, but not the greatest. You may get away with the Tacoma but stay way back and on dry roads.
As far as the shower, I don't really care for them, I never used mine once in 4 years of cold water riding, and I removed it this year and sold it.