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Nautique claims 3,900 dry for the 210 currently. That includes all there standard optional equipment, add the NSS (it hasn't changes since they added it and thats got to be at least 30-40 ish pounds...) and a Z5 and an anchor and lets just call it 4000, the trailer varies but its probably at least 1000 - 1200 pounds +50lbs for the spare that doesn't come with it. 37lbs of gasoline weighs 231.25lbs, I carry probably another 200-250lbs of gear on board plus a cooler with 20lbs of ice and 35lbs+ of refreshments. That's how I show up at the boat ramp, plus 500lbs of bomb sacks (ballast) So if I say probably just over 6000 lbs for me that sounds pretty accurate.
For my setup my 2wd Silverado Extended cab with locking diff and tow package with optional gearing wasn't cutting it. My acceleration was tolerable and breaking was adequate. The suspension wasn't up to the task of all that weight and even locked it was a struggle to get traction on some of the ramps around here.
Look at the ratings on your vehicle and equipment. What class of hitch can you get for your vehicle 3, 4, 5? I think the stock equipment and most of what you find for those smaller SUV's is class 3 rated at 5000lbs max. I believe the Acadia is rated at 5200 but comes with a hitch rated at only 5000 and even if you can get a class 4 hitch you would still be over the vehicle rating.
I ended up going with a 4wd Suburban 2500 (3/4 ton), even in 2wd on easier ramps (that I used to slip a little on) its no problem, really only need 4wd on the worst of the ramps then its no drama at all (bigger tires help). The bigger engine, and bigger brakes mean you really don't notice that your towing (other than the 8-9 mpg). I can fit 8 and fit all my gear and get there safely and stay way under the 10,000lbs my hitch can handle and could go with a class 5 and get all of my 12,000 lb capacity. I do have a firestone airbag setup on my rear axle to level out the ride but its not really needed, I only use it because its there.
Really I think the 2500 Suburban or the Yukon XL or the Excursion are the right way to go if you want an SUV and they cost about the same as the 3/4 ton trucks new, but don't hold their value used anywhere near as well as the trucks do so if you are going used they are easier on the wallet than a truck. If your lucky you can find one that someone convinced a soccer mom to drive because it "could" be used to tow something and the gas mileage is killing them so they want to get rid of it. The Nissan Armada can do 9k equipped properly and will get between 2-4mpg better in all likelihood. I have driven one and really liked it but inside its not as big and its nearly impossible to find a good used one as compared to the other 2 I mentioned, hardly anyone outfits them to tow and then lets them go. Whatever you get take a close look at what trailering equipment it comes with, more often than not it doesn't match up with the vehicle max rating. If you buy a new one and they are sticking you with a 5k class 3 hitch sometimes you can get it without one and save some cash towards the replacement you are going to need.
For my setup my 2wd Silverado Extended cab with locking diff and tow package with optional gearing wasn't cutting it. My acceleration was tolerable and breaking was adequate. The suspension wasn't up to the task of all that weight and even locked it was a struggle to get traction on some of the ramps around here.
Look at the ratings on your vehicle and equipment. What class of hitch can you get for your vehicle 3, 4, 5? I think the stock equipment and most of what you find for those smaller SUV's is class 3 rated at 5000lbs max. I believe the Acadia is rated at 5200 but comes with a hitch rated at only 5000 and even if you can get a class 4 hitch you would still be over the vehicle rating.
I ended up going with a 4wd Suburban 2500 (3/4 ton), even in 2wd on easier ramps (that I used to slip a little on) its no problem, really only need 4wd on the worst of the ramps then its no drama at all (bigger tires help). The bigger engine, and bigger brakes mean you really don't notice that your towing (other than the 8-9 mpg). I can fit 8 and fit all my gear and get there safely and stay way under the 10,000lbs my hitch can handle and could go with a class 5 and get all of my 12,000 lb capacity. I do have a firestone airbag setup on my rear axle to level out the ride but its not really needed, I only use it because its there.
Really I think the 2500 Suburban or the Yukon XL or the Excursion are the right way to go if you want an SUV and they cost about the same as the 3/4 ton trucks new, but don't hold their value used anywhere near as well as the trucks do so if you are going used they are easier on the wallet than a truck. If your lucky you can find one that someone convinced a soccer mom to drive because it "could" be used to tow something and the gas mileage is killing them so they want to get rid of it. The Nissan Armada can do 9k equipped properly and will get between 2-4mpg better in all likelihood. I have driven one and really liked it but inside its not as big and its nearly impossible to find a good used one as compared to the other 2 I mentioned, hardly anyone outfits them to tow and then lets them go. Whatever you get take a close look at what trailering equipment it comes with, more often than not it doesn't match up with the vehicle max rating. If you buy a new one and they are sticking you with a 5k class 3 hitch sometimes you can get it without one and save some cash towards the replacement you are going to need.
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