Quote:
Originally Posted by RAMZAK
You can tow a boat with just about anything.
The issue is breaking and frame strength for safe handling. Having 4000lbs of boat behind you makes it very scary when breaking with these smaller cars.
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Have you tried it? I am surprised how many people say this without actually getting behind the wheel of one of these German SUVs and pulling a tow boat. My 23LSV is probably closer to 6K+ pounds. I had a new Tundra (5.7L), an Armada, the Q7 and V10 Touareg. The Touareg has been by far the best of the bunch for towing. Most stable, best on braking (Including panic stops), zero trailer sway or any handling effects from the boat whatsoever, best fuel economy (I can tow the boat from Seattle to Spokane over the pass on one tank... my Tundra needed a fill after I made it over the i90 pass!) I get the "big truck" mentality.. I use to think like that which is why i had my other trucks over the years but my eyes were opened and now I get it. Hell no I wouldn't suggest trying to tow my boat with a 4Runner or any other normal mid-sized SUV... but there are a few German SUVs that are more than up for the task. I would never ever ever risk the safety of my family and can honestly say I feel more confidant and safe tossing everyone in the Touareg and towing the boat to the lake than I have felt in any other vehicle. We have towed 1000's of miles with it and driving in high wind, rain,, some snow, awful traffic, panic stops, etc... and it has been rock solid 100% of the time, never a single moment where I thought the boat was driving the car or that i "wish I was towing with something 'bigger'" (but I have had moment when I almost forgot teh boat was back there!). My Touareg weighs more than most full size trucks and it has some amazing technology to keep everyone perfectly stable. The Q7 is nearly as good but actually the longer wheelbase and rear over hang actually works against it (yes.. the reverse of the traditional thinking.) And the V6 TDI is good.. but the V10 is an entirely different beast. Sadly 2008 was the last year the US market saw any of VAG's big TDIs so we are stuck with the 3.0 TDI now and the latest generation Touareg is more of a soccer mom car vs. the previous gen which was a "do everything" SUV.