I have a question about the towing capacity of my truck because I am wanting to buy a boat?

Question

I am considering buying a Triton Bass boat but I am concerned I will not be able to tow it with my small truck. I have a 1995 Nissan Pickup Truck. It is a straight drive 4 X 4 and is only a 4 Cyl.. My main concern is backing down a boat ramp and not being able to pull my boat back up out of there. Not to mention I live in WV and there are no shortage of hills in this area. The boat is 19' long and the Hull weight alone is 1650 lbs. I figure by the time I add fuel, an engine, and my gear it will be right at 2000 lbs. I currently have a boat and trailer that weighs around 600 lbs and I can't even tell I'm pulling anything when I'm hooked to it. Can I tow this 2000 lb boat up a ramp though?

Answer 1

Looks like Bigg J has given you the towing capacity for your truck as 3500 lbs.  

The ramp question can be different.  Most ramps you should have to problem with but if you are on a very steep ramp you will need to be careful.  Use your common sense and good judgement.

Answer 2

MODEL ENGINE  /    TOW CAP (LB)   /   GCWR (LB)

95 NISSAN

Frontier 2.5L I-4    /     EST 3,500     /     EST 8,000

              4.0L V-6  /          6,000          /     EST 11,500

Titan Crew Cab 5.6L V-8/ 9,400     /       14,600

Titan King Cab 5.6L V-8/ 9,500      /   EST 14,600

Answer 3

As far as towing on the roads then I would look into your owners manual for the information. For trucks they are almost always listed there. If not call your dealer for more data. As far as the boat ramp this is the easy part. With it being a 4x4 you can always shift your transfer case to 4x4 low range. This will alter the gear ratio to be able to pull most any grade (assuming that the weight meets within the guideline of the factory specs). Make sure that you don't continue to tow on pavement in low range. Serious damage can result to your 4-wheel drive system as well as putting a load on front end parts as well. For safety sake, make sure to stay within the limits your vehicle was intended to operate under. Happy Boating!

Answer 4

Hull alone is 1650 ? remember the trailer is 750 lbs, 200HP motor is probably 500 plus pounds,(my E-rude 115 weighs 375 lbs.)  50 gal of gas= 350 lbs, ice chest, gear, etc 100 lbs. battery 30 lbs. each. Launch should not be a problem, put in 4WD, low range. Hills will be a problem. My fear is you will not be able to stop the boat in a short distance. Boat will weigh 2500+ pounds