You've found the boat you want, but the only vehicle in your driveway is a sedan or crossover. Before you start shopping, it helps to know whether your ride is up to the job. Here's what to check, from towing capacity to trailer weight.
Can You Tow a Boat With a Car?
In many cases, yes. Compact fishing boats, jon boats, small runabouts and inflatables are light enough for many cars and crossovers. Always confirm the numbers first.
Every vehicle has a rated towing capacity. This is the maximum weight your vehicle can safely pull. You'll find it in the owner's manual or on the manufacturer's website.
If you're wondering whether you can tow a boat with a car, start with that number. Then compare it to the total weight of what you plan to pull.
Know Your Towing Capacity
Towing capacity is the foundation of safe boat trailering. Exceeding it strains your engine, transmission and brakes. It can also make steering and stopping dangerous.
Here are a few typical ranges:
- Compact cars and sedans: often 1,000 to 2,000 pounds
- Midsize crossovers and SUVs: often 2,000 to 5,000 pounds
- Full-size SUVs: often 5,000 to 8,500 pounds or more
- Half-ton pickup trucks: often 7,000 to 13,000 pounds or more
These are general ranges. Your vehicle's exact rating depends on its engine, drivetrain and equipment. Always check your own manual.
Calculate Your Trailer Weight
Many new boaters only look at the boat's weight. That's a common mistake. Your towing load includes everything you're pulling.
Add up these items:
- The boat's dry weight
- The outboard motor, if not included in the dry weight
- Fuel, water and gear stored on board
- The trailer itself
The combined boat and trailer weight is what counts against your towing capacity. Fuel alone adds about six pounds per gallon, so a full tank can add hundreds of pounds.
A good rule is to stay well under your limit. Many boaters aim for about 80 percent of their vehicle's towing capacity. That leaves a safety margin for hills, wind and heavy gear.
Read Next: Boat Capacity Requirements
Tongue Weight Matters Too
Tongue weight is the downward force the trailer puts on your hitch. It's usually about 10 percent of the total trailer weight.
Too little tongue weight can cause the trailer to sway. Too much can overload your vehicle's rear suspension. Both affect control.
Check your vehicle's maximum tongue weight along with its towing capacity. Loading heavy gear near the trailer's axle can help balance the load.
Which Vehicles Tow Boats Best?
Some vehicles are simply built for towing. A vehicle can tow more when it has a strong engine, a sturdy frame and the right cooling and braking systems.
Common choices for towing boats include:
- Pickup trucks: Trucks offer high towing capacity and a frame designed for heavy loads. They're a popular choice for larger boats.
- Full-size SUVs: A full-size SUV offers strong towing power plus room for passengers and gear.
- Midsize SUVs and crossovers: These work well for smaller boats when equipped with the right hitch.
If you plan to tow often, look for vehicles with factory towing packages. These packages commonly include a hitch receiver, upgraded cooling, a wiring harness and sometimes an integrated trailer brake controller.
Essential Towing Equipment
A vehicle's tow rating only matters if it's equipped correctly. Before you leave the driveway, check these essentials.
- Hitch and ball mount: Match the hitch class to your load. Make sure the ball size fits your trailer coupler.
- Trailer lights: Working trailer lights are required by law. Test your brake lights, turn signals and running lights every trip.
- Safety chains: Cross them under the coupler so they can catch the tongue if it disconnects.
- Trailer brakes: Heavier trailers often require their own brakes. Many states set weight thresholds, so check local rules.
- Mirrors: Towing mirrors help you see around a wide boat and trailer.
- Tires: Check pressure and condition on both your vehicle and the trailer.
If your vehicle doesn't have a towing package, a professional can often install a hitch and wiring harness. Never exceed the hitch's rating, even if your vehicle could pull more.
Tips for Safe Boat Trailering
Towing a boat feels different from driving alone. Your vehicle will accelerate more slowly, stop more slowly and need wider turns.
Keep these tips in mind:
- Leave extra following distance
- Brake early and gently
- Take turns wide to keep the trailer from clipping curbs
- Use lower gears on long hills
- Secure the boat with transom straps and a bow strap
- Do a walk-around check at every stop
Practice backing up in an empty parking lot before your first trip to the ramp. A little practice goes a long way.
Know Before You Tow
So, can a vehicle tow your boat? If the combined weight of your boat and trailer is under your vehicle's towing capacity, and your equipment is in good shape, the answer is likely yes.
Start with your owner's manual. Do the math, add a safety margin and confirm your hitch and trailer lights work. With the right setup, towing boats becomes a simple part of your day on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you tow a boat with a car?
A: Yes, as long as the boat and trailer weigh less than your car's towing capacity. Small boats like jon boats, inflatables and compact runabouts are often light enough for sedans or crossovers. Check your owner's manual for the exact rating and confirm your car has a properly installed hitch.
Q: How do I know what my vehicle can tow?
A: Find the towing capacity in your owner's manual, on the manufacturer's website or on the label inside the driver's door jamb. Compare that number to the combined weight of your boat, motor, gear, fuel and trailer. For a safety margin, stay below about 80 percent of the maximum.
Q: Do I need a truck to tow a boat?
A: Not always. Many small boats can be towed by cars, crossovers and midsize SUVs. Larger boats generally call for a full-size SUV or a pickup truck. The heavier your boat and trailer, the more you'll want a vehicle with a towing package.
