Weight

[chpthril]

Thank you guys for the great advice. Buying another vehicle just isn't an option for us. We have no where to put it.

There are all kinds of factors that I'm just not going to waste everyones time on here going into. But because of those things we are kind of stuck with what we have. The most feasible option right now unfortunately is probably going to involve selling the RZR if it's not a weight we can tow.

And Sparky I don't have the resources to eat a loss on an $80,000 boat, nor do I have the resources to even own one. I didn't pay anywhere close to that for my boat. I'm not rich by any means and we work very hard for what we have. I am a medically retired combat vet and I have earned everything I have. This is the first brand new boat we have ever bought so this is pretty disappointing to both my wife and I. I'm not looking for anyones sympathy just hoping maybe some will see why I was upset. Possibly why I came off as a little abrasive. I do apologize for that, again.

Thank you again to all who gave positive feedback vs taking a pot shot at me.

Selling will probably be the best route for you to go. After thinking about it further, I think its not the total weight of the boat and trailer thats gonna bite you in the arse, its gonna be the tongue weight of that boat sitting on a single axle trailer.

Too much tongue weight, and you exceed the capacity of the hitch. Too little, and it takes weight off the rear axle of the tow vehicle. Both the conditions will cause handling issues, and the too much weight can result in a hitch failure depending on its rated class. I would still consider a side-ways trade from the mini van to a mid-size SUV.

[JreisRZR]

even a 5000lb tow rating would probably do just fine for the 4 or so treks to the lake and back with boat

[Wakeman22]

A lot of times the tow capacity relates to the engine and capcity of the hitch. But more important is the ability to brake at highway speeds. I would get it, weigh it and see where you are at. I would even pull it and see how it feels. Since you are looking for a lift to put it on I would think you will not be pulling it often anyways. Have a friend take it to the lake if need be. All these are good ideas unless you just want to see it anyway. Good luck on either way you go.

[Joeprunc]

Wow this thread has gone haywire.

Just a few questions maybe to help us out a little, I'm not trying to be rude, jut trying to get a better feeling for how and what you have towed:
What boat did you tow before (did you get it weighed or have the published weights?)
Was it a single or double axle trailer?
How did the VW do with the weight of that boat?
Were VW the brakes OK?
Was the rear suspension bottoming out or harsh hitting bumps at speed?
Is the VW an auto or manual?

VW EuroVans weigh quite a bit and are actual much more stout than people think. I'd look at the weaker points of the van and try to upgrade them. Like bigger brakes & better pads. Maybe a transmission cooler. Maybe air ride suspension in the rear (you don't need the whole on board air system, just the bags). Maybe have a transission temp gauge installed.

For the next few years just plan on keeping the boat at the cottage during the summer months, or until you can upgrade to vehicle (or verify the weight). Not having the stress of towing is extremely nice and puts a smile on my face every time I'm on my boat. With that said, you should be fine towing it 3 hours, just take it slow, and leave a lot of room in front of you. And when you tow to and from your cottage just plan on doing a trip with you and your wife which should keep the weight of luggage and bodies down. (Bodies add a lot of weight too, 5 people probably will add close to 900 lbs). While you are at the scale I would also suggest weighing your Van too and take a look at your Gross Combined Vehicle Weight also. Not sure if you have the Westi version on not.


(Oh and to maybe make you feel a little better "most" 1/2 ton pick ups and smaller have a Class 3 hitch which have a towing limit of 5000 lbs and 500 lbs of tongue weight.)

[JreisRZR]

No updates for this?

[loudelectronics]

I think you are getting to caught up in the details that don't matter....

How far do you have to tow the boat to the lake? Did you get a decent trailer like a tandem with brakes to take load of a vehicle? Single axles are tougher to pull and push the vehicle around so much more. A good tandem is easy to pull. For instance when i am towing a 18.5' bayliner to the lake my truck get pushed around more with it than it does with my 24V (which by the way exceeds my tow limit as well).

What vehicle do you have to tow? My brother has a Jeep with a 3800lb limit and tows our 24v just fine. No safety concern since it has brakes that actually slow the vehicle down.

Dont worry about the weight. No one cares about the tow limits in there vehicles unless they are long haulers through the mountains or something.

Congratulations! You just bought a brand new boat that people dream to have and to be in a position to be in to have that. Dont let something like this ruin the experience. Get the boat, tow it to the lake and enjoy the heck out of it. I am sure your vehicle will be plenty fine hauling it.

Just to note, Wet Weight now by definition is essentially bare minimums amongst the industry. Doesn't matter if it is a boat, car, sled, quad etc. In the boats case it is the standard motor (smallest), no fluids, batts, or any optional equipment (towers are options).

So looking at 3100 lbs for boat and motor, 250 lbs fuel, 10 lbs oil, 80 lbs of battery if you got duals, 6 speakers amp and head unit 100 lbs, alpha z tower likely 150 lbs, 100 lbs ballast and plumbing... at 3800 lbs right there easily.

[Bruizza]

Here is what is killing me after reading this whole thread. You state you have access to all kinds of other trucks do to the business you are in. I know you don't "like" to borrow them but how much do you "like" your family? It is unsafe to tow a lot with the vehicle you have. THANK GOD YOU HAVE A CABIN TO KEEP THE BOAT AT!!!!!!!! Borrow a half ton, tow the damn boat to the cabin and quit worry about it man. Oh wow you need maintenance okay borrow a half ton again. Christ surely you have a friend with a half ton if you hate borrowing from the business............ Why risk your family's safety with being super close to the tow rating anyways???? Borrow a half ton, enjoy your boat, keep your family safe......................

BTW I am staring at the purchase order for our RZ2 and the tower is optional equipment. So if it is optional on the RZ2 I am sure it is optional on the RZR.

[houstonshark]

We are taking our boat out tomorrow. I'm going to pull it into town to fill it back up with gas and maybe fill the bilge with some soapy water and Salt Away to clean it.

I think there is a scale not far from the gas station. If there is and I have time, I'll weigh my boat for you Boardman and post the gross weight and try to itemize all the additions and approximate weight of them compared to yours.

You got it with a single axle trailer didn't you? My trailer is an aluminum, C channel tandem axle. I don't know the exact weight but I would guess it is probably not too different than a single axle steel trailer.

[jdhart73]

He should hook this sucker up to his van and drive it like he stole it..... Wahlah!!