Tow a 2000# boat with a strong minivan?

[Rusty]

Hello;I am looking for a 22'-25' sloop with water ballast -- that would put the towing weight at 2500# or so (2000# or so plus motor and cargo). I have a 99 Mercury Villager with a 3.3 liter engine and transmission cooler, rated to tow 3500# and pulls our 1 ton pop-up camper around NC with no problem. However, now I look to the van for more strenuous towing duty.I want to know whether that front wheel drive vehicle will be able to handle a wet boat ramp. I have read much general advice and now am looking for 1st hand evidence (i.e. you've done it or seen it) of whether one should expect such a minivan to pull a 2000# sailboat out of the water. My bottom line is that I am willing to go for it if the van should handle most ramps and I might need to count on a generous 4WD from time to time.Thank you very much for anything you can offer.And Happy Memorial Day wishes as we honor the fallen and enjoy this great country.Rusty in Durham

 

[Ray Bowles]

Rusty, Our 95 H26 weighs 3000# dry and the

dual axle trailer is another 1500 for a total of 4500 lbs. Throw in another 500 lbs for gear, motor,fuel and food and you have 2 1/2 tons. It works my 1/2 ton late model 4X4 fairly strongly. I have not needed 4X4 drive to launch or recover yet.I really wouldn't pull anthing over a ton with a van. My kids have the same van you do and were told it would probably damage the van motor and trans towing their 19 ft ski boat. The tow would have been 40 miles each way with quite a number of hills.RayS/V Speedy

 

[Campy]

Towing with the Villager

Don't do it with a Villager!!!The Villager/Windstar transmissions really suck and I'll bet you'll be in the repair shop for a transmission a year later.Buy a beater truck that you won't feel bad about getting wet and a bit rusty.My Windstar transmission work cost me over $2800 (beater truck price) and my neighbors Villager cost him over $3500 (beater truck price). That was only mountain driving. I still like the van, hate the transmission.Think about it...Campy out

 

[Frank]

Come sailing with us

Rusty:Check out NCSAIL.org to meet other sailors in your area. I have a Ford Aerostar that was made in the ranger truck engine transmission assembly. Chevy makes and Astro on a small truck frame. These are the only mini vans that can tow well year after year. However I know where you can get a great towbeater for cheap and also know folks with boats for sale. I have a friend who towed his Mac 25 with his Saturn. It was very hard on the car but he got by with it for a time. Now he has an old Blazer for a towbeater.Email me if you'd like at Ladd333@aol.comFrank

 

[Mark]

Beater truck!!!

That's my line of thinking. I bought a '78 Chev w/350 and heavy duty suspension 3 yrs ago for $900. It towed our Balboa 26' to Fla and back, didn't miss a beat. I haven't even changed tires yet in 3 yrs. Kids are getting bigger, need a crew cab (need=really want!). I put a bid on a Chev w/crew cab & 454 w/heavy duty trans. My bid was $450, and have a pretty good chance of getting it. Need the dual gas tanks!! Now, how do I tell my wife we have another truck that gets 10mpg? At least it's not quite as rusty & it has good tires...