Appropriate tow vehicle for R5?

[BobRae99]

I’ve discussed this with my dealer. It comes down to how far you tow, the terrain and how often you tow. I’m looking at a new Cayenne S with air suspension to tow my R3 and ultimately an R6. The R3 with trailer weighs around 5,700 lbs and the R6 would weigh around 6,700 lbs. The Cayenne S is rated to tow 7,750 with an optional Class IV hitch. With surge brakes properly adjusted, the trailer takes care of itself, not relying on the vehicles brakes. But is it the best tow vehicle? Depending on how often, far and terrain, maybe yes, maybe no.

I tow 60 miles twice a year (once out to the lake in June and once back at the end of the season) over flat terrain. The owner of the dealership pulls his R3 with the same type of vehicle. But the dealership tows R3 - R5 boats regularly through the season 2-1/2 hours over hilly terrain and they use a 1/2 ton pickup truck.

If I was towing my boat every weekend I’d have a 1/2T with a light diesel to save fuel. But unlike many people, I don’t have need for a pickup the rest of the time and find one cumbersome to drive and park, so I’ll avoid one.

[Big Block Power]

Bob you should buy a 2021 Hell Cat Durango baby 8700 lbs towing rating. 710hp baby. Let's do it Bob. Then you will be ready for the R8 in 2022.

[BobRae99]

Bob you should buy a 2021 Hell Cat Durango baby 8700 lbs towing rating. 710hp baby. Let's do it Bob. Then you will be ready for the R8 in 2022.

Just not my style, but the R8 is an interesting idea. My R3 is quite a bit larger (objectively) than my 210 but it seems once any boat gets into the water it doesn't seem that big anymore. Maybe an additional 2' isn't enough? Also, with the size of that cockpit upper panel, I sort of feel like it should be sitting on a large boat? But I know you big question is" Will a single 430 HP be enough to move the R8??

[Big Block Power]

Bob you should buy a 2021 Hell Cat Durango baby 8700 lbs towing rating. 710hp baby. Let's do it Bob. Then you will be ready for the R8 in 2022.

Just not my style, but the R8 is an interesting idea. My R3 is quite a bit larger (objectively) than my 210 but it seems once any boat gets into the water it doesn't seem that big anymore. Maybe an additional 2' isn't enough? Also, with the size of that cockpit upper panel, I sort of feel like it should be sitting on a large boat? But I know you big question is" Will a single 430 HP be enough to move the R8??

Nope twin 450r's are coming. Maybe they will figure out how to get a malibu dash to fit in that thing so it looks right?

[Tuscany]

Bob you should buy a 2021 Hell Cat Durango baby 8700 lbs towing rating. 710hp baby. Let's do it Bob. Then you will be ready for the R8 in 2022.

Just not my style, but the R8 is an interesting idea. My R3 is quite a bit larger (objectively) than my 210 but it seems once any boat gets into the water it doesn't seem that big anymore. Maybe an additional 2' isn't enough? Also, with the size of that cockpit upper panel, I sort of feel like it should be sitting on a large boat? But I know you big question is" Will a single 430 HP be enough to move the R8??

The R3 is actually a 21’ boat, so it is small in the water.

Will a 430 be enough for an R8?
I’ll put it this way..this boat will be the last boat I’ll own with a single. Yeah, it’s enough, but twin big blocks and an exhaust is what will move me, and the boat.

[MarkB05-200]

Just get a 1 ton dually and pull what ever you want! All joking aside, like most others were saying, many vehicles will tow much more than they are rated for but it really comes down to safety (brakes and hitch) and reliability of parts like drive train, axles and tires. I pulled a 40ft container from Okc to Albuquerque with a 3/4 ton. It pulled it well but definitely overweight.

[Tuscany]

The other component everyone forgets is the rear end ring/pinion/bearings/lube temps.. Small truck/SUV rears will overheat and fail under a heavy load.

[NautiGirl]

The other component everyone forgets is the rear end ring/pinion/bearings/lube temps.. Small truck/SUV rears will overheat and fail under a heavy load.

Excellent point T. The F150 is either a 9.75 or a 8.8 rear end depending on gear ratio and the package on the truck. Both are semi floating axles. The 9.75 is rated around 4,000lb GAWR. I doubt you hit that /w a relativity light tongue weight of a boat, but I have also never weighed ours /w the boat hooked up.

Stepping up to a 250 or higher gets you the beefier full float rear end. The full float is obviously much better at handing heavy weight.

[rabiddawg]

The other component everyone forgets is the rear end ring/pinion/bearings/lube temps.. Small truck/SUV rears will overheat and fail under a heavy load.

I bought a 150k mike warranty with my ‘19 f150. I just gotta make sure I take it easy and not tailgate.

Idiots in La. think the space I leave is meant for them

[Mike in SC]

I think even 3/4 ton trucks come with class lll hitches. My F250 did. And if you want a comfortable tow experience, a diesel powered 3/4 ton truck can't be beat. But the newer 1/2 ton trucks have 8 and even 10 speed transmissions that really make getting the load moving seem easy.

[mdadgar]

Idiots in La. think the space I leave is meant for them

Right? One of these days, that dumb&$$ is going to get a physics lesson.

- Mark

[Big Block Power]

I think even 3/4 ton trucks come with class lll hitches. My F250 did. And if you want a comfortable tow experience, a diesel powered 3/4 ton truck can't be beat. But the newer 1/2 ton trucks have 8 and even 10 speed transmissions that really make getting the load moving seem easy.

I just towed my 220 to TRL with the 8 speed in the durango. Man it really pulled nice power wise. Moving the vehicle around. That's another story. 10mpg on mine and bfun same drive train but in a GC got 13.

[rabiddawg]

Mike in sc, you are right about the 10 speed transmissions. I just towed a 262 on a aluminum trailer. Compared to my old f150 this one with the 10 speed is much better.

Mine has the 5.0 trying to run 70 on the interstate was an effort. Once I got about 90 miles from home I cut back to 65. The truck seemed more comfortable in that speed range.

I don’t mind saying this. My boat is too heavy for my truck. It pulls it and it stops it (good trailer brakes help) but a f250 is what’s needed. Someone not experienced could easily get in trouble. Especially on roads like those found around Shreveport La.

[Bfun220]

I just towed my 220 to TRL with the 8 speed in the durango. Man it really pulled nice power wise. Moving the vehicle around. That's another story. 10mpg on mine and bfun same drive train but in a GC got 13.

My jeep is rated for 7200, 720 tongue weight and hitch at 7500. It also has the air ride suspension. Pulls the 220 almost like its not there. And like BB said, 13mpg.

[Snowman73]

I pull our R5 with a 2016 Expedition EL. 3.73 gearing with heavy duty tow package. Rated for up to 900lbs tongue weight and 9000lbs trailer weight when properly equipped. Tows really nicely with a v6 ecoboost. Without the weight hitch distribution 600lbs tongue weight and 6000lbs towing. If I could fit the whole family in an F250 I would probably go this route but overall I’m very happy with its performance.