Is a V6 4runner enough to pull a 20 foot seacraft?

jtnole02 · #1 03-22-2010, 11:27 PM

I am thinking of buying a 20' potter built and want to make sure that the 5000LBS is enough? The specs on this forum says 1600 LBS for a 20'. After adding 1500LBS motor, gas, ice and gear I will be looking at 3100LBS. Since this would be my first boat, I'm not sure if this is realistic.

Any feedback would be great.

NoBones · #2 03-22-2010, 11:36 PM

I see people pulling 27 ft boats down I-95 with
Jeep CJ7's!

Pulling is one thing. Stopping is another.
Personally, 1/2 ton minimun for safely pulling a 20 SF.
Capt. Chuck pulled his 23 SF with a full size Bronco,
but had the death grip on the wheel while under way.

See ya, Ken

McGillicuddy · #3 03-22-2010, 11:48 PM

You'll be fine if the Toy is a five speed and your trailer is a single axle or aluminum. But if its an automatic and a steel tandem trailer, you'll be beating up your transmission. I use a T100 to pull my 20' Seafari and I feel it more than I care to. Keep in mind if your hitch is rated for 5K lbs, you should limit yourself to 4K lbs. Don't forget to add the trailer weight if its not already in the 1500 lbs figure...

No Bones' point about stopping is the biggest concern.

Great first boat choice! go get it and worry about pulling it later

SeaPlusPlus · #4 03-23-2010, 12:44 AM

I pull my 74' 20 with my 01' Tacoma Prerunner 2.7L I4 (3500lb tow rating) and I have no trouble around town. Not a very "hilly" city, and I don't break any land speed records but gets up and down the ramp with no issues. Overdrive off and take it easy and haven't had a problem.

nestorpr · #5 03-23-2010, 01:49 AM

I pulled my 20' Seafari with a 2004 V6 Tacoma Pre-Runner and it performed beautifully, good acceleration, good stopping (no brakes on trailer) and OK economy. I always towed in TOW and had a heavy hitch (class 3 or 4, can't remember) from U-Haul.

Fr. Frank · #6 03-23-2010, 07:09 AM

I used to pull my Seafari with a '95 4Runner 3.0 V6, no problem. I pulled it to the Keys and back several times, a round trip of 994 miles each time.

However, I agree that pulling it isn't the problem, stopping it is. Make sure you've got working brakes on your trailer whenever the tow is more than 50% of the tractoring vehicle's weight.

RS · #7 03-23-2010, 09:29 AM

I tow my 20ma with a 2002 Xterra V6. I generally tow for about an hour each way and have taken the rig 800+ miles to fish in NC.

I have no problems with it.

Seacraft84 · #8 03-23-2010, 12:44 PM

Yes it would be enough. I would pull my 23' with a '99 Tacoma Prerunner 2wd. Would pull it up the ramp and down the road. Now i would never have to get on any major highway, only maybe 35mph, but it did fine as long as you paid attention to other drivers.I have about 200,000 miles on it now and tranny still shifts smooth. But later on bought a Tahoe to do the towing.

Bigshrimpin · #9 03-23-2010, 06:10 PM

I tow my 20 and 18sf with a 1992 Jeep Comanche 4.0L 2wd w/232,000 miles. The 20 SeaFari came cross country 3300 miles loaded with 1500+lbs of extra crap. 4 runner will handle the boat . . . no problem.

jtnole02 · #10 03-23-2010, 11:51 PM

Thanks for the imput fellas. BigShripin, which one to you like better the 18cc or 20cc? 18 is my second choice. Any difference in the ride or issues with storage on the 18?