2013 242LS Towing-SUV?

[Driverotor]

Hey guys. I've been stalking this page for quite some time and it looks like next week I'll be picking up my new to my 2013 242LS. I have to drive about 2 hours each way to get it. We currently have two mid size SUV's. Mine tows 3500lbs and hers tows 5000lbs. Looks like her SUV should be able to tow this boat and trailer? Looks to be within 500lbs of max towing. If I added an EBS on her car, is that enough or should I buy a new vehicle? Looking for advice from guys that have 'been there and done that'. Thanks in advance.

 

[2kwik4u]

What vehicle has the 5k rating?

My wifes Traverse was rated at 5,200lbs, as was my 2014 Chevy S10. I wouldn't tow a 24ft Yamaha with either of those. There are some vehicles that just do a better job than others. Jeeps/Durangos seem to do really well. As do a lot of the Audi/Mercedes platforms that are closer on ratings.

Personally, I would want a 10% or so buffer on tow rating to add to safety factor. For reference, my 1500 pickup has a 9200lb rating, but I figured on vacation last year I only had about 2k of headroom after adding gear, fuel, people, and other equipment......with my 19ft Yamaha. I would've been damn close to over with a 24ft boat. The truck did great, stayed cool, and had plenty in reserve. Could the Traverse have made the trip....probably, but the added safety factor made the trip a breeze instead of a "worry fest".

Depending on the vehicle in question I might or might not try it for a 2hr drive to see how it does. Then make a decision from there.

 

[Driverotor]

What vehicle has the 5k rating?

My wifes Traverse was rated at 5,200lbs, as was my 2014 Chevy S10. I wouldn't tow a 24ft Yamaha with either of those. There are some vehicles that just do a better job than others. Jeeps/Durangos seem to do really well. As do a lot of the Audi/Mercedes platforms that are closer on ratings.

Personally, I would want a 10% or so buffer on tow rating to add to safety factor. For reference, my 1500 pickup has a 9200lb rating, but I figured on vacation last year I only had about 2k of headroom after adding gear, fuel, people, and other equipment......with my 19ft Yamaha. I would've been damn close to over with a 24ft boat. The truck did great, stayed cool, and had plenty in reserve. Could the Traverse have made the trip....probably, but the added safety factor made the trip a breeze instead of a "worry fest".

Depending on the vehicle in question I might or might not try it for a 2hr drive to see how it does. Then make a decision from there.

Thank you. It's a 2017 Infinity QX60.

 

[subysti]

We had a jeep grand cherokee overland with the 5.7 hemi. Had a 7800lb rating. It towed fine but I didn't like the short wheelbase. It would get I little squirrely on some curves. Ended up getting a Silverado 1500 which is happier towing a 24' boat.

 

[2kwik4u]

Thank you. It's a 2017 Infinity QX60.

That isn't going to be happy long term with a 24ft Yamaha. That is essentially a Nissan Pathfinder under the nice features of an Infinity. The big issue with that platform is going to be the CVT transmission. Nissan has come a long way with thier CVT's, and I think, overall, they are much better than people give them credit for. I think this strongly enough to have purchased the wife a '18 Rogue as a daily driver.....HOWEVER, the technology in a CVT is inherently NOT good at transferring high torque loads, which is what towing is all about. Again, I think you can get the boat home, but transmission damage is VERY easy on that setup, and you'll need to keep your eyes on the trans temp.

My suggestion would be to use the QX60 on the first tow home. Take your time, make smooth inputs to the vehicle, and see how it works. If you're going to be making 5-10min tows to the lake as your "normal" use case, it might be OK. If you're like me and 45-50mi from the nearest ramp, you'll probably want to upgrade one of those vehicles in the future.

Added safety factor will increase the life of the vehicle, and decrease your stress while towing. The Armada equivalent in Infinity's lineup (QX80??), is a very competent tow vehicle, and might be a good fit for you.

 

[AlphaKap]

We towed with a Pathfinder for a bit. Ramp was about 2 miles so didn't feel like it was an issue. We upgraded to an f150 because we wanted to visit other locations.

 

[anmut]

Yes, you can tow two hours back with your Infinity to pick up the boat. Go slow, give yourself some room. Yes, I would consider using that to tow to a ramp if it was within 5 miles or so each way. No, I wouldn't consider the Infinity a good long-term tow vehicle for ramps further out or a lot of traveling. I also wouldn't attempt to recover a 24' boat at a wet ramp if your Infinity doesn't have 4wd.

 

[Babin Farms]

We towed with a Pathfinder for a bit. Ramp was about 2 miles so didn't feel like it was an issue. We upgraded to an f150 because we wanted to visit other locations.

Like @AlphaKap stated, if your just hauling across town to the ramp and not going far I think what you have would work. If you plan on driving hours away with the boat quite a bit then I would look at upgrading the tow vehicle.

 

[biffdotorg]

If I added an EBS on her car, is that enough or should I buy a new vehicle? Looking for advice from guys that have 'been there and done that'. Thanks in advance.

EBS? Brake controller? Or Trans cooler?

If you are talking brake controller, it will do nothing. These trailers have surge brakes. If it's a tranny cooler, yes, it will not hurt. I think you have some good advice below. If you are within towing capacity, you may be fine while shopping for a new tow vehicle. Only you can determine your comfort level.

And as others will say, worry more about stopping than towing. Give yourself time and space.

BTW, congrats on the new boat, you are going to love it!

 

[jgourlie]

I have a Honda Odyssey to tow my AR192, I added a huge transmission cooler and added airbags in the back. I am within 500lbs of my 3500 tow limit. I towed my boat for 4 hours on the way home from the dealership and my wife commented at about hour 3 how well the van was doing with the tow.

Not sure if that helps or not,

 

[WestMIJet]

Don’t forget about the weight of the trailer. Boat dry weight is listed at 4800 lbs. our dual axle trailers are around 1200-1400 lbs I think. If it has any fuel in it add that. I think you are well over the capacity of your SUV.

 

[biffdotorg]

Don’t forget about the weight of the trailer. Boat dry weight is listed at 4800 lbs. our dual axle trailers are around 1200-1400 lbs I think. If it has any fuel in it add that. I think you are well over the capacity of your SUV.

According the the Features spreadsheet in the FAQ Those may be a bit high.

2011 242 Limited S Dry weight - 3439lbs Trailer weight - 1020lbs

You are still very right though. It's still a very healthy weight to tow, as wet weight with gear is going to be over any vehicle with a 5000lb tow capacity.

 

[WestMIJet]

Thanks for the correction. Agree, still probably over weight.

 

[n8dogger32]

Don’t forget about the weight of the trailer. Boat dry weight is listed at 4800 lbs. our dual axle trailers are around 1200-1400 lbs I think. If it has any fuel in it add that. I think you are well over the capacity of your SUV.

I was typing up something similar and then saw this post. Also, don't forget Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and make sure the boat doesn't have a full tank.

My old setup was a Pathfinder towing an 18.5' Sea Ray stern drive and it felt AWFUL. I now have an F150 pulling a 24' LS. Before I bought the F150 I was HEAVILY trying to find an SUV and the more you dig into tow ratings the more disappointed you'll be with an SUV, unless maybe a suburban or expedition.

 

[Chevyguy2021]

A jeep GC makes a decent and well priced tow rig. V6 tows 6200 and V8 tows 7200.
Plus brand new you are almost guaranteed to get at least $10k off sticker without much haggling.

 

[biffdotorg]

I think that is why so many of us usually say, you don't usually want to push past 80% of the capacity of your tow vehicle. There are always variables, and nobody ever wants to half fill their boat with fuel when they take the time in line at Costco to get the cheap fuel. Let alone, many of us are keeping the fuel tank fuller, rather than the opposite for pure ballast purposes.

 

[2kwik4u]

Here's a real world post towing a '16 242LS with an SUV rated for 7,200lbs

https://jetboaters.net/threads/5k-tow-limit.20629/page-2#post-351867

Here's a post I made last year showing how even my 9,200lb rating with a 19ft boat isn't as much as you would expect.

https://jetboaters.net/threads/anyone-towing-with-a-jeep-wrangler.22650/#post-390124

 

[sunbyrned]

That isn't going to be happy long term with a 24ft Yamaha. That is essentially a Nissan Pathfinder under the nice features of an Infinity. The big issue with that platform is going to be the CVT transmission. Nissan has come a long way with thier CVT's, and I think, overall, they are much better than people give them credit for. I think this strongly enough to have purchased the wife a '18 Rogue as a daily driver.....HOWEVER, the technology in a CVT is inherently NOT good at transferring high torque loads, which is what towing is all about. Again, I think you can get the boat home, but transmission damage is VERY easy on that setup, and you'll need to keep your eyes on the trans temp.

My suggestion would be to use the QX60 on the first tow home. Take your time, make smooth inputs to the vehicle, and see how it works. If you're going to be making 5-10min tows to the lake as your "normal" use case, it might be OK. If you're like me and 45-50mi from the nearest ramp, you'll probably want to upgrade one of those vehicles in the future.

Added safety factor will increase the life of the vehicle, and decrease your stress while towing. The Armada equivalent in Infinity's lineup (QX80??), is a very competent tow vehicle, and might be a good fit for you.

I tow my 2012 242 with a Nissan Armada. It does fine but for some ramps, I really could use a 4WD.

 

[2kwik4u]

I tow my 2012 242 with a Nissan Armada. It does fine but for some ramps, I really could use a 4WD.

I've not heard of many people that aren't pleased with either the Titan or Armada. They're pretty solid vehicles.

Also, Cox Park in Louisville is one I won't attempt without 4wd. It's always slick and full of debris.

 

[AuburnVFR]

Check on renting a full size truck from Uhaul, Home Depot, or proper car rental place for the long trip. Then figure out if you current vehicles are capable to suit your use. I also have a 17 QX60 and would not even consider towing anything other than a small utility trailer with it.