How Big of Motor for Tow Vehicle

**Idunno** · 11-05-2013, 03:27 PM

I am also due for new vehicles. After driving 8 cylinders for ever, I am considering downsizing for gas economy. Here is the question: How big of a motor do I need for pulling my crappie boat? It is a 16' Alumacraft. 3 batteries, 12 gal gas tank, TM, outboard, etc. Will a 4 cylinder pull it up a steep. long ramp? Will a 6 cylinder pull it up a steep. long ramp?

What would be best for towing? I usually drive between 45 min to 1.5 hrs to go fish.

What do you guys think?

**Slack Tide** · 11-05-2013, 05:58 PM

6 is good we move boats around the farm with four wheelers ...you been v-8 for awhile dont even try 4 you'll kill it

**Cray** · 11-05-2013, 06:25 PM

First, any vehicle you are looking at. Check the tow rating, does it have or can you get a tow package. A bigger 6 will do just fine if gear ratio in rearend is good for towing. Fuel economy and towing don't normally go together. Any time you are towing or hauling there are trade offs in fuel economy. What size vehicle you looking at?

**TapOut64** · 11-05-2013, 07:02 PM

I pull my 16' Lund which weighs around 2,500lbs including the weight of boat, motor, trailer, gear, etc... with a V6, 210hp and 254 ft/lbs of torque with no problems.

**SeaRay** · 11-05-2013, 07:18 PM

I pull my 16ft Tracker with 55 Yammy with a 2002 Acura MDX which is a 6 cylinder. It is a higher HP than the standard V6 in the Honda and Acura cars but still a 6 and it does just fine. It is 4 wheel drive, selective not AWD.

What I really like is that on the hwy at 65MPH it gets between 22 and 25 MPG. Drops to 18 or 19 pulling the boat.

**Percidae_Papermouth** · 11-06-2013, 07:16 AM

I had a 2wd ranger with a 4 cyl before my silverado, let me tell you don't forget about those hills going 58 towards Buggs! I wouldn't trade my 4wd or V8 for nothing now lol. However since ive had my silverado I have launched in some pretty bad conditions without a hiccup.

**Special K** · 11-06-2013, 08:28 AM

I pulled my 16 foot Alumacraft w/40 hp Nissan Outboard, three batteries, 6 gallon fuel capacity loaded with gear with a 2005 Ford Escape V6 4X4 and never had a single issue in all types seasons and conditions.
Wish I still had it too.

**Don G** · 11-06-2013, 08:29 AM

I have never owned a 4 or 6 cylinder to pull my boat. Presently own a Toyota Tundra which has been an excellent vehicle. For size only, I am looking to downgrade to a smaller vehicle. Tundra is a little big for me now. Problem is the Tacoma only gets a mile or 2 more mpg.

I got to see Vic's Traverse & Roy's Ford Edge last week and like them both.

Right now I am leaning toward a Jeep Cherokee. I have never owned a Jeep but have always liked them.

**"G"** · 11-06-2013, 08:31 AM

Originally Posted by Don G

I have never owned a 4 or 6 cylinder to pull my boat. Presently own a Toyota Tundra which has been an excellent vehicle. For size only, I am looking to downgrade to a smaller vehicle. Tundra is a little big for me now. Problem is the Tacoma only gets a mile or 2 more mpg.

I got to see Vic's Traverse & Roy's Ford Edge last week and like them both.

Right now I am leaning toward a Jeep Cherokee. I have never owned a Jeep but have always liked them.

You wont get good mileage with the Jeep

**genec** · 11-06-2013, 08:38 AM

For over 20 years I had a 4 cylinder 4-4 and pull big bass boats to Fla ,the boats were up to 21 feet and 200 hp ,gave truck to my grandson and still going with over200,000 miles ,much of the miles were pulling. I now have a ranger 6 cylinder that I pull my 17&1/2 ft bass tracker with 60 hp 4 stroke and I pull it to Buggs all the time. The only thing now 8 cylinder gets near about as good on gas as 6 and pulling a light boat the mileage does not hardly change ,but on 6 or4 they will change 5-8 miles a gallon.

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