ok, i guess they have vehicle tow ratings for a reason, but outside of that everyone has opinions. So i thought i would ask the panel of experts. I have a 2004 Lexus GX470. 4.7 V8 and is rated at 6500 tow capacity. Question is, can i comfortably tow a crownline 230 ccr with this vehicle. I think the weight would come to around 6300 total tow weight. Would do mostly flat towing, but an occasional 200-300 mile trip with hills in the midwest.

Any advise is appreciated. Thanks,

James,

 I have come to figure that the towing capacity and what a vehicle should tow are two diffrent things!  I am sure that the Lexus would not struggle pulling that boat.  However, I would be concerned about the wear and tear on the vehicle.  I pull a 25 foot 250 cr with my 2007 1500 gmc.  It has the 6.0L.  It pulls the boat just fine.  I have about 10k on it now.  I am starting to hear pings and pops in the driveline.  On the other hand it does not really bother me b/c I have a 100k mile warranty! haha

 Good Luck

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1995 Crownline 250 cr
2007 GMC SIERRA MAX

It kind of depends James.  The tow rating of your SUV is based on just a driver and no additional weight in the tow vehicle.  If it's just you, and your complete rig doesn't weigh more than 6,500, you "should" be ok.  Add fuel at 6lbs per gallon.  Gear in the boat etc...Since you're not towing often or far, you could get by probably in that scenario but if you start adding passengers, luggage, coolers etc...you add several hundred pounds and now are outside the safe zone.  Besides the safety factor, you could open yourself up to liability if something were to happen so there's much to consider besides just the wear and tear on the vehicle. 

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O'
"Little Mascara 3"
2003 266BR,496 MAG w/Bravo III

Another thing to consider with that type of vehicle is the suspension, tires, and brakes.  The items they use on the Lexus are sure to be geared toward comfort.  I would start to worry about what would happen in an emergency stopping situation.

I've got a 236LS which is probably a little lighter than your 230CCR.  I towed it to Cumberland with our Tahoe and it just wasn't something I enjoyed doing.  The tires were the biggest issue and anytime a semi would blow by the boat would wag that Tahoe like crazy. 

With an SUV you load alot of weight into the back with coolers, gear, etc and then the tongue weight of the boat.  That's alot of weight sitting on those dinky sidewall tires and rear supsension.

I'm not saying you need a 3/4 ton pickup but I upgraded to an F250 in November of 2006 and love the difference.  I agree with Mike that if you're doing mostly local towing you should be "OK" but I would go and get your trailer and boat weighed so you have a better idea of where you are sitting for weight.

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As you can see from my avatar pic, I have an 06 Tacoma w/ TRD Off-Road and tow package, rated at 6500. I tow my 04 235CCR with it locally, about 40 minutes north to Shenango Res. I've had issues with the trailer brakes, that I finally resolved, that would be my concern, the trailer brakes. Just leave plenty of stopping distance and you should be ok. I've had a full tank and water on the boat and would guess it is probably about 6300 also. Have fun.

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Mark
2004 235CCR

Everyone has very good points. I would be also concerned about "the tail waging the dog". If for some reason, blown tire etc. , trailer may "push" your vechile around.

Hello James, We have used the GXL V8 Petrol & Turbo Diesel Toyota Landcruisers to tow our boats. The Lexus is a Luxury version of the same vehicle. My concern would be the Lexus soft suspension setup. On our Landcruisers we have upgraded the suspension as the factory setup is too soft. The other issue is that you are at the maximum upper limit of the Lexus tow capacity. Our load capacity is in the vicinity of 5000. The Turbo diesel does a far better job than the petrol. On level terrain you will be ok. I wouldn't want to be towing up & down hills, with that amount of weight behind the Toyota

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Gary
"POZOR"
2008 240LS, 350 MAG BIII

James,

I have the same vehicle 2004 GX 470 and it pulls my 230 EX very nicely (even with full tank).  I haven't taken it on any long trips, so I can't comment on that.  It's a very nice setup - GX470 pulling a Crownline..     

 

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Rob Pearce
230 EX Merc 5.0
New Milford, Ct