Tow vehicle

This topic has 5 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 5 years ago by VictoryGunner.

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June 9, 2021 at 11:31 am #698966

08Sabre
Participant

Hi I am looking for information about towing a 2008 Sabre with a small SUV. I have always used my truck but now we have a camper so I need to tow the boat with the SUV. It is rated for 3500 lbs, I weighed the Sabre / trailer combination and it was 3200 and change. I will be towing it with a Mitsubishi Outlander with the V6. So if anyone towed with a similar vehicle how did it work out? Thanks

June 9, 2021 at 3:56 pm #698973

Rich12
Participant

Yea, you can tow it if its in the rating of the vehicle. Just remember, it is not going to stop very quickly. Pay attention and leave plenty of room. I suggest hooking her up and do some “quick” brake test so you know what kinda push your going to get from the boat.

June 10, 2021 at 1:06 am #698977

Cajunhunter67
Participant

As stated above, give your self ample room for stopping.

The other concern being its FWD is pulling the boat up the ramp after loading. The ramp will usually be wet and with the weight on the back, it could set you up for spinning the front tires. If its AWD, it wont be an issue.

Don

June 10, 2021 at 6:52 am #698980

08Sabre
Participant

Good information, yes once I get to the camper set up I will use my truck to go to and from the ramp. I was just a little worried about pulling it with the SUV, we are going to take our time getting there. The dealership did recommend not wiring up the 5th wire for the brake release solenoid, they were afraid it could damage the computer on the SUV. I ordered the Dexter brake reverse lockout cap from Basscat.

June 10, 2021 at 9:21 am #698981

SLumpp
Participant

Here is another thing to think about prior to towing. I would have someone, if you do not do it yourself go through your brakes both front and rear to make sure that they are up to snuff. If the pads are worn I would upgrade them to a better pad, as well as checking to make sure you have no warped rotors or drums. The other think is to have the brake fluid checked and changed out if it is discolored. The new fluids get hot, and their effectiveness changes over time. In a nutshell, brake fluid attracts water, and water in the fluid reduces the boiling point of it. Thus the fluid gets hot, boils and over time becomes caustic to the system. It can also make your brakes less effective and cause fading quicker.

June 10, 2021 at 9:25 pm #698989

VictoryGunner
Participant

As SLumpp said, a good idea to get a complete brake inspection before initial towing if it’s been a while since service. Also a good time to really check out the system on the 08 trailer for any leaks or issues with that system as well. It kind of boils down to how much towing/driving will be expected out of the SUV.

Finally, with the information given on the Mitsubishi Outlander V6, towing cap is 3500 lbs-is there a “towing package” option that you have on the vehicle? Engine oil cooler, transmission cooler, etc? Does the SUV have the stock size tire/wheel package, as upsizing may effect performance?

Just a few more observations from the sidelines. If I had a “do over” I would have gotten a little bigger SUV for my wife so we could tow the camper with my truck and our other toys with her SUV…motorcycle/trailer, bicycles, kayaks/canoe trailer.
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