If you want to enjoy the best of boat life, you’ll need a way to get your boat to the water. Many people choose to store their boats at home and tow the boat whenever they want to have a boat outing. To do this, you need a vehicle, hitch and trailer that can accommodate the weight. Although the towing capacity of your vehicle might seem like a hard figure, you do have a few options to increase it or at least be more comfortable towing within your rated capacity.
By considering these truck upgrades, you can find the right towing arrangement for your boating needs.
Understand Factors Affecting Towing Capacity
When you look at the towing capacity for your vehicle on the manual or the manufacturer’s website, you should know that a number of factors go into that estimate. These factors include:
- Vehicle make and model
- Trailer load capacity
- Tire type and condition
- Brake system
- Suspension
- Hitch type and weight capacity
As a rule, you should keep the towing weight below about 80 percent of the vehicle’s total towing capacity.
Upgrade Your Suspension System
The truck’s suspension system protects the cabin from the effects of moving on the road, and it also determines load capacity. Upgrading your suspension system can be a pricey improvement, but it provides a variety of benefits for your towing arrangement. A stronger suspension system gives you a more stable driving experience, with fewer jolts and bumps. It also makes the vehicle easier to steer while maintaining a high level of stability and minimizing swaying.
Improve Your Braking System
Being able to stop quickly and efficiently highlights the importance of a great braking system for your truck and tow vehicle. You can upgrade your brake system by using larger brake pads and rotors, which allow your vehicle to manage the extra stress of the towing. If possible, consider installing a trailer brake control system. This system allows you to control the braking system of the tow vehicle from your truck, improving your overall performance and safety while on the road.
Optimize Your Truck’s Performance
Towing capacity also relates to the overall condition and performance of the vehicle. When you see max load capacity, you should keep in mind that the number presumes a vehicle in ideal condition. You can maintain a high level of performance by staying on top of oil changes, swapping your air filters regularly and upgrading your exhaust system if necessary. If you have a diesel, keeping exhaust gas temperatures low is detrimental. For any vehicle keeping fluid temperatures low is equally as important. When shopping for auto parts this all should be kept in mind. These improvements can increase your fuel efficiency and operability of the vehicle in general, whether you plan to tow a boat or not.
Buy the Right Hitch
When you start shopping for auto parts or your boating trip, the proper hitch should come at the top of the list. Hitches come in a variety of styles depending on the load and the vehicle. While a pintle hitch can carry the most weight, you’ll need a heavy duty vehicle to accommodate it. For most purposes, you can benefit from using a weight distribution hitch. This type of hitch balances the weight between the hitch and the front axle of the tow vehicle, for better performance and handling.
Install Tires for Towing
Since much of the weight of the towing sits on the tires themselves, your choice of tire can make a significant difference in the tow capacity and the condition of the ride. P tires, rated for passengers, provide a smoother ride but often have lower load capacities. Light truck (LT) tires may be able to handle the load and provide better traction. In either case, be sure to consider the load capacity and condition of any tire you install for your boat trip.
Before you load your boat on a trailer for a trip to the water, you should confirm that your vehicle can tow it safely. Choosing the right trailer and hitch can give you better performance for the trip, especially if you consider these truck upgrades to increase your towing capacity.
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