[email protected] Posted September 8, 2009 Report Posted September 8, 2009 Hey Everyone. Does anyone use their car to tow a small fishing boat? I have a 2007 Impala LS and was wondering if that was enough to tow a boat. I'm thinking of getting a hitch so I can start leaving the shoreline more often....
LucG Posted September 8, 2009 Report Posted September 8, 2009 (edited) I can't speak from experience, but I have seen alot of cars pulling small aluminium boats. I'd think an Impala would have more then enough juice to haul it around. I'd just keep an eye on the condition of the boat launch. Edited September 8, 2009 by LucG
fish-miester Posted September 8, 2009 Report Posted September 8, 2009 used to have an impala ls and we matched it up with my 14' aluminum with 9.9 and was just about to get a hitch orderd.. and then i toataled it.. so your answer is.. yes the impala would be fine to tow. as long as you know your limits.
[email protected] Posted September 8, 2009 Author Report Posted September 8, 2009 I think at most it would be just a 14' aluminum. I mainly go fishing by myself so I don't need a massive boat...
Bly Posted September 8, 2009 Report Posted September 8, 2009 Your Impala has 1000lbs towing capacity.....depending on your boat, trailer, gear, passengers etc, you could be ok.....here is a link that might help figure the GVWR and so on.. GVWR
NAW Posted September 8, 2009 Report Posted September 8, 2009 I personally tow a 14' tinner with a 15Hp motor behind my 4 banger VW Golf. It tows great. It's not really the best in the winter (light car.. front wheel drive...), and for the long halls up north. But it works perfect for anything inside 300kms of travel distance. My good friend drives an Impala, and he trailers a 16' aluminum w/ 40hp motor. It also pulls no problem. However, I get a little freaked out when he has to react quickly with such a big boat on the back of a car. He's been doing it for a long time with no issues. You'l be just fine with the set up you suggested.
NAW Posted September 8, 2009 Report Posted September 8, 2009 (edited) Your Impala has 1000lbs towing capacity.....depending on your boat, trailer, gear, passengers etc, you could be ok.....here is a link that might help figure the GVWR and so on..GVWR You sure about that?? My 4 cyl Golf is ~1300 lbs towing cap.. It's half the car.. Edited September 8, 2009 by F to the Is-H
scugpg Posted September 8, 2009 Report Posted September 8, 2009 (edited) I have a car like yours and tow my 14ft aluminum no problems with it out of launches etc. I'm hoping to get a 16ft and tow it - I have a 1000lb max towing as well. If doing long distances I'd invest in a transmission cooler. Look into getting the 12'' brake upgrade on your impala though....kit is like $150 and it makes a HUGE difference in stopping power. Edited September 8, 2009 by scugog
ccmtcanada Posted September 8, 2009 Report Posted September 8, 2009 You sure about that?? My 4 cyl Golf is ~1300 lbs towing cap.. It's half the car.. Do a quick google search on "2007 Impala LS towing capacity". All the results that come back says 1000 lbs for this vehicle.
[email protected] Posted September 8, 2009 Author Report Posted September 8, 2009 Awesome. Thanks for the replies... I think I'm gonna get a hitch installed next pay!
NAW Posted September 8, 2009 Report Posted September 8, 2009 Do a quick google search on "2007 Impala LS towing capacity". All the results that come back says 1000 lbs for this vehicle. It would appear i jumped the gun a little on that one. Sorry about questioning the info above. I assumed a V6 Impala would be able to out tow my 4 cyl Golf. But it can't.. I bet it'l stop faster though..
pikehunter Posted September 8, 2009 Report Posted September 8, 2009 I'm a little surprised that an Impala is rated at such a low capacity. I assume it probably has a lot to do with front wheel drive and no frame. I saw a Toyota Matrix at the boat launch Saturday with a trailer behind it.
Victor Posted September 9, 2009 Report Posted September 9, 2009 As the others have said it should be ok as long as the boat package is relatively light, if you're concerned you can upgrade parts of your vehicle to help (brakes/cooling/etc?)... i forgot what are the things you can do but do a search here and you should find alot of stuff.
boatman Posted September 9, 2009 Report Posted September 9, 2009 No worries. I used to tow the boat in my avatar (14.5' Springbok with 30 hp electric start Johnson) with a 1999 Cavalier Z24 5 sp, 4 banger with no trouble at all. Package is well under 1000lbs. However, I'm surprised someone hasn't come by yet to say that you need a full size 4x4 truck. Someone usually does.
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now