mountainman wrote:
I'm new to boating and towing and could use some real-world advice about a unique situation.
I'm about to buy a 2003 H180 OB & FW trailer (total weight around 3,000 lbs.). My intended tow vehicle is a Subaru Forester rated for towing 1,500 lbs. That's a bad combination. I know.
But, I will only be towing the boat 100 feet (yes, FEET) from my house to the launch ramp once per season, and then back up to the house. The chances are extremely slim that I would ever have to tow the boat longer than this distance. If the boat ever needed major service, the nearby marina could send a truck to retrieve the boat so I don't have to drive with an underrated vehicle.
I know that everyone swears by big trucks, but in this case I'm not too keen on buying a pickup truck or huge SUV for a 100-foot trip twice a year.
Is the Forester up to the task?
Thank you!!
There are a number of different technical articles explaining how car companies derive their towing limits, and with out boring you it involves a number of factors including length of vehicle, weight of vehicle, mechanical and braking ability, as well as speed factors.
In the UK the Forrester is rated to tow just over 3000lbs at speeds below 80 km/h, while in Australia the same vehicle is rated to tow nearly 4000lbs at the legal speed limit... but there are different requirements for trailer design and braking systems on trailers. In Australia any trailer over 1600lbs must have its own brakes.
I towed one of my boats ( over 3000lbs) for 2 years with a Toyota Camry, and while I adjusted my driving style and chose my boat ramps better, I never had an issue.
For 100 feet I doubt there will be any issue unless you are brutal on the clutch / transmission, and then to only do it twice a year.. I would go for it. ( also check what your model Forrester is rated to tow in other countries to give you an idea of its mechanical capability)