Tow Package

I'm looking to get a new truck soon and was wondering if the tow package option in necessary. Do I really need an over sized radiator/tranny coolant when all I'm towing is an 18 ft. aluminum boat with a 75 horse and 9.9 kicker? Anyone selling a newer, low mileage truck?

IMO At least a class III hitch, and a reliable truck is about all you need. I own a chevy colorado, i pull my 14 foot boat and trailer no problem. I also tow my 20' crestliner I/O with it, 50miles round trip to erie no problems and been doing it for years. It gets the job done, i am not the fastest guy on the highway. I take it easy on the throttle, dont try to jackrabbit the starts, be smart about it. My truck only runs a tad hotter when pulling the crestliner up long hill, other than that it is normal temp.

People might not agree with me but i feel even a compact truck would pull your boat fine, full size would pull it even better, it cant weight more than 1500-1800lbs max. Which isnt really all that much all things considered.

So to sum up what i think any good truck with the correct hitch will do just fine as long as you drive with a brain in your head.

I have an older Ford Explorer and I can tow my 14' boat and also tow my pop-up trailer with it. the boat weighs very little but the pop-up weighs about a ton. I have no problem towing the pop-up. Just need to invest in a few towing mirrors so I can see around the trailer.

With that boat, you'd be fine without the tow package assuming you're in a full size truck with a v-8.

Bulldog brings up a very valid point. All boaters are subject to threefoot-itis. Be careful.

I have a 2011 Tacoma TRD with off-road and towing package. Class 4 hitch, supplemental transmission and oil coolers, downhill assist, and heavier shocks. 6500 lbs towing capacity and 20 MPG



Works great for me