Help Please...(Can I tow this boat with my 97?)

[LAWDOGKMS]

97 Eddie Bauer, 5.0/V8, 2wd, 118K...(also has a 2nd small radiator in front of the main one...I'm assuming a tranny cooler???)

I'm purchasing a new Suburban as a "tow" vehicle next year when the newly designed Surburbans come out.

In the meantime, I want to buy this boat next week, but would have to drive 6 hours to pick it up.

In addition, for the rest of the summer, I would need to tow this boat 3+ hours one way to the lake for weekend trips..

Can my 97 EB handle this size boat/trailer?

Am I pushing it?

If I "can" tow with it, should I only tow with the O/D off??

No...I don't know the weight of the boat, but it's a 20 footer with 200HP Mariner..

Advice?

Suggestions?

 

[spindlecone]

Dry it only wgts about 2000 lbs, would be cake to haul

 

[LAWDOGKMS]

Dry it only wgts about 2000 lbs, would be cake to haul

Thanks,

If I do tow with it, should I only tow it "OUT" of O/D?

Should I not exceed a certain speed, such as 55-60 etc???

 

[SplashMan]

Thanks,

If I do tow with it, should I only tow it "OUT" of O/D?

Start with it "IN", if it feels like it is searching for gears then turn it off. 2000lbs is nothing, you sould be fine with it "IN"

Should I not exceed a certain speed, such as 55-60 etc???

Just go the speed limit and if it feels wird, slow till you feel comfortable. Start your stops a little earlier than normal too.

 

[Crankcase]

No problem towing that with the 5.0..... I could haul that with my 4.0!

The OD should only be taken off when climbing or such when it shifts too much.