Tow Vehicle & Rig Photos

[PeteS]

The answer to my question could be someplace on this thread, but unfortunately I don't think I'm going to pick through it -- sorry guys.

I have a '04 Grand Prix, an '88 PS 190, and it's a new concrete boat ramp with traction grooves. Will my front wheel drive car "hook-up" enough to pull the boat out of the water?

At 200 HP, I don't think power will be an issue. To me it's the weight of the boat on the rear end of a front wheel drive car, traction basically. What do you guys think?

I'm sure if there was a hitch on the front, we'd be fine, but that'd mean I'd have to put a hitch on the front and rear of the vehicle. Thanks a million!

[ski_king]

Originally Posted by PeteS

I have a '04 Grand Prix, an '88 PS 190, and it's a new concrete boat ramp with traction grooves. Will my front wheel drive car "hook-up" enough to pull the boat out of the water?
!

Depends on how steep the ramp is, but if it is wet, (and they always are wet uless you are first to pull out) I think you will have a problem.

[PeteS]

The grade of the ramp is moderate, and I know that isn't a very precise measurement. It isn't excessively steep or flat.

The ramp most likely will be wet when the boat is removed, and I just found out they don't make a front mounted hitch for my car. So is the general feeling negative?

[ski_king]

My guess is you have a 50% chance of getting it out easy.

I had a simular problem for a few years when I was truckless. I would launch the boat with my little Suburu, but always borrow somebodys truck to pull it back out. (The Suburu's problem was power, not traction)

But then again, my ramp is steep and the trailer would drop off the end of the concrete.

[speckeen]

I have occationally pulled my '86 Prostar 190 out on ramps that have a moderate incline with a front wheel drive Dodge grand caravan. Had no problem. There really isn't much tongue weight.

[Mag_Red]

You want to see a STEEP ramp????? This one is a bear , especially after a nice rain! I actually saw a 25' cruiser drag a Ford F-250, 4X4, down the hill when he lost traction. Scariest thing I ever saw! And I was the next one out

[PeteS]

Very interesting, thanks for your help. Was your Suburu front, rear, or all-wheel drive?

And that's a good also a very good point about borrowing someones vehicle, I just could have to get it out of the water and then I'd be fine. Although I'm sure after a few times of that routine it'd get a little old. Thanks again.

[ski_king]

The Suburu was 4WD. It had a weak 1600 cc engine, but loads of traction. I only used it to move the boat around at camp and launch it when I couldn't borrow a truck. (when you want to ski, you will do most anything). I had back down the ramp perfectly because there was no way I was going to pull back up to get straightened out.

I never towed the boat on the road with the Suburu.
I don't think I would want to pull your boat on the road with the Grand Prix. I would want something bigger. Does you trailer have brakes? My 82 does not and even with my truck, it can be a handfull stopping on a wet road.

[PeteS]

More great info, thanks Powerslot.

My GP will just be pulling the boat from my house to the launch, with is maybe a half mile through the sub. I don't think I'll venture on the main roads with my car & boat, I just need to get it up and down the launch, and back to my house.

Speckeen offered some reassuring information regarding his experiences with his FWD vehicle, let's hope mine behaves the same!

[jimmer2880]

I saw a SNOW PLOW on the front of a Subaru... I'm sure somebody can weld a hitch to the frone of a GP. you just need to find the right redneck for the job.