Towing & Launching Compac 16 w/ 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix V6

[Bob23]

Why not try it in reverse? hahahahaha. Seriously, I don't think it's a big load or long enough distance to worry about. When I tow my 23 with my 2001 Tundra 4.7 liter V8, I turn off the overdrive just because I can. But if I go over 60 or down a hill, I turn in back on. We are talking 2 very different vehicles here but you are only going 3 miles. You'll be fine.
Bob23

[JBC]

Riggerjohn mentioned wheel spin on a slippery ramp, and if I'm correct the Pontiac in question has FWD.  With the boat/trailer attached to the car on the ramp, the front tires might lose some of their normal grip with the additional weight on the rear bumper, especially when pulling the rig out of the water.  Might do well to carry a bit of extra traction material for slick ramps.  Cat litter works pretty well on snow and ice sometimes.

Jett

[Pacman]

Might do well to carry a bit of extra traction material for slick ramps.  Cat litter works pretty well on snow and ice sometimes.
Jett

Kitty litter sounds like a good idea.

You could also have a friend sit on the front fender to increase traction on a FWD car.

[Tom L.]

Most kitty litter is made from a mud like material. Might be OK in snow but on a boat ramp. if if gets wet, it will be slippery. Sand would be a better option.

Front wheel drive vehicles do have an issue at ramps. Upon acceleration the whole car shifts more weight to the rear wheels and less to the front plus the extra tongue weight from the trailer. Just watch a car accelerate. Even a front wheel drive car, the front raises up while the rear squats down.

Having said that this size car should have no issue with a 16. IMOP. Try it on a steep section of roadway or someones driveway if your worried about the cars ability to haul up a ramp.

Tom L.

[Duckie]

I agree, most sub compact cars have more than enough power to haul a 16 out of the water as long as they have good traction.  What may be of equal importance is having a good park brake to assist holding the unit solid on the slope.  I have had some close calls with one of my older cars in that regard.  It is a good idea to check and adjust the park brake from time to time.

Al

[kickingbug1]

   i had a 2008 chevy impala with 3.5 v6--211 hp. i bought a receiver hitch for it which bolted to the subframe with four big bolts and two large bolts into the bumper support beam. it was pretty stout---plenty when pulling a 16. definitely pull in third gear. that 3.8 is a great engine, one of the best gm ever built but you are talking about a front drive transaxle, which would be the weak link. plus the cv joints are not really engineered for heavy duty work. all that being said i would still say that you are safe to tow. take it easy on the ramp and if you can pick one that isnt already wet and by all means take your time coming to a stop. give yourself lots of room. the 16 is a breeze to tow. i would figure the whole rig is still under 2000lbs easy. if you are in doubt about the weight you should be able to take it to a concrete company or grain elevator and have it weighed.

[Frank W]

Hi Eoin,
I live in Brooksville, Fl  and I had the same concern about slippery ramps.  I made a removable launching extension for my trailer that is about 7 feet long.  It keeps my towing vehicle tires completely clear of the slimy part of the ramp.  Send me your e-mail address and I'll send you photos of it.  Also check out the West Coast Trailer Sailor Squadron on the web (WCTSS).  We have several Compact 16s in the group.  My 16 is currently for sale as I found a Bay Hen 21 (better for two people to cruise in) .  I love the unstayed mast and the gaff-cat rig.

   ///   Frank   ///