Best Vehicle to Tow a Boat in 2024 (Top 12) 

If you plan to tow your boat, you must ensure your vehicle has enough towing capacity to safely get you and your boat from point A to point B. 

The max towing capacity of your vehicle is not always as high as you think. Before you purchase a boat or a tow vehicle it’s best to understand how towing capacity works.

Before loading your boat onto your trailer, let’s take a look at the best vehicle to tow a boat in 2024, with options for both pickup trucks and SUV’s. 

Key Takeaways

• Understand the boat’s weight and vehicle towing capacity for a safe towing experience.
• Explore top vehicles, such as pickup trucks, SUVs, sedans & luxury models with impressive capabilities.
• Invest in special equipment or packages for an enhanced towing experience, and choose a trailer type that best suits your boat and vehicle. 

Image Credit: Pixabay 

Understanding Towing Capacity and Boat Weight

To find the best vehicle for towing a boat, the first step is calculating the weight of your boat. Once you determine the vehicle and boat weights, you also need to understand how that weight calculation plays into your vehicle’s towing capabilities. 

Calculating Your Boat’s Total Weight

Knowing your boat’s total weight is key to choosing an appropriate towing vehicle. To do this, you need to account for the weight of:

• The boat
• The trailer
• Fuel
• Water toys and fishing gear 
• Any other equipment on board

Keep in mind that a gallon of water weighs approximately 8.34 pounds, while a gallon of gasoline weighs around 6.3 pounds. Some boats have 100 gallons or more of fuel on board so you will need this calculation. 

Vehicle Towing Capacities

A vehicle’s towing capacity is the maximum weight it can tow, as specified by the manufacturer. 

Most small and mid-size SUVs have a towing capacity of under 6,000 lb (2,721 kg). These vehicles typically come with a tow package encompassing a lower ratio rear end, a transmission cooler, and other supplementary elements.

Having a towing capacity beyond the minimum requirement promotes safety and efficiency, especially during long trips. The bottom line here is that if your vehicle’s towing capacity is higher than you need, it’s a good thing. 

Top Vehicles for Towing Boats

When buying a boat, you must also consider your plans for towing it. Otherwise, you may find yourself in a situation, where you’re expected to fork over the cost of expensive boat transport each time you use your boat. 

Sure, you could rent a truck from a car rental company that allows towing. But those car rental costs will rack up quickly. 

The vehicles properly equipped to tow a boat will include pickup trucks and SUV’s. Most of the SUVs spotlighted on our list are full-size SUVs and pickup trucks with a maximum towing capacity of at least 5,000 lbs. 

Image Credit: Pixabay

Best Pickup Trucks

Pickup trucks are popular for towing boats due to their strong steel frames and powerful engines, providing ample low-end torque for towing. Some of the best pickup trucks for towing boats include

Notice there is a wide range in these tow vehicle’s horsepower and towing capacity and that is because of the individual models and options for different types of engines. 

Best SUVs

Full-size SUVs give you the best choices, but if fuel economy is a concern, there are some smaller midsize SUVs that can be a better solution. When it comes to towing boats, some of the best SUVs in the market include:

Drive Systems: Comparing Two-Wheel, Four-Wheel, and All-Wheel Drive

Choosing the right drive system is also important when selecting a tow vehicle for your boat. Your options will include two-wheel, four-wheel, and all-wheel drive systems. From improved traction to fuel efficiency, each drive system has its own set of benefits and drawbacks that can impact your towing experience.

Two-Wheel Drive

Two-wheel drive (2WD) vehicles are known for their high towing power, but they may lack the traction needed on ramps. When launching a boat with a 2WD vehicle, the trailer weight can reduce the traction of the front wheels, resulting in less power and torque.

If you have a big boat (larger pontoon boats or deck boats) that needs to be towed mainly on the highway, the 2WD vehicle can work. 

Four-Wheel Drive

Four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles are ideal for towing boats due to their increased traction and enhanced low-end torque. However, they may come with a lower maximum payload and increased maintenance and fuel costs.

If you’re planning to tow your boat off-road or in challenging conditions, a 4WD vehicle may be the best option for you.

All-Wheel Drive

All-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles offer excellent traction and performance at various speeds, making them suitable for towing boats. The problem with AWD is the power; these engines lack a bit when compared to the 2WD and 4WD models. 

Gas vs. Diesel Engines for Towing

The main distinction between gas and diesel engines lies in the combustion process. Gas engines utilize a spark plug for ignition, while diesel engines rely on compression ignition. 

Here are the other defining differences between gas vs. diesel towing vehicles that you should keep in mind. 

• Gas engines have higher torque at lower revolutions per minute
• Diesel engines have higher torque and higher revolutions per minute
• Diesel engines are typically more durable 
• Diesel engines work well in high temperatures and pressure
• Gas engines are less expensive
• Consider fuel cost differences for gas vs. diesel

In the end, a gas-powered towing vehicle is, overall, the more convenient option because of the greater availability and wider variety of options. Not to mention, a gas-powered vehicle makes for a better daily driver. 

However, if you are purchasing a truck specifically to tow, diesel is better. 

Towing Packages and Special Equipment

To improve your towing experience, investing in a towing package or specialized equipment for your vehicle could be beneficial. A tow package generally includes:

• A tow bar or hitch
• Trailer light connections
• Wiring
• An additional radiator (which may be needed for cooling purposes). 

Other special equipment options for trailering include:

• Multiple cameras
• Steering AI systems
• Transmission coolers
• Oversized mirrors
• A rearview camera 
• Pro trailer backup assist 

Summary

While both the SUV and the Pickup can offer impressive towing capabilities, a large pickup truck with a diesel engine will have plenty of cargo capacity, horsepower, and enough towing capacity to handle most recreational boats. 

Whether you decide on an SUV or a pickup, be sure you don’t have to tow your vehicle far by using Neighbor-a peer-to-peer storage marketplace that gives you affordable boat and trailer storage options right where you need them. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Car Is Best for Towing a Boat?

For heavy-duty towing (anything over 5,000 pounds), the best car for towing a boat is likely a large pickup truck such as the Toyota Tundra, Ford F-Series, Chevrolet Silverado, or GMC Sierra. These vehicles offer the most optional towing packages and provide the best combination of power and convenience.

Which Vehicle Is Best for Towing a 5000-Pound Boat?

For towing a 5000-pound boat, the best vehicle is the 2023 Ram 3500 HD with a towing capacity of 8,200-11,300 lbs.

What Size Engine Do You Need to Pull a Boat?

The engine size you need to pull a boat will vary depending on the size of the boat and total weight and capacity. For a small boat and trailer, a V6 can do the job after confirming the towing capacity and total weight. 

What Can Tow a Boat?

A pickup truck, full-size SUV, midsize SUV, and even a luxury SUV can pull a boat. However, towing options vary considerably based on the boat size and trailer you are pulling.