NEWS & ACTIVITY
7 Most Reliable 4WD For Towing A Boat
One of the things to consider when you have your own boat, or planning to get one, is the transportation. You would want to have one of those reliable 4WD for towing, whether it is a full-size truck or an SUV.
Going off-road with friends or family is always fun and exciting, and having a yacht or a small boat means an additional thrill. So here are some tips on how you can manage your boat for that one helluva great adventure you, your family and friends will never forget.
Ensure That Your 4×4 Car is Strong and Powerful Enough to Tow Your Boat
The first thing you need to figure out is the weight of your tow, i.e., your boat. You need to find out the dry weight of it—no contents inside like gas or water.
Then you will need to know the towing capacity of your vehicle, and make sure that your boat weighs well below the towing capacity.
Next, it is also advisable not to tow more than 85% of your car’s curb weight if you are new to this. The curb weight is your car’s weight without payload (passengers or otherwise).
Most 4×4 trucks have the capacity to tow over 2,000 kg, which means they can easily tow a medium-sized sailboat.
For more tips, check out this article, “How much towing capacity Do I need to tow a boat?”
4wd Accessories For Towing a Boat
1. Hamer 4×4 Tow Hitch
We recently wrote about what to know about a tow hitch. This 4wd accessory allows you to attach your trailer to your 4×4 car. Hamer 4×4 tow hitch has a rating of 3.5 tonnes towing capacity, weighs 10 kg, and can easily be mounted on your vehicle’s chassis.
2. Hamer 4×4 Trailer Ball
Hamer’s tow hitch already includes a ball mount, but if you already have a mount and just looking for the tow ball, it is possible to purchase it separately. Also called a ball mount, it is used to secure your trailer to the boat. This lightweight 4wd accessory only weighs 2kg, but supports up to 3,500 kg.
3. Hamer 4×4 Pintle Hook Par
Another option is a pintle hook, which works very well with other Hamer 4×4 accessories like most Hamer 4×4 rear bumpers. The pintle hook also supports up to 3,500kg, only 4kg in weight, and is made of high quality cast iron. Moreover, you have that extra peace of mind that your trailer or boat is secured to your truck because of the hook that goes over the tow ball.
These 4wd accessories are quite versatile and are compatible with different 4×4 trucks for towing. In this article, we will discuss . . .
Our Seven Favourite 4wd for Towing a Boat
1. Isuzu D-Max 2020+
Towing Capacity: Up to 3,500 kg
Curb Weight: Up to 1,900 kg
Safety Rating: Five Star ANCAP
Price: 600k to over 1 million Thai baht (A$30,000 to A$70,000+)
A 4×4 pickup truck that has debuted in Thailand back in 2002 and is still a favorite to this day. It is now on its third generation and boasts of a 3-litre engine and 6-speed transmission in either manual or automatic. Isuzu D-Max is well-known to be a workhorse, heavy-duty and reliable. You can be confident that this is one of the 4×4 trucks for towing.
2. Ford Ranger Next Gen 2022+
Towing Capacity: 3,500 kg
Curb Weight: Up to 2,014 kg
Safety Rating: Five Star ANCAP
Price: 554k to over 1 million Thai baht (A$24,000 to A$40,000+)
Ford has always been one of the best vehicles ever produced. In fact, it is arguably the best maker of trucks. The Ford Ranger not only is efficient, but also has unique design and color range. For serious off-roading and heavy duty towing capacity, the 3-liter turbo V6 is the best option.
3. Toyota Hilux
Towing Capacity: 3,500 kg
Curb Weight: Up to 2730 kg
Safety Rating: Five Star ANCAP
Price: 500k to 1.2 million Thai baht (A$25,000+ to A$78,000+)
The Toyota Hilux has been around since 1968. That’s an incredibly long lifespan. It has that great reputation of being able to withstand heavy use. The latest Hilux are the eighth generation models, known as Revo and Revo Rocco in Thailand. One of its predecessors, the 7th generation, is also known as the Vigo. The Hilux is one of the best-selling pick ups because of its toughness and extreme capabilities.
4. Nissan Navara NP300 2015+
Towing Capacity: 3,500 kg
Curb Weight: 1,865 kg
Safety Rating: Five Star ANCAP
Price: 559k to over 1 million Thai baht (A$26,000 to A$40,000+)
The Nissan Navara NP300 is commonly known for its better fuel consumption, improved performance, and lower running cost. Aside from its towing capacity, it features a higher ground clearance which is recommended for off-road activities.
5. Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
Towing Capacity: 3,100 kg
Curb Weight: 2,045 kg
Safety Rating: Five Star ANCAP
Price: 1.5 million Thai baht and above (A$60,000+)
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is a mid-size 4×4 with undoubtedly one of the best values for a seven-seater wagon. It’s a great SUV for a family, especially those who are passionate about off-road trips.
6. Ford Everest
Towing Capacity: 3,100 kg
Curb Weight: 2,408 kg
Safety Rating: Five Star ANCAP
Price: 1.4 million to 1.8million Thai baht (A$58,300 to A$73,800)
The Ford Everest is another excellent choice for its towing stability and performance. It’s a mid-size 4wd vehicle that’s great to drive within the city or even off-road. Ford takes pride in designing its vehicles and on top of its great functionality, the Everest is a truly beautiful-looking SUV.
7. Toyota Fortuner
Towing Capacity: Up to 3,000 kg
Curb Weight: Over 2,000 kg
Safety Rating: Five Star ANCAP
Price: A$34,000 to A$50,000+
Another local favorite in Thailand, Toyota Fortuner is not just good for its 4×4 features, but is also a popular family car that can seat up to 7 people. The latest makes are the second generation since it was launched in 2004.
Conclusion
So there you have it! These are our top 7 picks for the best 4×4 cars for towing a boat in no particular order. Of course, it’s always best to consult a professional and do your own research when deciding what vehicle to get.
If you are interested to know more about Hamer 4×4 products and you are outside Thailand, contact our official dealer in your country. If you are inside Thailand, here are our contact information.