Guest RichC10 Posted October 27, 2004 Share Posted October 27, 2004 Need some expert advice folks. I have a motor boat, about 3000lbs on the trailer, with surge brakes. Is it possible to tow with a 280Z with SBC and auto trans? I think I can handle the cooling issues. But I question if the brakes are up to the job and if a hitch can be made to fit. I really can't justify the extra insurance costs of another car, so if this combo can tow it will replace the pickup. TIA Rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wheelman Posted October 27, 2004 Share Posted October 27, 2004 Setting aside the frame/unibody strength issues you'll have a lot of fun trying to control that combination. The boat /trailer combo weighs as much as the car. If you run into any wind or aren't very aware of just how fast you're approaching a corner it will get very exciting very quickly. I tow an ~3000 pound tent trailer with my GMC Safari van and the rearend gets pushed around quite a bit by the trailer, I can't image what that would do to a Z. Your biggest issue will be keeping enough traction to the ground to control the trailer. Wheelman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillZ260 Posted October 27, 2004 Share Posted October 27, 2004 Even though my Explorer Sport is rated to pull 3500 lbs, it's too much for the small truck. I've pulled a 21' Vhull to the lake and back a couple of times. Sure it pulls it just fine but braking is vauge, and as wheelman suggested wind and such are going to move you around ALOT. Minimum you need is a 1/2 ton truck, V6 is fine so it shoulnd be all that expensive. To be SAFE, either get an aluminum boat if your just going fishing, or get a Truck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pop N Wood Posted October 27, 2004 Share Posted October 27, 2004 Wheelbase length has a lot to do with the stability of a tow vehicle. Engine and braking power are really the least of your worries. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GabeRoc Posted October 27, 2004 Share Posted October 27, 2004 i wouldn't do it. with that much weight behind you and the little weight a z has under you, jack-knifing will be a big problem. not just in braking either, any turn at speed will become a serious knife hazzard. don't go totaling your z over a boat! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Magnum Rockwilder Posted October 27, 2004 Share Posted October 27, 2004 I wouldn't recommend towing 3000lbs with a vehicle that light and small. You need something with a larger footprint and more weight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
72zcar Posted October 27, 2004 Share Posted October 27, 2004 I know this is no help but...when i was a kid i delivered donuts to the local schools in a 240z towing a small 4x6 enclosed u-haul trailer rigged with sliders to hold many trays of donuts. prob didnt weigh too much. My favorite school I deliver to back then was the all girl Catholic school Don"t tow the 3,000 pound boat! That would be insane. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strotter Posted October 28, 2004 Share Posted October 28, 2004 Are hitches even available for the 1st gen Zs? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spdsk8r Posted October 28, 2004 Share Posted October 28, 2004 If I remember right, from my first edition JTR manual, Mike Knell used his "mule" car to tow a boat. Maybe he will chime in with a word of experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Aaron Posted October 28, 2004 Share Posted October 28, 2004 Are hitches even available for the 1st gen Zs? Around here we make hitches or "remodify" (as my granddad used to say) hitches to make them work. I have seen ZX's with Class I (1500 lbs) hitches. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim240z Posted October 28, 2004 Share Posted October 28, 2004 Check your local traffic safety rules and regs....I would bet $$ that towing that much with such a light car is actually illegal. If you get into an accident, your insurance company will likely not pay out...to you or the other party....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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