What size truck or SUV do you need to pull a boat?
For towing a boat, you need a truck or SUV that has enough capacity to pull it, as different boats have different weights. If you pull a small fishing boat, some larger cars might have enough towing capacity. But a large truck or full-size SUV is a better option if you're hauling a large pontoon or ski/wakeboard boat. With the variety of trucks and SUVs on the market, the choices can be overwhelming, and you'll want to consider more than how much it can haul.
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Considerations for buying an SUV or truck for towing
Consider how you'll use your truck or SUV
Will you haul your family to the lake with your boat? Or will your truck be used exclusively for towing your fishing boat? Knowing how you'll use your SUV or truck for towing and the different types of boats available can help you decide.
If you'll use your vehicle for more than towing your boat, select one that meets all your needs and lifestyle. Trucks typically have greater towing capacity and beds for hauling oversized loads but less passenger interior space. SUVs can pull smaller loads but have more interior room for passengers and cargo.
Consider the amount of towing capacity
Choosing a vehicle with enough towing capacity to haul your boat and trailer together is essential. Towing capacity is the maximum amount of weight a vehicle can tow safely. You can usually find the towing capacity in the owner's manual or the door jam on the driver's side. The capacity plate on a boat usually specifies weight capacity, including the maximum number of people you can take on the boat.
Consider the payload
The vehicle's payload is how much it can carry on the inside, including people and cargo, plus the weight the trailer places on the hitch when you're hauling something. It's important to ensure the vehicle's payload can accommodate the weight from the trailer. Also consider the car's radiator. The more weight a vehicle pulls, the more stress on the car. Larger radiators can cool a vehicle more quickly to help prevent it from overheating.
Choosing the best SUV for towing a boat
SUVs generally have a lower towing capacity than some trucks on the market. However, many SUVs can tow 5,000 pounds or more, enough to haul many smaller and mid-size boats. Here are a few to consider.
Full-size SUVs
Towing capacity and options vary based on your chosen package. Many full-sized SUVs offer features that make towing a boat easy and safe. These include back-up assist, trailer sway control, and blind-spot warning systems. According to the manufacturer, the models below can haul over 8,000 pounds and may have some features mentioned:
- Ford Expedition: Tows up to 9,300 lbs.
- Lincoln Navigator: Tows up to 8,700 lbs.
Mid-sized SUVs
If you need to tow a boat but don't want a full-sized SUV or pickup truck, these 2025 midsized models can tow up to 6,200 pounds, according to CARFAX. However, you may need to opt for the towing package.
- Dodge Durango
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Nissan Pathfinder
- Kia Telluride
- Ford Explorer
Choosing the best truck for towing a boat
Most trucks have a towing capacity that exceeds what you need to haul the average boat. But if you prefer trucks over SUVs, here are some to consider, including their towing capacities according to their manufacturers.
Full-size trucks
- Toyota Tundra: Tows up to 12,000 lbs.
- Chevrolet Silverado: Tows up to 14,500 lbs.
- Ram 1500: Tows up to 12,750 lbs.
Mid-size trucks
- Toyota Tacoma: Tows up to 6,800 lbs.
- Chevrolet Colorado: Tows up to 7,700 lbs.
- Nissan Frontier: Tows up to 6,720 lbs.
What factors affect insurance rates for trucks and SUVs?
Many factors impact auto insurance rates, including what type of vehicle you have. Trucks or SUVs that are costly to repair may mean a higher rate for insurance. Since many SUVs cost more than trucks, you may pay more to insure an SUV. Learn more about what impacts the cost of car insurance.
Protecting your boat trailer
If you plan on towing a boat, you may also want to protect your boat trailer. Adding your trailer to your boat insurance policy can protect your trailer even when your boat is not on the trailer and a covered incident occurs. Learn more about boat insurance coverages and how boat insurance can help cover your trailer.
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