proudpops60

hello folks. so glad i found this site. can someone help me with this question? i just bought a 2006 v6 4.2. i wanna tow a boat. can i use just the bumper hitch without any problems or do i need to put a under the vehicle hitch on. will the bumper itself hold up to towing ?always had vehicles with added on hitches. thanks

jwko

You should be ok towing a boat

motofabio

That's not entirely true. It depends on...

For your tow capacity, automatic transmission is 5,200lbs and manual transmission is 2,400lbs. Then consider these +/- factors:

3.73:1 axle ratio, add 500lbs.
Long wheel base (144½"), subtract 100lbs
18" wheels or larger, subtract 500lbs

Remember to take into consideration the weight of the boat AND trailer, not just the boat. The tongue weight is about 10% of the towing if balanced properly. I think your bumper is rated for 500lbs, but double-check that in your manual.

Rule of thumb is to have at least 1000lbs more capacity than what you are towing. Otherwise going up hills will be difficult and potentially harmful to the truck. If you exceed your capability, not only will you be a safety hazard on the road, but you WILL break your engine, transmission, both or more.

__________________

jwko

Thank You Fabio for clearing that up for us.