Towing
Towing
Hi all, we are new to the forum and have learned loads so far. We are purchasing a Black Hawk and could do with some advice on towing, boat weight 770kg we believe, trailer is twin axle and I guess about 400kg (unless someone knows better ) giving total of 1170kg without engine. We want to tow it with a golf 2.0 ltr estate car ( automatic) max towing weight 1200-1400kg (from website check) the question is , as this is close to the max is it realistic to do so. We are intending to get a bigger vehicle for next season but could do with moving the boat now. Any tips advice or pointers gratefully received. Thank you. RogKim.
Re: Towing
I should think you'll be fine.
You're going through the same anguish as I did, running a Volvo V50 2.0D.
Turns out that towing has been no problem at all and our limited experience of slipways so far has also been entirely trouble-free.
We have a Black Hawk too. We had two towing issues. Firstly the trailer was meant for a larger boat, meaning a Black Hawk sat too far forward and put a ton of weight on the towhook. Remedied that by modifying the trailer. A correct towbar loading is usually somewhere between 50 and 75 kilos - I bought a simple nosewheel weight gauge but as a rule of thumb you should be just able to lift the nosewheel off the ground. With a twin axle I don't think you'll have the same issues.
The other issue is that of grounding the trailer's front support (the leg in front of the handbrake mechanism) whenever we go over the hump at the top of our driveway - can't do much about that until we swop the car for something less low slung.
By the way I think an auto box should be better than a manual for towing - no clutch to burn out.
Deaks
You're going through the same anguish as I did, running a Volvo V50 2.0D.
Turns out that towing has been no problem at all and our limited experience of slipways so far has also been entirely trouble-free.
We have a Black Hawk too. We had two towing issues. Firstly the trailer was meant for a larger boat, meaning a Black Hawk sat too far forward and put a ton of weight on the towhook. Remedied that by modifying the trailer. A correct towbar loading is usually somewhere between 50 and 75 kilos - I bought a simple nosewheel weight gauge but as a rule of thumb you should be just able to lift the nosewheel off the ground. With a twin axle I don't think you'll have the same issues.
The other issue is that of grounding the trailer's front support (the leg in front of the handbrake mechanism) whenever we go over the hump at the top of our driveway - can't do much about that until we swop the car for something less low slung.
By the way I think an auto box should be better than a manual for towing - no clutch to burn out.
Deaks
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Drewdoc1958
- Posts: 12
- Joined: Sat Jun 15, 2013 8:26 pm
Re: Towing
Hi There
I am also relatively new to the site and boating/towing. I have a SuzukiDT65 on my Black Hawk which weighs approx 110kg (found weight on web) and if you add all the bits and bob's you might take on a trip you will be pulling a fair old chunk of weight. At present, I have a 3.2 Shogun LWB which could tow a train (at 20 mpg it's a very expensive tow-fare ) and pulls the boat, on a twin axle trailer, plus usual fishing extras i.e. 3 BIG friends and me without any trouble, as long as I don't go above 55 mph or it starts to wander a bit.
I am now looking to down-size to a Volvo v40 diesel very shortly so would be interested to know how you get on as I have my serious doubts if I could haul the same amount up some of the West of Scotland roads I have been up and over before. Keep posting how you get on, if possible.
Cheers
Drew
I am also relatively new to the site and boating/towing. I have a SuzukiDT65 on my Black Hawk which weighs approx 110kg (found weight on web) and if you add all the bits and bob's you might take on a trip you will be pulling a fair old chunk of weight. At present, I have a 3.2 Shogun LWB which could tow a train (at 20 mpg it's a very expensive tow-fare ) and pulls the boat, on a twin axle trailer, plus usual fishing extras i.e. 3 BIG friends and me without any trouble, as long as I don't go above 55 mph or it starts to wander a bit.
I am now looking to down-size to a Volvo v40 diesel very shortly so would be interested to know how you get on as I have my serious doubts if I could haul the same amount up some of the West of Scotland roads I have been up and over before. Keep posting how you get on, if possible.
Cheers
Drew
Re: Towing
Hi Deaks, thanks for your note it was helpful.
Hi Drew can't help now as bought a Honda CRV to tow with.
Cheers. Roger.
Hi Drew can't help now as bought a Honda CRV to tow with.
Cheers. Roger.