Safe to tow a smaller boat?

[WSM29]

I've got a 76, all newer suspension with the rear sway bar. I've got a 16 foot v bottom fishing boat. How safe would it be to tow a boat locally to the lakes and rivers?

 

[Bferrari]

You should be fine considering you have an appropriate hitch installed on your rig and don't drive like you are "preparing to qualify" on pole position. I've seen Toyota Corollas pulling 20' travel trailers down the highway, not that I would but it's been done. With that, I would ensure everything is in good order with both hitch and trailer and you should be fine.

 

[savage]

You should be ok as long as you have a hitch rated for that load. You just have to be careful since the bronco has a short wheel base. I have seen many vehicle, that should not have been pulling the loads they are not rated for,it makes the roads unsafe, I drive truck for a living and see this all the time!!!!

 

[Rustytruck]

The owners manual limits the tow to 2000 lbs. So if your boat and trailer are under that your OK to go according to Ford. You just need to get the proper hitch and brakes if your state requires it.

Just remember backing up with a short wheel base is a real learning curve. I have towed my boat, military trailer and a pop-up camper with mine and in an emergency a friends CJ7. Some of them pushed the limits and the Jeep was over the limit. I have towed Rose parade floats up to 30,000 lbs in low range with the hubs unlocked on closed roads getting the floats to the parade rout and home afterwards on closed and escorted roads at 5-10 mph. Bronco's can tow like a tractor if need be but you have to stay within limits of safety.

Get a trailer out of whack at speeds and it can whip you around like Dorothy on the way to OZ. If your Bronco doesn't track good on its own without the trailer don't even think of hooking on a trailer. it won't get better.

 

[Broncobowsher]

Borderline sketchy.
looking at your sig line, you have the power. That is rarely a problem with a Bronco. But engine cooling often is.
'76 should be front disks, probably OK there.
Bronco is a great boat ramp truck.

From experience towing my 16' boat on 33s, not the best idea. Short drives, low speeds, probably OK. Stab the brakes coming around a twisty corner, it will turn you around and ball the whole rig up in the ditch.

I'm not going to say no, but I am not going to say it is a great idea.
Factory tow rating was either 1000 or 2000 pounds. Larger tires and lift decrease the capability, a rear sway bar does not bring it back. I doubt the boat is that light, maybe dry empty weight, but not wet loaded weight plus the trailer itself.

 

[bronconut73]

I've got a 76, all newer suspension with the rear sway bar. I've got a 16 foot v bottom fishing boat. How safe would it be to tow a boat locally to the lakes and rivers?

I do it all the time.
17' Xpress H-17 with a 115 Yammy.
Does better than I could ever have asked for.
6 turn steering box has it's moments at the boat ramp but is fine.
Your 4 turn box should be real nice.

 

[rmiller747]

My bud Carper always tows his boat with his Broncos

 

[1bdbronc]

I tow my boat all the time...... Just to turn the boat around in the field. It actually does pretty well though.

 

[WSM29]

What type of hitch would you recommend? The one from toms or would a Baja type hitch work?

 

[bronconut73]

What type of hitch would you recommend? The one from toms or would a Baja type hitch work?

TBP is the only one to get Bud.
It costs more but is worth it.
Incredibly easy to install.
The nut plate that goes in the frame is tits.

 

[Bustter4]

I tow my 16 ft flat bottom with my 76 4-5 times per week. I fish a lot lol. i have a wild horse 2.5 suspension lift with 33 pro comp mud terrains. Bronco does fine.

 

[TN1776]

I towed a 17 foot fiberglass outboard ski boat with my v6 powered S10 blazer a few times back in the day. It was no problem at all. Granted that vehicle had a slightly longer wheelbase and came with the factory tow package. Doesn't hurt to try it out taking it easy and seeing how it feels.
I also towed a 1937 Plymouth on the heaviest car carrier trailer I have ever seen, behind a 1986 K5 Blazer from Pennsylvania to California. Pulling was no problem, stopping was.
You should be fine with your setup but be careful.

 

[deltarat]

I have towed one for 40 years mine and never had the least bit of trouble,even at 70mph. I doubt the rig weighs 1000#,the tongue weight is right, so it doesn't fishtail on you.
If the tongue weight isn't right, it would fishtail with any truck.

 

[bteutsch]

I tow a 19 ft nitro 189 sport with no problems. It does have its own brakes so it makes the stopping easier. Pulls it no problem.

 

[WSM29]

Thanks for the confidence boost! The max road speed on the way to the fishing hole is 55mph. I've got a truck to pull it with if it doesn't work out. I was just looking for another reason to drive the bronco!

 

[zonian]

I tow a boat all the time, just take it easy.

 

[TheBroncoRanch]

My bud Carper always tows his boat with his Broncos

Absolutely, they tow my 16.9 ft with a 90hp outboard fine. The roadster has a factory hitch and the Baja has the Stroppe hitch.