I am thinking about buying a 1994 21' Chaparral that weighs 3400 lbs. The trailer is a dual axle with surge brakes. Can I safely tow this boat? The main lake I will be going to has 3-4 ramps within 2 miles of my house, but there are a couple lakes within about 100 miles that I would like to visit as well. This would include interstate/highway driving.

Thanks

 

What do you drive?

 

Ha - I guess that would help wouldnt it. 2001 4runner, 6cy auto, 4wd.

 

I tow a 3000# camper (w/o surge brakes) plus gear and family and find it to be a chore on hills but bearable.

 

You'll be fine. I would invest in a transmission cooler. A nice receiver hitch too, you probably already have one though.

I've towed alot more weight then that alot farther distance without any problems. Your definately not going to break any land speed records though.

TRD makes a nice transmission cooler kit that comes with everything you need. Or you can go to your autoparts store and just buy everything you need seperately, this would be a little cheaper. I have the TRD kit though and like it alot. There is a how-to in the tech section. Install takes no more then 2 hours and most of that is just making sure everything looks pretty.

 

i do the above with an old 3.slow so HA!

i would say its ok.

 

Thanks for the input. My main concern was down long hills. The boat/trailer combo is probably near the same weight as my 4runner, and I would hate to get in a scary situation on the interstate. Im a pretty slow driver, and dont set land records anyways , I just didnt want to get into trouble.

 

Oh, YEAH?!?!?! I towed the same camper for 6 years with a '90 3.slow! HA!!! HA!!!

 

Maybe plan on upgrading brakes??

 

Hey man, Nice choice of boat, YOU WONT have any problems! a tranny cooler would be nice tho. I plan on getting a Mariah in the next two years that size or 20 foot and ill def be using the runner to pull it!

JUST ONE THING!
Have fun!!

 

Good point. My OEM brakes were pitiful when trying to quickly stop that 3000 lb. beast pushing me along. The change to the Performance Friction pads helped somewhat.

 

Bear in mind that if the boat weighs 3400 pounds it's going to be on a 1000 pound trailer... But I agree with the above - drive sensibly and you can do it, get a tranny cooler, be sure your brakes are in top shape.

I strongly recommend trailer brakes. You will appreciate them, I promise.