North East Trailer Sailors

OK, I'm doing things a little out of order, I know...

I do not own a boat yet. We've been learning sailing for a couple of years and are quite convinced that a Mac is the ideal boat for us. We plan to buy in 2-3 years. Sooner if the right one comes along.

But my car is only rated for 1000lbs. It's a 2000 Chrysler 300M. It's powerful enough but I guess the fact that it's a front wheel drive is a problem?

Anyway, in a different post here I read that most full-sized cars should be able to pull a Mac. True? What are my options here? Is there any way I can get my Mac-to-be in the water without buying a new car to go with it?

once loaded, the boat is quite heavy.. im sure there will be limits with your brakes, transmission, etc that you will run into.

FWD is fine, but I think something a bit beefier will be in order.

We tow with a Land Rover Discovery II, and it is ideal, and can be had very cheap. Very good trucks (despite their reputation).

CAN you tow it with a 300M, sure, but not sure how long it will hold up.

A full size car can pull a stock, empty boat, but once you load it up.. you should have something more appropriate..

I would be on the search for a good used truck

So, if I kept the car for short trips to the ramp but used a van for longer trips, that should be OK?

That'd get us through!

What kind of mods should I be looking for for my car? Can I get a Class II hitch on it? Tranny cooler? etc.

Class 2 would be too light for the load. You will need a class 3 and trans cooler minimum. Possibly brake upgrades, new/uprated springs if possible. DO NOT drive in overdrive.

Without a truck, you might have issues with wet boat ramps..getting the boat/trailer out. The tounge will be pressing the back of the car down, reducing the load on the front wheels, causing wheel spin..

it might work.. but make sure you get BOAT/US and the trailering option.

Getting the Mac out with the ballast full is a bear, despite what the factory promotional material shows.

Join a local club, or NE-TS if you are local to us...join us at a ramp and watch us launch and recover. It is a bit more than you might think.

I know some owners that use a FWD minivan, with acceptable results. But no doubt it will stress the transmission and brake/suspension parts.

A used 4x4 truck, should be pretty cheap now-a-days, would be a best overall bet.

Or beg/steal/borrow a truck for the days you have to launch/recover.

No doubt the first day you try and pull with the 300M you will be shopping for a proper truck.

You might want to check with the dealer for possible factory upgrade options, or check out chrysler forums for their opinions for upgrades they suggest.

I bought a Mac 22s and towed it with my Dodge minivan for a short season, during which I burned out the poor old thing's transmission. When Dodge says 1000 lbs, they mean it. There are many things involved. I replaced the minivan with a high milage Ford Explorer which was disturbingly cheap, and tows like there is nothing behind it. This is the time to pick up one of these and I strongly suggest this as a very workable option. Besides, you then have all that space to carry your gear. The vehicle already is set up for towing. Take a look around, and good luck.