Towing Capacity

[RSK0528]

Dear Members of Boardzone,

Hello. I am a soon-to-be-owner, but first I was hoping to get some help. First off, I am going to buy a bronco, regardless. I want a first gen the most, but like the third gens too. I want to know if it is possible to tow a boat with a first gen if I got one with the 289 or 302in V8. Is it possible? The boat weighs 3,000 pounds.

 

[S_bolt19]

I have seen guys do it, but it isn't real smart. The other thing is how long is the boat..you are dealing with a rig that has a 92" wheel base in an EB and that isn't a design for towing large items. The other thing is that a 3000# boat is only about 1000# less than the EB. Not a good combo. But to answer your question, it has been done. Is it recommended? nope, buy a truck to tow a boat and use the EB for playing.

 

[Fishinfool]

I towed a boat about the same as you are asking about. The old bronco was really working hard any time we came to a hill. 3rd gear was too high and 2nd to low. But the worst part is that with the short wheel base, the boat (with surge brakes) would want to push the Bronco around when it was time to stop. I put a lot of miles on the bronco towing that boat before I got smart. It works if you don't have any options. Find a friend with a truck.

 

[fast_stang_88]

Oh yeah it can pull it with no problem but with the surge brakes it is going to push you and sometimes push hard. Now if you get in a jam and have to shut it down fast you could get jacked knifed. I have seen tons of jeep with there boats or small travel trailers that this happens to. I would say get a small truck to tow the boat!!!