Towing a 246...

[Slipdm16]

Hello all, I just bought a 2006 Cobalt 246 with 6.2 Merc, and currently have an SUV that maxes out at 5K towing so I’m wondering what tow capacity I’d need to tow it safely.

Boat 4450-4750 lbs dry
Dual axle trailer 1000-1200
Fuel 70 gals max = 500
100 lbs of gear
Total of 6050-6550 lbs.

Does this seem right? I’m in MN and would mostly have it wet slipped on a local lake with maybe a once a year trek north to Lake Superior (3-4 hrs).

I saw a used Lexus GX (tows 6500 lbs) which looks like it may work. Any thoughts on whether the Lexus would do it, or what’s worked for you?

[AsLan7]

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Hey slipdm16. Welcome to the Cobaltchat forum. So glad you found us!

You’re estimating correctly on that boat. Probably close to 6800-7000 pounds.

Your SUV will certainly tow it although safely might not be the best word. The issue is also stopping these larger tow loads.

For an occasional short distance trip to the marina that Lexus SUV will work fine. Others will chime in shortly.

Any pics?

Again welcome aboard mate!

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[sailor55330]

Welcome-

I'd say your weights are pretty close. As a comparison, I tow an R3, which tips a lbs under 6kk. I tow that with a Sequoia. I would not tow that with a smaller vehicle, but I tend to be more cautious when towing that some. As A7 mentioned, the Lexus should do it, although at or near the limit. Assuming you would head straight north to Duluth to get to Superior. Not too many grades and it is interstate. You would probably be ok 1-2 times a year with good brakes and common sense...but definitely not my choice for repetitive long distance tows.

[Big Block Power]

I'm pushing 6k with my Durango. See that pushing not pulling.
It works out pushed that vehicle around more than I would like. I Always pulled with a suburban or Escalade. They really do handle the boat much better. Heck some guys pull their 252s and 262 with a mid-size SUV and don't have issues. Not my choice but hey it works. Be careful!

[Slipdm16]

Thanks for the responses, I figured I was close to the limit on the GX, and due to garage space limitations (and wife-acceptance-factor) I wanted to see if we could get away with a mid-sized SUV to tow it. There are a few grades heading into Bayfield, WI (gateway to the Apostle Islands), where we'd launch, but like Sailor said only a once a year trip most likely, and the trailer is newer with surge brakes. Here's a quick pic of the boat:

Photo Oct 31, 1 33 57 PM.jpg

[Slipdm16]

Welcome-

I'd say your weights are pretty close. As a comparison, I tow an R3, which tips a lbs under 6kk. I tow that with a Sequoia. I would not tow that with a smaller vehicle, but I tend to be more cautious when towing that some. As A7 mentioned, the Lexus should do it, although at or near the limit. Assuming you would head straight north to Duluth to get to Superior. Not too many grades and it is interstate. You would probably be ok 1-2 times a year with good brakes and common sense...but definitely not my choice for repetitive long distance tows.

How do you like the Sequoia? Apparently that is now wife approved

[sailor55330]

Mine is an 08 with 95k. I am the original owner and can say it has been a great vehicle. Very good ride and great turning radius. It drives much smaller than it is. I am not a huge fan of the IRS for towing but it does the job well for what I need. The tech is now outdated but still does what I need. It’s a beast in the snow and wet. I still get 18-19 on the road. All good

[Big Block Power]

The Nissan Armada is another choice? I would look at a Denali or Escalade and get a real engine though. Not a fan of the short wheel base but if Thats your only choice so be it. Or a Navigator. My wife is the truck driver around these parts. She loved the XL.

[sailor55330]

The Nissan Armada is another choice? I would look at a Denali or Escalade and get a real engine though. Not a fan of the short wheel base but if Thats your only choice so be it. Or a Navigator. My wife is the truck driver around these parts. She loved the XL.

I agree, wheelbase is a great thing. I would love to have a little more wheelbase, but it is what it is. The SUV's that BBP mentions will all do the job, it just comes down to personal preference....

[Big Block Power]

The Nissan Armada is another choice? I would look at a Denali or Escalade and get a real engine though. Not a fan of the short wheel base but if Thats your only choice so be it. Or a Navigator. My wife is the truck driver around these parts. She loved the XL.

I agree, wheelbase is a great thing. I would love to have a little more wheelbase, but it is what it is. The SUV's that BBP mentions will all do the job, it just comes down to personal preference....

Exactly and I prefer the ones that don't start with a F,

[rabiddawg]

The Nissan Armada is another choice? I would look at a Denali or Escalade and get a real engine though. Not a fan of the short wheel base but if Thats your only choice so be it. Or a Navigator. My wife is the truck driver around these parts. She loved the XL.

I agree, wheelbase is a great thing. I would love to have a little more wheelbase, but it is what it is. The SUV's that BBP mentions will all do the job, it just comes down to personal preference....

Exactly and I prefer the ones that don't start with a F,

Fiat?

[Big Block Power]

I agree, wheelbase is a great thing. I would love to have a little more wheelbase, but it is what it is. The SUV's that BBP mentions will all do the job, it just comes down to personal preference....

Exactly and I prefer the ones that don't start with a F,

Fiat?

Oh gosh. Hell no. I see enough of those every day. Lol

[kas232ca]

Exactly and I prefer the ones that don't start with a F,

Fiat?

Oh gosh. Hell no. I see enough of those every day. Lol

Ferrari? They are going to be introducing an SUV soon.

[Big Block Power]

Fiat?

Oh gosh. Hell no. I see enough of those every day. Lol

Ferrari? They are going to be introducing an SUV soon.

Right just like the lambo!

[jhnmdahl]

Sequoia will do great. Audi Q7, Mercedes GL, Touareg (especially TDI) and a handful of other SUVs are similarly capable but a but not quite as big and usually plentiful used.