Blog Post

Can Your Vehicle Tow a Boat? A Brief Guide to Tow Capacity

  • By Tony Mers
  • 08 Apr, 2024
Can Your Vehicle Tow a Boat? A Brief Guide to Tow Capacity

For boat enthusiasts, the thrill of the open water is an endless source of adventure and relaxation. But before you can experience the unbridled joy of cruising, there’s a critical question you need to consider—can your vehicle tow a boat? Understanding your vehicle’s towing capacity is more than just a matter of convenience. It’s a vital aspect of safety and legal compliance, ensuring that your vessel reaches the water’s edge without a hitch. In this brief guide to tow capacity, we’ll examine the considerations you must keep in mind to determine whether your vehicle can tow a boat.

Understanding Tow Capacity

Tow capacity refers to the maximum weight a vehicle can safely tow. Exceeding this limit compromises the vehicle’s braking, handling, and engine power, leading to safety hazards for both the driver and other road users. There are several critical factors that influence a vehicle’s tow capacity, including the requirements of the specific boat, the vehicle’s powertrain and suspension, and the towing equipment.

Every vehicle differs in terms of towing capacity, so you need to check the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the specific make and model. You can find the sticker on the driver-side door jam. Additionally, you must ensure your vessel doesn’t exceed your vehicle’s tow capacity. In general, most towing vehicles can handle a boat that weighs between 1,000 and 2,000 pounds.

Determining Your Vehicle’s Tow Capacity

Knowing your vehicle’s tow capacity is not just a matter of checking a single number. It’s a process that involves assessing various elements to ensure a safe towing experience. This means looking beyond what’s printed in the owner’s manual and utilizing resources like online tow calculators.

You can also seek advice from towing professionals who can consider all the specifics of your vehicle and the boat you intend to tow. If your vehicle isn’t prepared to handle the capacity of your boat, our fully licensed and insured drivers at One Call Logistics offer top-notch boat hauling services. Our drivers are up to date on all the United States Department of Transportation regulations, so we can move your vessel with ease.

Following Safety Tips for Towing a Boat

Safety should be the compass guiding all towing endeavors. Proper hitching, loading techniques, and regular maintenance of towing equipment can mitigate risks significantly. Additionally, understanding the different dynamics of driving with a load can make a vast difference in emergency situations or under changing road conditions.

Choosing the Right Vehicle for Towing

When shopping for a car or truck with the intention of towing a boat, it’s essential to consider vehicles designed with towing in mind. Look for features like heavy-duty suspension, a powerful engine, and integrated towing packages. Luckily, there are many models equipped with these features, so you should have no trouble finding a vehicle that accommodates your boat.

With this brief guide to tow capacity, you can determine whether your vehicle can tow a boat. Understanding your vehicle’s towing abilities is more than just a technicality; it’s a safety imperative that ensures the protection of your family, fellow drivers, and your beloved boat. Invest the time into learning your vehicle’s towing capacity, follow proper practices, and never underestimate the importance of a capable towing vehicle. When in doubt, contact the experts at One Call Logistics—we’re standing by to help you transport your vessel.

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Shipping motorsports vehicles, such as motorcycles, ATVs, or jet skis, requires careful planning and consideration due to their size, weight, and sometimes delicate nature. Here are some general steps to consider when shipping motorsports vehicles: 


  • Choose a shipping method: Decide whether you want to use a specialized vehicle transport service, a freight carrier, or another method. The choice may depend on factors such as cost, convenience, and the level of service required. 

  • Prepare the vehicle: Before shipping, ensure that the motorsports vehicle is properly prepared. This includes cleaning it thoroughly, removing any personal belongings or loose items, and securing any removable parts to prevent damage during transit.

  • Check for regulations and requirements: Research any regulations or requirements related to shipping motorsports vehicles, both domestically and internationally. This may include paperwork, permits, or specific packaging instructions.

  • Choose appropriate packaging: If necessary, package the vehicle securely to prevent damage during transit. This might involve using specialized crates, pallets, or protective coverings.

  • Arrange pickup and delivery: Coordinate with the shipping company to schedule pickup of the vehicle from your location and delivery to the desired destination. Make sure to provide clear instructions and contact information for both pickup and delivery.


  • Insure the shipment: Consider purchasing insurance for the shipment to protect against loss or damage during transit. Most shipping companies offer insurance options, but you may also choose to use a third-party insurer.

  • Track the shipment: Utilize any tracking services provided by the shipping company to monitor the progress of the shipment and ensure it arrives at its destination on time.

  • Receive and inspect the vehicle: When the vehicle arrives at its destination, inspect it carefully for any signs of damage or discrepancies. Note any issues on the delivery receipt and contact the shipping company immediately if necessary.

  • By following these steps and taking appropriate precautions, you can ensure a smooth and secure shipping process for your motorsports vehicles.

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Cost Efficiency: Drive-away services can often be more cost-effective than transporting vehicles via traditional methods such as towing or shipping. Since you're essentially hiring someone to drive the vehicle to its destination, you may save on transportation costs.

Time Savings: Drive-away services can often be quicker than other methods of transport, especially if you need to move vehicles over relatively short distances. This can be particularly useful if you need vehicles delivered promptly to meet customer demands or deadlines.

Flexibility: Drive-away services can be more flexible in terms of scheduling and routes compared to other forms of transportation. You can often arrange for pick-up and delivery at times that suit your schedule, and drivers may have the flexibility to adjust routes based on real-time conditions.

Personalized Service: Drive-away services often provide a more personalized experience, as drivers typically work closely with clients to ensure that their specific needs are met. This can include things like handling special requests or providing updates on the status of the delivery.

Comprehensive Solutions: Some drive-away logistics companies offer additional services beyond simply transporting vehicles, such as vehicle inspection, detailing, or even temporary storage. This can provide added convenience and value for businesses with more complex transportation needs.

Safety and Security: Reputable drive-away services with One Call Logistics contract experienced and vetted drivers who are trained to handle various types of vehicles safely and securely. This can give you peace of mind knowing that your vehicles are in good hands during transit.


Overall, utilizing a drive-away logistics service with us can offer a range of benefits, including cost savings, time efficiency, flexibility, and personalized service, making it a viable option for businesses and individuals needing to transport vehicles.

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