Towing vx deluxe with a toyota corolla - PWC Forum: The best hang-out for Personal WaterCraft enthusiasts

g88ghost · 08-07-2011, 03:19 AM

As the title says. I am wondering if I can tow my 2007 toyota corolla can tow a yamaha vx deluxe as I am about to pull the trigger and purchase one. I have a truck to tow it, but I am curious if it possible to tow it with my car. I have looked in my cars owners manual and it says the max towing capacity is 1500lb and I even went to Uhaul and the guy there said it would be possible. My fear is the boat ramp. I'm afraid that due to the angle of the ramp my car may slip into the water. Any thoughts would be much appreciated. What is the average weight of a single trailer anyways?

Ernest T · 08-07-2011, 08:24 AM

You could tow it. Total weight is going to be maybe 1200 lbs max. with gas and the trailer, but I wouldn't want to tow it far. Towing puts considerable strain on the transmission on vehicles that are not really designed for it, but should not be a problem for short hauls.

I think your concern about getting the ski out of the water at the ramp is the more important consideration. Having front wheel drive will help. But a lot depends on the ramp (angle, how slippery it is, etc.). When I used to trailer my ski, there was one ramp that was very steep and very slippery. If there were any moisture at all on the ramp (rain, water dripping off boats, etc.) then even large trucks would have to be towed back up the ramp, so ramp selection is important.

The other problem with a car is that the back of the car and tow hitch are very low. On some ramps you may find that you would have to submerge the rear end of the car to get the ski far enough into the water to float it.

Scout out the available ramps for the best location, and maybe take a friend along with a truck the first time in case you need a tow. I think you will probably be OK, but you don't want to end up like this: ‪jet ski ramp gone bad car sunk‬&rlm; - YouTube

YamaDoo · 08-07-2011, 07:15 PM

I used to tow with a 1999 mk4 VW Jetta, you should be OK.

g88ghost · 08-08-2011, 01:21 AM

Yeah I don't plan on hauling it with car for long trips. Only to the local lakes. One of the lakes near me does have a steep boat ramp so that is what concerns me. Lol I don't want to make my car a submarine. Also I am totally new to towing anything, let alone a ski. Is there any tips or tricks you guys would suggest I do to help make things easier when towing and launching the craft.

Outlaw · 08-08-2011, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by g88ghost

Yeah I don't plan on hauling it with car for long trips. Only to the local lakes. One of the lakes near me does have a steep boat ramp so that is what concerns me. Lol I don't want to make my car a submarine. Also I am totally new to towing anything, let alone a ski. Is there any tips or tricks you guys would suggest I do to help make things easier when towing and launching the craft.

I would get a pair off traction mats like they use in winter for icy spots. If you start to spin place the mats under your front tires they work great. I use them when plowing snow if i get stuck. When trailering the two hardest things to get used to are backing up and making turns in tight spaces.

When backing up with a single place trailer it is harder to view the trailer because it is so narrow your side view mirrors will only pick it up if your jack-knifing it. You turn the steering wheel the opposite way you want the trailer to go. Back it up so that fenders are water level make sure your park brake is on. Carry a tow strap about 25' so if you do need apull up the ramp you will be prepared.

When loading make sure the trailer is backed up so that about one third of the bunks are outta the water. This will allow you to come slow by shifting outta forward and into neutral to slow down your momentum. once centered on the partially submerged bunks you can power it right up to the winch post. Then just snug it with the winch. Make sure you use a tie down for the stern. When you go to go up the ramp use your foot brake like a clutch with the accelerator as you feel the tranny grabbing hold and building torque let off the brake, I hope you have an auto trans cuz a stick is more difficult with the clutch.

When making turns in tight places you want to swing as wide as you can cuz the ski needs the room to turn without cutting to close to objects. The trailer because it is being towed tends to cut corners so you have to go wide or you will be sending more pictures for repair.

Outlaw · 08-08-2011, 08:56 AM

If you can't find traction mats buy a pair of carpeted floor mats to put in front of the tires. they will do also and get a bag sand and keep it in your trunk it also gives traction on slimy ramps.

Ernest T · 08-08-2011, 09:00 AM

Like Outlaw said, the hardest thing is backing the trailer and ski. Before you try it at a busy boat ramp go to a deserted parking lot and practice until it is second nature. I was given a tip from a friend to push the bottom of the steering wheel in the direction you want the trailer to go and that helped me get started.

The other thing you want to do is get the ski completely ready to go into the water before you get on the ramp. Most ramps will have an area that you can pull into to prepare everything before you pull on to the ramp. So do all that stuff ahead of time (make a check list...........put in drain plugs, put on life vest, undo rear tie downs, disconnect trailer wiring, make sure ski will start and attach lanyard, etc..) Its sometimes high pressure on the ramp, and you don't want a bunch of guys yelling at you while you are trying to get the ski in the water. Prepare ahead, then take your time backing down.

If you've got a second person with you, it helps to put them on the ski before you back down the ramp, then all you have to do is undo the winch. Then they dock the ski and wait for you to park the trailer. If you are alone you will need a dock line so you can walk the ski over and tie it off while you park.

g88ghost · 08-09-2011, 12:09 AM

Thanks guys. I will definitely get some pieces of carpet to add traction, just in case. I did research my local lakes and it seems lake elsinores ramp isnt too steep, and is gradually sloping. Now if only I can make up my mind on a ski, I keep going back and forth between the vx deluxe and a gti/gts. Something tells me that i'll like the gts better due to it having a little more power. I am a bigger guy (280lb). Both seem like they will be great to carry multiple people on. Only thing I don't like is I have been reading that the seadoo is a dryer ride, which to me kinda sucks lol.