On 8/26/2015 12:16 PM, David Grah via montgomery_boats wrote: I towed our M15 with a VW-Jetta wagon (automatic), but coming down a short very steep grade on a very twisty road in the Adirondacks, I found that I was almost out of braking power. Luckily for us, we were now at the bottom of the grade..... However, I very seriously started looking into trailer brakes, and was planning to equip our trailer with power brakes, to assist the car brakes. As you so nicely put earlier, David, pulling the load isn't the problem; but stopping the load is. Connie, a True Believer in More Brakes are Better....
I've mostly towed my Montgomery 15 with two Toyot a trucks, both 4 wheel drive manual transmission. One was 2.2 liter 4 cylinder, one is 3.4 liter 6 cylinder.
Both pulled the boat fine with the 4 cylinder being a bit slower up grades or in headwinds. The main issue I have experienced towing with these trucks has not had to do with pulling but has had to do with braking.
I live in a mountainous area with steep grades several miles long on ways to and from places I sail. Getting up these grades can be slow but it is getting down that gets my attention. Controlling speed can be a challenge, even using lower gears, but needing to stop unexpectedly on top of maintaining speed is what I am usually most concerned about.
I assume my trucks have "stronger" brakes than the cars discussed here on this forum but don't see anyone discussing braking. I like the idea of towing with a car smaller than my trucks, but I wonder about how well these cars can brake under challenging conditions. Anyone have experience towing with a car in challenging braking conditions?
David Grah Bishop California Montgomery 15 - Sky
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