Can I Tow a 17 Foot Boat with a 2002 Cadillac DeVille

Published 04/07/2010

Question:

Do I need to put air shoks on rear. Hauling a 1957 17 wooden boat

asked by: Jeff K

Expert Reply:

You must abide by the weight capacity of the hitch or vehicle, whichever is lowest. Adding air shocks or springs will not increase the capacity of the hitch and, unless Cadillac has specified, it will not increase the towing capacity of the DeVille.

Check the owner manual to see what the towing capacities of the car are. This Curt hitch, part # 12058, will fit a 2002 Cadillac DeVille and it has gross trailer weight capacity of 3500 pounds and a maximum tongue weight of 350 pounds. If the combined weight of the boat and trailer is more than 3500 pounds, or the tongue weight is more than 350 pounds, you will need to use a larger vehicle to tow the boat.

If you find the towing capacities of the DeVille and the gross trailer weight and tongue weight of the boat and trailer, you will have all the information needed to determine if you can safely tow the boat with the DeVille.

expert reply by: Patrick B