150cc tow vehicle

I just put a deposit down on a loaded 2003 150cc, super psyched, but am realizing that my 02 Passat isn't going to cut it. I was hoping to have to avoid getting a separate TV just because the total trailer weight is in that 1500lbs range. I was curious what others have used to tow their 150/170's. I was thinking of trading in the Passat on a H6 Subaru Outback which says it can tow 3,000. The OB 2.5i says it'll do 2700lbs, but a 4 cyl scares me as a TV. My goal is to get a TV that gets a somewhat decent MPG when unloaded but won't break down if I'm doing 10-14 weekends of towing a year.

Thanks in advance!

(Future Triumph Owner)

[NCangler]

Hi Jared and congratulations on the new 150CC! I have a 215 Chaos that I pull with a F150 so I'm not going to be much help on this one but I'm sure our 150/170 guys will have some good input.

[jack7265]

jared, I had a 150CC and had a full load on it, including a troll motor with a dedicated battery. I pulled it with my Pontiac Sunfire prior to getting my Silverado truck. The Sunfire had a 2.2 liter four cylinder in it, and it pulled the 150CC just fine. Of course, it did labor just a little when going up steep bridges, but it held its own.

I imagine the best thing to do is to find out the towing capacity for your Passat, and detemine if it will be suitable over the long haul. Your going to enjoy the 150CC, it's a fine little boat.

[fridaysoff]

Jared,
I had a 170CC and pulled it with a Jeep Cherokee. It had the straight 6 cylinder 4.0.It pulled my 170CC easily. I don't think I would want less than a good six cylinder for towing a 150/170CC. I live on the coast so all of my towing was in the flatlands. You have to consider the extra weight of fuel, fishing gear,coolers,ice,etc. Don't forget you're towing several people in the vehicle to the ramp also. The major concern will be, can your vehicle safely stop your boat??? Good luck in your decision.
John D.

[clk219th]

Jared, I have an '02 150 cool that I started out pulling with a Jeep Cherokee (now a full size truck). Like the others, I don't know that I would want less than a good sixer pulling the boat. Even though towing to a ramp may be o.k., once you get ready to pull that boat out up a steep, wet ramp, you may need that extra power. I don't know about other places, but where I am, we have some pretty steep ramps. Good luck with the best boat you'll ever own.

[jfine]

Thanks for all the helpful replies everyone. I went with a Subaru Outback 3.0R. The 2.5i (H4) said it could tow 2700lbs, but figured I'd play it safe with the H6. Plus if I get the itch it should be able to tow a 190cc. ;-)