My new 7,000 pound boat is coming tomorrow but when I was over at the dealership he let me tow the same model boat around to see how my 470 handled. 1: It's no powerhouse but gets the job done. (No concern) 2: I didn't brake as soon as I would have liked. Is there any mods you can do to the brakes to make it stop sooner? P.S I almost crashed into the rear end of another car so this need to be fixed. I don't have the money right now to buy a new car. Need help!!!

 

Upgrade to Tundra brakes.

 

Maybe the brakes were already worn down when you tested? Or maybe some slop in the lines after bleeding? Just throwing ideas out there because we tested a GX from the dealership and the brakes were spot on. We then tested a private party GX that recently had brake work done (with receipts) and it was night and day. I don't remember where she went but if those brakes were new, they really screwed up when they bled the lines.

 

Was that with a 7,000lb boat? Id expect the brakes to suck towing a 7,000lb boat no matter if the rotors / pads are new and the lines are bled properly.

 

I believe the brakes are new and were installed by Toyota. And will Tundra brakes fit on there?

 

I thought most trailers (especially those that carry heavy loads) have their own brakes...this should take some load off the truck?

 

A 7000lb boat would require a dual axle and brake trailer. Most of these setups would also require a brake controller in the tow vehicle, unless you are using the newer tongue actuated style. Do you have the factory tow package in the GX w/ the brake controller? Have you towed other trailers with brakes before?

Even with a properly functioning trailer and tow package, that is really at, if not beyond, the limit of the GX and closer to requiring a 3/4 ton class vehicle. The problem with braking a load over the limit, is that the brakes get less and less effective each time you use them, as they heat up. They need to cool done to become effective again and you need to change your driving habits around these limits.

 

We did not test the brakes with boat in tow but as mentioned before, a boat of that size should be on a dual axle trailer with its own set of brakes.

 

I think 7000lbs is too much weight for the GX to tow. Its only rated to tow 6500lbs MAX, you never want to tow the max rating. Plus you need to factor in the extra weight of the people youre taking to go boating in the GX with you, supplies, gas etc.

 

I see a 5.7 Tundra in your future!! That will tow it well

 

Well Said!

 

To be clear, the 6500 lb tow rating is not a suggestion. You have to add your trailer (700) your gear (500) wife (200) kids (300) etc. my math says you're way over weight. Any clue why the tow rating is in place? It's because it takes longer to stop a vehicle while towing a trailer. See the lawyer on breaking bad? You hurt somebody while over towing and 4 of those guys will set up shop in your backside. YouTube towing crashes, it's fun.

 

I have towed 2 boats with my 2004 GX. IMHO you are taking on a potential liability towing over the limit. It's not so much the power to pull but the power to stop. Did you try pulling the 7,000lb boat up a steep wet ramp. As said above, dual axle trailer with brakes on both axles, and make sure the brakes work. There is no way I would tow 7,000lbs with the GX, unless it is a very short ride to the ramp. If you hurt someone towing over the limit you are screwed. My guess is that your insurance probably wouldn't cover you.

 

You need a bigger truck!
The boat is beyond the max. capacity of the tow vehicle & just an accident waiting. Even at or near max. capacity, towing can be a real challenge.
7000 lbs. include the trailer or fuel/supplies in the boat?
Mine is 3500 lbs. empty, 1500 for the dual axle trailer with hydraulic disc brakes. Add fuel, water & all the "stuff" we take on the water I'm well over 5000 lbs..
I pull it easily with a '10 F150 4X4, 5.4l.
Very surprised the dealer is being quiet on the issue.