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stoneybroke

We have a bit of a conundrum. We have to pull a boat weighing 1,780kgs approx 500 metres in total on the flat from a lock-up to a boat ramp and back.
Its the only time that the vehicle would be towing yet we feel it's a bit much to have to buy an expensive powerful vehicle to do this once a fortnight approx.
Can you recommend a strong second hand car to be able to do this without going overboard over engine size?
Does it have to be 4 wheel drive?
The car we are using at the mo' is a Legnum VR4 which might raise your eyebrows?
Thanks

ABayliss

I'm presuming this is on a public road. If not, anything capable of doing the job will do - many people use an old tractor for this purpose. Obviously, if it's on a public road, the tow vehicle must be road legal.
While car manufacturers stipulate towing weights for their vehicles, this isn't the legal rating. All the law says is that the vehicle must be able to stop from 30km/h within 7 metres, so for the short and infrequent run to the boat ramp you are doing, as long as your car can meet the legal requirement, I'd keep using it and wouldn't spent additional money on another vehicle for such infrequent use.
However, if you need to go further afield and tow the boat on longer trips, a more suitable towing vehicle would be necessary. Generally 4WD is the preference for towing and as they have more torque, a diesel may be the preference.
See this NZTA link for more information on the legal requirements.