MacGregorSailors.com

Has anyone used this vehicle before? Are there any mods I should make to the Envoy? I will be towing a 2005


Thanks
Ray

I towed my X about 100 miles with an envoy once. Very uncomfortable in the sway control department, especially over 50 mph. Perhaps more tongue weight would help. Some have their spare tire mounted on the tow bar which helps add some tongue weight. I finally learned to put a few heavy items toward the front of the boat to help towing. Maybe something on the suspension or shocks could be beefed up to take out some of the springiness. Just take it slow and you should be fine.
I would also make sure there is a good sized transmission cooler on it if you are going very far with it.
Also, buy that neat trailer ball nut wrench Walmart sells for about 8 bucks and check the nut for tightness frequently. Mine came off on my recent trip from NJ to Tulsa. Very lucky the trailer did not separate from the truck.

I just purchased the GMC Envoy twin, the Chevy TraiBlazer. To be even more specific the 4WD Trailblazer EXT LT which is the extended wheelbase version in LT trim. (same as Envoy XL) I went with ythe longer wheelbase (129") and 3.73 rear axle ratio and HD limited slip locking diffs for improved towing abilities. The Envoy has the option of including the automatic air suspension leveling that the Trailblazer does not for some reason (it comes at higher price on the Envoy). On both these vehicles towing was a big consideration at the factory/engineering level and both come standard with many towing options. A large 7 quart oil pan and automatic transmission cooler to start with as well as an integrated trailering harness and factory installed frame integrated trailer hitch. The 3.73 axle ratio and heavy duty limited slip llocking rear differentials are options as is the air suspension on the Envoy. These vehicles weigh 5000 lbs and are rated as class 4 tow vehicles (up to 7000 lbs towing with proper tow options) which makes them very adequate, but not overkill for towing a MacGregor. For me it was a great compromise as my wife is not fond of pick-up trucks and this SUV fit our needs the best (mine is rated at 5300 lbs towing). Both vehicles are available with a V8 engine for greater towing ability but I feel the inline 6 is more than capable with 275HP & 275 Ft/lbs torque. As I said though I only purchased it recently and have not towed my boat ('03-26M) with it yet, (still winter here at the 49th parallel) but I am more than confident that it will be up to the task, considering my previous tow vehicle was a two door 4wd Chevy Blazer with 195hp & 260lbs/ft torque with 3.73 axle & limited slip diffs. I pulled my Macgregor out of the water up a steep grade with full ballast (emptied it half way up ramp) with that little Blazer - no problem, 5000 lbs towing capacity, but it lacked the weight and wheelbase for freeway hauling. Your Envoy should be just fine.

Edit- The integrated trailer harness is a 7-wire one, GM has a little adapter plug for it that will convert it to a 4-wire harness, they gave it to me for free, make sure your boat dealer makes the harnesss on the trailer long enough to reach up under the bumper of your Envoy.