Opinions!

Looking to possibly down size my tow vehicle. I'm pulling a 18"6" bass boat with a dry weight of 1390 lbs. with a 200 Merc and surge brakes on the trailor. Been looking at the GMC Canyons, which should have plenty of power to pull, but my concern would be, will it stop me! What do you fellas think?

I would think the surge breaks should solve the stopping problem.

What are you using now? Is the wheelbase longer on your present vehicle?

[QUOTE=DJD;315100]What are you using now? Is the wheelbase longer on your present vehicle?[/QUOTE]

2002 GMC Yukon SLT. Not much wheel base difference, and as fgar as the surge brakes, I've learned never to put faith into any secondary brake, surge, electric or otherwise.

I am by far not an expert but from my experience in towing an 18ft or larger bass boat the wheelbase, tounge weight and towing packages played a big difference in handling on the Interstate with big vehicles around. Any of those being off can make for a hairy ride.
We even towed a pull behind camper with an Infinity SUV for a small trip (scary) and then used my full sized extcab p/u the next time and it felt much safer. So IMO the wheelbase and my p/u's tounge weight rating helped us to be safer. If you check the towing specs and if they are in line then it should be fine. I know someone on here will have that package and hopefully they will give their opinion. Good luck.

I have a friend with a extra cab Colorodo with the inline 5. He did the same thing downsized but from a crew cab silverado. He tows a stratos old model. He says the truck seems peppy until you hook up the boat then it works really hard and shifts alot. Gas mileage is worse than the fullsize while towing only. He says as long as you can plan ahead for stopping its ok but if someone stops suddenly it doesn't do so well. Just what I gather from the rants at lunch everyday. I suggest you take one for a overnight test drive and hook it up and drive. Good Luck :)

[QUOTE=Cobra190;315094]Looking to possibly down size my tow vehicle. I'm pulling a 18"6" bass boat with a dry weight of 1390 lbs. with a 200 Merc and surge brakes on the trailor. Been looking at the GMC Canyons, which should have plenty of power to pull, but my concern would be, will it stop me! What do you fellas think?[/QUOTE]

I have a 19' rig I have pulled it with a Tacoma and a Trailblazer. The Tacoma does a much better job in the handling department. The Trailblazer is better on the interstate, but don't make any sudden moves; you'll be sucking up the seat, it does get squirly at the higher speeds.
Your surge brakes will help you with the slowing the rig to a stop even with out the added weight of a bigger truck.
Stoner

I would go with a larger truck. I own a GMC Canyon with the I-5 and pull a Nitro 700 with it. That is all the truck wants. Also, I only get somewhere around 11 mpg when pulling the boat.

Thanks fellas, I knew if I threw this out on this site, I would get some needed imput and have decided to stay away from the mid-size market.