Do I have enough power?

[Bassin_7]

I am back and forth on boat/motor brands, but I am figuring boat, motor and trailer (Ranger Z520 or Skeeter FX20) will be about 3500lbs. Throw in gear and some fuel and we are pushing or over 4000lbs. My vehicle is a 290hp V8, with the factory towing package and it has a tow/haul switch. I believe the vehicle is rated to 5500lbs., so I am wondering if I have enough power to tow this combo.

If I was in the Midwest, I would not care, but being in Arizona and having some mountain grades to climb, I wonder. When we moved out here, the vehicle was jam packed with belongings and I was towing a single axel uhaul that was probably over loaded. I made it up the grades, but at one point I did have to down shift, but it wasn't a major problem. I am fairly certain a Bass boat is easier to tow due to the "lines".

What do you folks have to say?

[taeheel2az]

Run up and fish Lake Roosevelt and see how it handles the hills. I'd expect it to do OK, might downshift on a couple of the steeper grades, but that's no big deal.

[haftafish22]

down shifting isn't a bad thing, most v8's will down shift when ascending w/ fairly light loads. It is a safety and makes it easier on your vehicles system. I wouldn't change trucks just because of it down shifting now and then. Now, if you are down shifting, and still losing speed, the load may be a little more than what your truck was designed for. My dad's f250 diesel down shifts with the fifth wheel, but when it does, it pulls right back to speed no problem.

[Bassin_7]

I've driven up that way a few times and by itself, the vehicle has no issues what so ever. There are times where it will shift, but then it pick up and goes, no problem. The biggest one that I am worried about is heading North on 17, there are a couple of long, moderate grades there. All in all I think I should be ok, but just looking for affirmation.