Customer Success Story: Towing a Boat to Lake Minnetonka
How [CUSTOMER FIRST NAME] from [CITY] matched a Silverado 1500 to [his/her/their] pontoon, and what every Twin Cities boater should know about towing to Lake Minnetonka.
Can a Silverado 1500 tow a pontoon?
Yes, for most pontoons. Chevrolet rates every 2026 Silverado 1500 to tow at least 8,700 lbs, with up to 13,300 lbs available when properly equipped. A typical pontoon, motor, and trailer rig weighs about 3,700 to 5,000 lbs once fuel and gear are loaded. Large tritoons with big outboards and tandem-axle trailers can pass 7,000 lbs, so always compare your boat's loaded weight with the exact rating on your truck.
[CUSTOMER FIRST NAME]'s Story
[ONE-SENTENCE SUMMARY OF THE CUSTOMER'S SITUATION, E.G., WHAT THEY WERE TOWING BEFORE AND WHY THEY NEEDED A NEW TRUCK.]
[PARAGRAPH 1: THE PROBLEM. WHAT VEHICLE THE CUSTOMER HAD, WHAT BOAT THEY OWN, AND WHAT WASN'T WORKING. USE ONLY DETAILS THE CUSTOMER CONFIRMED.]
[PARAGRAPH 2: THE VISIT. WHO THEY WORKED WITH AT MILLER CHEVROLET, HOW THE TEAM MATCHED THE TRUCK'S TOWING RATING TO THE BOAT'S LOADED WEIGHT, AND WHICH TRUCK AND EQUIPMENT THEY CHOSE.]
"[VERBATIM CUSTOMER QUOTE, APPROVED IN WRITING.]"
[CUSTOMER FIRST NAME, LAST INITIAL], [CITY], MN
[PARAGRAPH 3: THE RESULT. WHAT THE FIRST TRIP TO LAKE MINNETONKA WAS LIKE, WHICH LAUNCH THEY USE, AND HOW THE TRUCK HANDLES THE RAMP AND THE DRIVE.]
Read more experiences from local drivers on our Miller Chevrolet customer reviews page.
How Much Does a Pontoon Weigh to Tow?
Towing weight is the boat, motor, fuel, gear, and trailer together, not the boat's dry weight alone.
| Pontoon Setup | Typical Loaded Towing Weight | Silverado 1500 Fit |
|---|---|---|
| Average pontoon with motor, gear, and trailer | About 3,700 lbs | Well within every 2026 Silverado 1500 rating |
| 20-ft pontoon, 115-hp outboard, single-axle trailer | About 4,600 to 5,000 lbs | Within every 2026 Silverado 1500 rating |
| 24-ft tritoon, large outboard, tandem-axle trailer | About 7,200 to 7,500 lbs | Check your exact rating and payload first |
A common rule of thumb is that a pontoon weighs about 100 to 120 lbs per foot of length before the trailer. Weights vary widely by brand, tube count, and engine, so use your boat's published wet weight plus your trailer's weight. Also watch tongue weight and payload. Passengers and gear in the truck count against payload, too.
Find the exact rating for your engine, cab, and bed in our Silverado 1500 towing capacity guide, explore current trims in the 2026 Silverado 1500 showroom, or browse new Silverado 1500 inventory in Rogers.
Weight ranges are industry estimates from J.D. Power boat guides and towing references. Towing capacity figures are from Chevrolet for the 2026 Silverado 1500.
Launching on Lake Minnetonka
Lake Minnetonka has multiple public launches. These are among the most-used trailer ramps.
| Launch | Location | What to Know |
|---|---|---|
| Gray's Bay Public Access | Minnetonka (east end) | Three launch lanes and 112 trailer parking spaces. The busiest launch, so arrive early on summer weekends. |
| Maxwell Bay Public Access | Orono (north shore) | Three lanes; built to ease congestion at nearby North Arm. |
| North Arm Public Access | Orono (north side) | Two concrete lanes with trailer parking. |
| Spring Park Bay Access | Spring Park | Three-lane concrete ramp next to the Hennepin County Sheriff's Water Patrol station. Limited on-site parking. |
Boat ramps get slick, and a loaded trailer pulls hard on the way out. A 4WD Silverado with a 2-speed transfer case helps on steep or wet ramps. Available camera views can make backing a trailer easier, too. Confirm current hours, fees, and parking with the managing agency before you go.
Minnesota Boat Transport Rules to Know
Minnesota law requires these steps every time you leave a lake, whether or not an inspector is present.
Clean
Remove aquatic plants, mud, and prohibited invasive species from your boat, trailer, and gear before leaving the access.
Drain
Drain all water, including the bilge and livewells, and keep drain plugs out while you transport the boat.
Dispose
Throw unwanted bait in the trash. Never release bait into a lake or river.
Prep the Truck
Check hitch, ball size, safety chains, trailer lights, and tire pressure before each trip. Our service center can inspect your truck before boating season.
Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. See the DNR's current boating guide for the full list of requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Silverado 1500 tow a pontoon?
How much does a pontoon and trailer weigh?
Do I need a heavy-duty truck to tow a boat?
What do I have to do when leaving a Minnesota lake?
Match Your Truck to Your Boat
Tell us what you tow, and our Rogers team will help you find a Silverado rated for it. Send us a message or schedule a test drive.