If you’ve been dreaming of zipping across the water on your jet ski or personal watercraft (PWC), you’ve probably run into one big question: Can your car handle towing it?
You’ve got a small sedan, no plans to trade it in for a truck, and now you’re wondering if you can make it work.
Here’s the good news: Yes, you can tow a jet ski!
But there are a few things to keep in mind so you don’t end up stuck on a steep boat ramp, or worse, watching your sedan slide into the water.
The 1/3 Rule: Your Key to Safe Towing
Let’s talk about towing limits.
Most cars can handle anywhere from 500 to 2,000 pounds, but that’s just the starting point.
When you’re pulling a PWC, you have to consider more than just the weight—it’s about the ramps, the gear, and even waterlogged trailers. You need to follow the 1/3 rule.
What’s the 1/3 Rule?
Here’s the simple math: take your car’s towing capacity and subtract one-third.
For example:
- 1,500-pound towing capacity
- Divide by 3 → 500 pounds
- Subtract from the max → 1,000 pounds total towing weight
This rule gives you a buffer for steep ramps and extra weight from gear, fuel, and water. Ignoring it could leave you spinning your wheels—literally.
Adjust for Your Situation
Not all ramps are created equal.
Some are gently sloped, while others feel more like cliffs.
Combine that with your car’s horsepower and traction, and you may need to tweak the 1/3 rule a bit. Better safe than sorry, right?
Braked vs. Unbraked Towing: What’s the Difference?
Towing weight ratings fall into two categories:
- Braked Weight – For trailers with their own brakes.
- Unbraked Weight – For trailers without brakes (most PWC trailers fall into this category).
Always use the unbraked weight to be on the safe side, especially since most single and double PWC trailers don’t come with brakes. (At least in the USA).
Is Your Car Up to the Task?
If you’re towing a single PWC, you’ll want at least 150 horsepower. It’s not just about moving forward—it’s about stopping, starting, and climbing those steep boat ramps.
But horsepower isn’t everything.
Good traction is a must, so all-wheel drive is your best bet if all you got are cars. And don’t skimp on quality tires; they make a big difference when you’re pulling extra weight.
Don’t Forget The Light Hookups!
Towing a trailer? You’ll need working trailer light hookups.
Installing them isn’t always straightforward. Often, you’ll need to pop out panels in your trunk to connect the wiring. It’s not the prettiest setup, and if it’s done poorly, the wires can dangle.
Pro Tip: If you have a shop install the hitch and lights, ask them to test everything before you leave. Trust me, it saves a ton of headaches. I’ve seen countless folks pick up new trailers only to find the lights don’t work—usually because of their car’s wiring.
Should You Disconnect the Lights at the Ramp?
The debate about disconnecting trailer lights before backing into the water is a long one. Technically, it’s a good idea—it can protect your lights and wiring from damage.
But here’s the thing: I don’t do it.
After years of towing PWCs, I’ve never had an issue. Corrosion happens no matter what, so in my experience, it doesn’t make much of a difference.
That said, if you want to play it safe, go ahead and unplug them. Better safe than sorry!
Can your car tow a jet ski?
Towing jet skis with your car is totally doable… you just need to follow some basic guidelines.
Stick to the 1/3 rule, make sure your car has enough horsepower and traction, and don’t forget the trailer lights.
With some preparation, you’ll be hitting the water in no time!
