Nice.

So, you had to cut a notch or hole in the bumper?

- Mike

 

1946 Classic Gar Wood Runabout $

2006 Jaguar XK8 Loaded $

Being able to enjoy the ride and the boat show....... Priceless!

 

The only thing that I would say, as I suspect that you know, is that I would recommend that at highway speeds, I would not put it into overdrive.

I think that you have a six speed in a 2006. I'd recommend that you go no higher than 5th gear.

I am no Jag transmission expert, as some on this forum actually are, but I do know that in my other vehicles when towing my boat, after blowing up two transmissions by towing in overdrive, I was told that the overdrive gear in a car is not designed to take the stress involved with towing a boat.

I am not sure, but I suspect that the same would be true for your Jag transmission.

 

Priceless! LLOLL...

 

Only in America would you see a combination like that ^. I love it

 

How does it cope on the launching ramp?

 

This is for the ride there only. Car is MUCH to low to launch on most ramps and I would think you would have to get water in the trunk before the boat would float. My buds from the boat shows launch for me. I have only taken it for short runs but am going to the Apalachicola Boat and Classic car show in April about a 4+ hour trip. Wish me luck!

 

Bon Voyage!

 

Very nice, Savage.

Good luck, but we will expect some decent pictures as well.

 

Mileage: 245 mi (One Way)
Time: 4 hours 40 min
Gas Mileage:This shocked me, I expected less- 20 MPG

The transmission guide from ZF said that the "transmission controller (computer)would sense the towing load and adjust the shift points accordingly" and while reading this I thought "yea". Well blow me down this thing shifted wonderfully and did not hunt at all! The guide did not say to not tow in overdrive but I did not feel comfortable doing that and left it off.
Man this thing blew my mind with how well it did.

Absolutely gorgeous drive with the top down-Fabulous weather and the boat won "Best of Show- Restored"
Pictures will follow

IT JUST DON'T GET MUCH BETTER THAN THIS!

 

Congratulations all around.

If they had had a category for boat/tow vehicle, you would have, no doubt, won that too!

And, BTW, that is amazing mpg, especially in 5th gear. I think that was a smart decision not to tow it in 6th.

 

Congratulations!

 

Hi lads


I am blown away by Savage's photo of the XK8 + Gar Wood combo. Ridiculously fantastic.


I had a nice bike-rack setup on my now-retired MX5, and want to do the same with my XK8 coupe. Looks like the Curt product will fit the bill !


One question, though: does the rear bumper need removed to do the drilling ? Or can it all be done from underneath ?

 

You should be able to print directions for the install via Curt's website. I know on the XJR x308 everything was done underneath.

 

I had no problem installing without removing the bumper. I used a Dremel tool and cut to the center of the hitch where it hit the bumper and worked my way out until it fit nicely. If you do not notch the bottom it does require you reach under the bumper to attach the chain if you need them. If your not towing , bike rack, basket, etc. it does not matter.

 

I will try and get closer under the car shots in a few days.

 

Thanks, appreciated. In the Curt diagram, it looks like the bolts are into the box section behind the bumper, and that's what needs drilled (bolt #2 in the pic)


My bumper has been Tigersealed into place in the wheel arches, as the brackets had disintegrated with rust. So, I want to avoid removing the bumper if possible. Awful story with rust on Irish and UK cars.

 

Shame to hear about the rust, don't have much rust in my area..... not much ice salt on the roads in lower Alabama. Because I was towing a boat I did put a aluminum strip bar across the inside trunk and drilled through it. Felt it would give the bolts much more surface area for support and with a rust problem it might be something to consider in your case.

 

LMAO

Randy

 

Just in case anyone is thinking of ordering from Trends Auto - don't, you'll have your hands full with trying to get them to send anything after they take your money. Luckily the credit card company stepped in.


So I tried HitchAnything.com...


Two weeks later, money taken, nothing sent, lots of promises. I will let you know how it goes with them, but just take care if you are thinking of using them...