Guys,
I need some opinons on a practical (for me) tow vehicle. Unfortunately I don't have the loot to have a dedicated tow vehicle. I don't even have a trailer yet, my teammate does though. But, I will probably be pulling a single axle trailer when the time comes.
I want something that is comfortable that will fill multiple roles. I'm heading in the direction of a Toyota 4 Runner. I want a nice ride, since I have a bad back. Descent towing power, 4 doors, not too large. I'm looking for 4 wheel drive.
I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee now, but it's just not reliable. I'm unable to compete in a full season of racing due to my stupid job, but I'd like to hear your input. I'm leaning towards an SUV due to the multiple roles I'm looking for other than towing. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Ray
If you get anything less than a 1 ton diesel, you will be compromising, wanting for more and eventually replacing it.
You can pick up a 1 ton diesel van in the $2500 range... The van will provide shelter and/or work as a hauling vehicle aside from a trailer...
I can't say enough about getting a van, so long as it's a 1 ton diesel ;D
I use a 2000 4Runner as a tow vehicle and it's great.
Lots of room and very dependable, good gas mileage.
I know you're looking for a truck-type-vehicle but my 84 BMW 533 has been awsome for towing. It's a small car but the dealer sells a class 3 hitch rated at 4,000 lbs. With my upgraded rear suspension I've had no problem towing cars or my trailer. It's a super comfy ride too.
My point is there's a ton of cars out there that have serious hitches available and if you live in a city like me driving a large vehicle isn't practicle.
QuoteYou can pick up a 1 ton diesel van in the $2500 range... The van will provide shelter and/or work as a hauling vehicle aside from a trailer...
Well, an older one...no turbo...certainly a generation or two removed from the current diesels....and you've got to find one...that doesn't require a good amount of reasonable money to make it really "traveling" reliable.
Vans do work well. Having used them exclusively from 1989 through 1999 when I finally got a trailer.
As someone that sells trailers, many of the Japanese vehicles have "cranky" electrical systems. If you ever get to the point where you're going to up grade to a trailer that needs or you'd like to have electric brakes, they are cumbersome...and can be a bit unreliable. I'm generalizing on my own experiences of what we've delt with with customers.
I have found pickups to be much more useful than an SUV.
SUVs are nice. So are pickups. Just be sure to get a V8 engine. In a full-sized truck, the difference is only a few mpg unloaded, but when you hook the trailer on and load her up, there is no mpg difference because you will have to beat the V6 so much harder to make it do the same work. Trust someone who's lived with a bad decision since 98. Get a V8 in your truck.
My teammate has an Expidetion. It's comfortable, plenty powerful, has 4WD, traction control, ABS. I really like it.
I've got a Dodge Ram 1500 V8 Magnum. Hauls my 5x10 around great. Barely notice I've got it hooked up sometimes.
2001 or newer Chevy Tahoe/GMC Youkon. The Tow/Haul mode along with the 5.3L gas engine makes pulling a trailer very easy. Hitchcock and I just pull a 7x12 enclosed trailer with 4 bikes down to Daytona and back. With the tow/haul mode activated, you can set the cruise on 70mph and it will stay there even through the mountains. Very comfortable ride and practicle for when your not using it as a race vehicle.