Tow vehicle suggestions

[nateh]

We had a really old GMC V8 van which we put a lot of towing miles on. Because of its age, it had its issues, but it was super convenient. The inside was lined with shelves (previous owner was a carpenter), which was great.

I installed a third seat (ex-Toyota, even older than the van) behind and between the two front seats. Our teen slave crew chief rode there, and it reclined fully for sleeping on the road.

In a pinch, we would unroll our sleeping bags and air mattresses in the back.

[breakaway500]

"I vote the word momentum be stricken from this forum" Hmm..what would we substitute? Inertia? How about slingshot?

[WillM]

I actually had no idea the 4Runners came with a V8 option. I really like those and the V6 Pathfinder. They both have quite a bit of cargo room especially with the seats down and are both pretty easy to live with as a daily driver. The V8 4Runner is definitely pushing over my budget for one with options and acceptable mileage (I am trying to keep it under 75k miles). I will probably try and take both for a spin and see if the 4Runner is worth the $4-5k more.

I still don't know what I am going to do for the trailer. I would certainly love an aluminum one but the cost of a new one looks pretty prohibitive for me. What is the rough weight difference between an aluminum and steel trailer?

The 4.0L V6 is very strong, and its 5,000 pound towingcapacity and 1,200 pound cargo capacities are pretty good for an SUV of its size.
The 4.7 V8 is not that much stronger than the V6, however the towing capacity is 7,200 pounds.

Econo/Dively Trailers
Steel, open deck
15' runways, 6' 11" between fenders, 21' long (overall), 1451 pounds, 7000 lb GVW, $2,149
18' runways, 6' 11" between fenders, 24' long (overall), 1551 pounds, 7000 lb GVW, $2,249
http://www.econotrailer.com/Open.html


Trailex
Aluminum, bolted together, open deck
13' runways, 5' 10" between fenders, 19' 6" long (overall), 831 pounds, 3931 lb GVW, $5,641
12' 9" runways, 6' 3" between fenders, 19' 6" long (overall), 845 pounds, 4100 lb GVW, $6,002
14' 8" runways, 6' 10" between fenders, 20' 6" long (overall), 910 pounds, 5410 lb GVW, $6,782
http://trailex.com/open_bolted_car_trailers.cfm

Trailex trailers are currently $700 off (not that I've been looking )

[paultg]

http://bringatrailer.com/2011/10/19/197 ... ar-hauler/

Use the lights to get to registration first!

[Mick]

There are so few diesel options, thought this was kinda cool. I hope other manufacturers follow
"Jeep Grand Cherokee to Get Diesel Option in U.S. in 2013, Other Large Chryslers Soon After"
http://blog.caranddriver.com/jeep-grand ... oon-after/

[wizzman]

Yeah I would have loved to get a diesel SUV but like you say there are not many options out there. I think Jeep did make a very small number of diesel Grand Cherokees (CRD model) a few years back. All the other options are from Audi, BMW, Mercedes and VW which don't quite fit my budget.

[breakaway500]

Jeep made a diesel Liberty for a few years,but it's not really up to towing much, as it was a small 2.5l unit. Diesels are very popular in Europe,with over 80% of the cars and truck being powered by it. Over here...the crappy GM diesels that were built in the 70's and 80's really turned off Americans to diesel power. Too bad,as todays diesels are clean,quiet,economical,affordable,dependable and powerful. Ford makes a diesel Focus sedan available in Europe that gets 75mpg!

[Chrispy]

Jeep made a diesel Liberty for a few years,but it's not really up to towing much, as it was a small 2.5l unit. Diesels are very popular in Europe,with over 80% of the cars and truck being powered by it. Over here...the crappy GM diesels that were built in the 70's and 80's really turned off Americans to diesel power. Too bad,as todays diesels are clean,quiet,economical,affordable,dependable and powerful. Ford makes a diesel Focus sedan available in Europe that gets 75mpg!

That's UK gallons, so after conversion that is a mere 62 mpg (US).

[breakaway500]

^ 62mpg....is that all?.. Most people would die for half that mileage out of their daily drivers. I do have a few customers with VW diesels (Golfs,Jettas) and they get 50+ mpg..with excellent power.

[Chrispy]

^ 62mpg....is that all?.. Most people would die for half that mileage out of their daily drivers. I do have a few customers with VW diesels (Golfs,Jettas) and they get 50+ mpg..with excellent power.

I like the diesel Jetta, if I had a long commute I think that would be a good choice. It beats the heck out of driving a Prius.

[Grippy]

I had a 98 TDI Jetta, awesome car that got over 60mpg on the highway. Also made peak torque at 1500 so it felt faster that it actually was.
I wish Toyota would make a diesel Tacoma.

[wizzman]

I had a 98 TDI Jetta, awesome car that got over 60mpg on the highway. Also made peak torque at 1500 so it felt faster that it actually was.
I wish Toyota would make a diesel Tacoma.

I like how you tried to bring this conversation back on topic there at the end

[n1gzd]

My first choice would be a used pickup truck and a used enclosed trailer that can carry a 19 foot long 4200 lb car (my largest heaviest car).
A constrution company owner told me to get a GMC 2500 with votec engine and Allison tranny.

My second choice would be something similar but with a used enclosed trailer that can carry a slightly shorter car (17 foot car - still pretty heavy).

My third choice would be used enclosed that is only for Miata and smaller.

My fourth choice would be a used open trailer that can carry a 19 foot long 4200 lb car.

My fifth choice woudl be a used open trailer that can carry for Miata and smaller.

Rebecca

[StephanAlfa]

I have my 2cts to contribute if i may:
I first towed the Alfa with a Jeep Cherokee std shift (so no need to tranny cooler). 16 mpg normal driving (my wife did a LOT better ... ) and 14 mpg towing. I had adjustable air shocks in the back but according to Ted D. this is old technology. I now have stabilizer bars and it works great.
Nick E., towes his Porsche in a Jeep Cherokeee as well but has aluminium trailer. The occasional uphill would cause the Jeep to struggle at times but the 6 cyl inline is bullet proof.
I now tow with a Ford Expedition Eddie Bauer, 14 mpg normal, 14 mpg towing and feels like nothing. I haul ass to long distance tracks (ask anyone who has caravan with me) and feels like nothing.
The reason I like SUV is I take the 3rd row seat out on long distance tracks, put my gear and tools in storage bins (to prevent scratching and damaging the inside of the car ( ) and I carry a queen size air matress and sleep like a baby. I carry a tent just in case to store the bins outside when raining.
On tracks nearby I just fold the 3rd seat and put a blanket over and use the storage bins. Works perfect. The trailer has a toolbox and I store my gas there(so no smell inside the SUV).

So SUV is my preferred choice.
HTH

[austaz]

Not an answer for the original poster but if you are looking at used pickups also take a look at new ones. For reference I was looking at 3 or 4 year old 1500/2500 style pickups and SUV's with 40K miles on them for around 20K and ended up with my choice of the 1500 titan/ram/silverado (ford and toyota would not come anywhere near the price of the others) with upgraded engine, 4wd etc for the 25K range when buying right before year end.

So far so good, I regret not getting the 2500 with the diesel but the 1500 does the job and it was the truck the dealer wanted rid of most.