Towing - How much torque is enough?

[Mick]

I'm looking at getting an SVU to use as a daily driver and the occasional tow (3800lb loaded, open trailer) and am trying to decide on which motor between the gas and diesel.

Gas ----- 300 hp / 300 lb ft @ 1300 rpm (8 speed transmission, 16/23 mpg)
Diesel -- 256 hp / 425 lb ft @ 1750 rpm (6 speed transmission, 19/28 mpg)

I'm leaning toward the diesel, but the gas version is cheaper, quieter, and sportier. And sice I'll probably only be towing 4-5 weekends a year, as much as I love diesels, I'm not sure it's a must have.

I know there are a lot of people in the club that tow with mid-sized trucks who would think I'm crazy for questioning whether 300 lb ft is enough. But my previous truck made 600, so I'm a little worried that the gasser could feel weak in comparison. Am I crazy for thinking that?

[CP]

Hands down: get the diesel.

[wizzman]

The diesel is the obvious choice for towing. Like you however, I am only towing 5-7 times a year and half those are only to NH. I chose a vehicle that was sufficient for making those tows but still made sense for daily driving (I have a V8 4Runner as you know). Everyone has their own opinion on this as I learned when I asked about tow vehicles last year You just need to weigh your needs versus your wants and make the right decision.

[dinoracer]

Mick

My 2002 Tundra has the V8 - 245 HP @ 4800 - 315 lb.-ft. @ 3,400 RPM. I found it fine for towing the steel open trailer ( 1600 lbs) plus the '65 Mustang ( 2800 lbs) and another 200 in the bed of tires etc. Hills on the way to Mosport or the Glen made it work a little, but never dropped below the speed limit. With the lower and lighter Miata, it hardly knows it's there.

I suspect an SUV with the specs you note would be fine; if there is a longer or shorter wheelbase, get the longer ( more stable). Get the tow package, and if it doesn't have an aux tranny cooler, add one. I may go SUV myself if this truck ever dies ( 135000 miles and counting)

[breakaway500]

Diesel..diesel..diesel...diesel...diesel.

Once you own a modern diesel there is no going back. Europe has been enjoying diesels for decades..too bad our EPA has basicaly strangled the small diesel..more than 60% of Europes cars are diesels for very good reasons,including power,mileage,range and longevity.

The nice thing about the 425ft.lbs... it is always there when you need it,and sipping fuel when you don't.. (diesels have much better resale as well)

[naschmitz]

For towing a few times a year, my gasoline Silverado 1500 with 315 hp / 338 ft-lbs does a fine job pulling my enclosed aluminum trailer (2450lbs) and my Corvette (3110lbs) along with a few hundred pounds of fuel, spares, tools, etc. It has a 7500 lb tow rating.

This is my DD when I am not driving the Corvette, so I drive this truck much more often without a trailer behind it than with a trailer behind it.

[StephanAlfa]

When I had my Expedition is used exectly for that reason: tow to 3-5 event/year and I used it as my daily driver.
Mileage for daily drive: 15 mpg
Mileage while towing: 14 mpg
So there, it's predictable and you know what you getting yourself in for.
I believe Nate/John toes the Frankenspec with an Epxedition as well
Plus you have beaucoup space for a ton of things up and inclusing an air matress in case you decide to sleep on track while raining as some can relate in last year's Mosport event.
I agree with Tom to get a tow package.
HTH

[WillM]

300/300 is plenty. My previous tow vehicle had the Tacoma drive train, which I believe was 248/272, and it towed great with a 5-speed auto. My trailer setup and weight is similar to what you'll be towing.

My 5.7 Tundra is a heavier vehicle but with 381/401, and it is overkill.

I think it would be a tougher choice if you were towing an enclosed trailer (due to aero drag and heavier weight).

[paultg]

Interesting article:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/matthewdepa ... you-money/

[Brendan]

Depends on the transmission. My XTerra was a gas 6 cyl with less power and torque, and did great. The trick was, it had a 6-speed stick... Biggest issue wasn't power, it was wheelbase.

[eastcoastbumps]

V10 Twin Turbo Diesel. Do it.

[breakaway500]

^Now....THAT is towing capacity!.... .......

[Mick]

Test drove the diesel and gas versions back to back today. Christ that the diesel is fun. Even if I never planned on towing I would get the diesel.

[breakaway500]

Get the diesel..you know you want to... May the Force be with you...

[khissong]

When I first bought the BMW I picked it up In MA with a Chrysler Aspen w/Hemi V8 (not sure of the HP/TQ) pulling my 24' enclosed trailer. With nothing in the trailer on the way to get the car it was terrifying, the trailer was definitely running the show. With the car it was only slightly better. Max speed on the TP was 55 unless I felt like stopping to clean out my shorts. It was honestly the scariest thing I've done behind the wheel, I was absolutely wrung out when I got back and I've taken a taxi in Paris. I see people hauling trailers (open/closed) with not enough vehicle quite often and it always makes me think back to that trip. That being said, I'm sure things would be different with an open trailer. When it comes to towing, I think towing capacity, wheel base, torque, horsepower in that order.