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Tow Vehicle [again]

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bear
Admiral

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USA
909 Posts

Initially Posted - 11/08/2010 : 08:53:13

Well, Toyota is about to buy my 11 year old Tacoma from me because of a rotted frame. Need a tow vehicle but that is not the primary useage. What doesn't work is any Ford F 150 pickup 4x4 and Toyota Tundra 4x4, too high off the ground even with sidebars [68 years old]. I can get into the Ram 1500 Laramie [big engine] Jeep Grand Cherokee [big engine] Both the Ram and Cherokee have 5.7 litre v8's around 390 h.p, can live with the lousy mileage. Any other suggestions or comments, really need the 4x4. Chevrolet 1500 didn't impress me with the interior. Any one have experience with Toyota 4 runner?

Edited by - on

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 11/08/2010 : 10:23:44

I'm not sure why this comes up all the time. The manufacturers of vehicles spend lots of buck to let everybody know what their vehicles can safely tow. It's easy to ask them, just open the door of any vehicle in question to see if its capable of towing between 6,000 to 7,000 pounds of trailer/boat combination. I'm assuming the wing keel version. Add the weight of the LOADED vehicle to the towing weight and you have the total amount you're asking those brakes to stop in an emergency. I wouldn't rely on anybody else's opinion. The manufacturers have no incentive to lie.

Sure, you'll hear of many people that have pulled the Queen Mary with a Volkswagen Beetle (OK, exageration to make the point) for years and years and lived to tell the tale. I just hope they never do it while my kids are on the same road.

Edited by - John Russell on 11/08/2010 10:25:00

superbob
Navigator

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USA
200 Posts

Response Posted - 11/08/2010 : 14:54:05

What you buy should be tempered on how much and how far you trailer your boat. Short distances with no steep inclines to tackle could be easily managed with a 1/2 ton with a V-8 with lots of torque. Long distances, steep inclines might be managed by the a 1/2 ton small V-8 but you'd be better off with 3/4 ton diesel. Lots of low gear torque.

I've a newer Dodge one ton 4x4, big diesel with a jake brake. There's no hill I can't manage and keep at the speed limit while towing the boat. The same is true when we tow only the fifth wheel which weighs in at 12,000 plus pounds. The jake brake comes in very handy in slowing the truck and saves the brakes going down hill. Four wheel drive is invaluable when it comes to pulling the boat out of the water with a slippery ramp.

I'd feel comfortable towing the boat short distances with a 1/2 ton V-8 Chevy or Dodge. Buy one with a low speed rear end and you'll have it made.

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9080 Posts

Response Posted - 11/08/2010 : 14:58:56

WK or WB? What speeds and distances? The 4-Runner has a pretty short wheelbase and only 5000 lbs. towing capacity. The tail could end up wagging that dog, but no more so than with the Tacoma, which has an equally short wheelbase and only 3500# towing capacity. Even a C-250 WB on a trailer with an empty ballast tank is going to be over 4000 lbs, and a WK over 5500.

How about a half-ton Suburban?

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 11/08/2010 15:05:52

bear
Admiral

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USA
909 Posts

Response Posted - 11/09/2010 : 06:07:17

Dave, I towed "Brandy" up to the lake once and home in the fall for the first four years. Boat was completely stripped when doing so, only the mast remained when towing. Lately my neighbor has volunteered his big "Chevy" 3/4 ton which was no problem. My needs have changed where as I need a four passenger something that as a secondary use will haul Brandy twice a year. I already know what vehicles will handle the boat hauling chore, plus passengers. Unfortunately most of the vehicles are too high off the ground to accommodate me and my arthritis. I just was looking for input as to what C 250 haulers use. The newly redesigned 4x4 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 4x4 Ram 1500 Quad cab both with the big V8 are acceptable. Lake is 33 miles away and one big hill you can't get a run at.

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9080 Posts

Response Posted - 11/09/2010 : 07:48:46

Roger that... But going up the hill is not the real issue. Coming down the hill is, particularly if something unexpected happens. I've witnessed it (happily from another car at a distance).

Edited by - on

superbob
Navigator

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USA
200 Posts

Response Posted - 11/09/2010 : 09:10:20

If going down hill is an issue think about installing a Jake Brake on your next truck. You'll be surprised at how well it slows you down.

Another thought on purchasing another tow vehicle. Dealers should have demo trucks that come with a hitch. Ask to demo the truck....and with the permission of the dealership, hook up the boat and see if it is what you're looking for.

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9080 Posts

Response Posted - 11/09/2010 : 10:53:00

No, Jake brakes are not the answer--they're for gradual slowing, and I've only heard of them in diesel engines, where they release the compression at the beginning of the down-stroke (with a loud report). The issue is having enough vehicle mass and wheelbase to maintain stability if brakes are engaged suddenly. An 18-wheeler has plenty of braking power in the tractor and in the trailer, but when their mass and braking power breaks their traction, they jackknife and go off the road sideways and/or take out a few cars with them. Boat trailers can AND DO do the same thing if the tow vehicle is too light and short for the load. I watched a Cherokee slide backwards into a field with his boat pointing the opposite way along side him--fortunately the field was empty and flat, and everyone was OK.

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 11/09/2010 10:54:41

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 11/09/2010 : 11:51:43

You might also look for a good 4-6 year old truck, should be lower to the ground. since you need a 4 passenger something and boat hauling is the secondary issue, I'll second the recommendation to get a chevy Suburban, (or ford Expedition.) with a tow package.

Edited by - on

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4304 Posts

Response Posted - 11/09/2010 : 19:59:33

I recently used a 2006 Ford Expedition from my company for a few days (thought about buying it). Sits relatively low and has a tow rating of 8,900 lb's.

Edited by - on

willy
Captain

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USA
422 Posts

Response Posted - 11/12/2010 : 15:29:27

Wayne,
I had a 4 Runner with an 8 cylinder engine that pulled my 250WB effortlessly. The truck felt like it would run forever. The only problem I had with it was the ride. Even though I had the "Limited" with all the bells and whistles it really was stiff and bouncy.
Today I am using a 6cyl. Rav4 with a tow package and it pulls the boat fine. Before everybody "piles on" here I will tell you that I would not recommend this vehicle for everyone but it is perfect for me. I tow the boat twice a year, 7 miles on absolutely flat terrain. I live in rural lower Delaware and launch and pull mid morning during the week when there is no traffic. I go no faster than 40MPH. Understand that the issue is not with power but with too little gross vehicle weight for safe stopping.
Good Luck!
Willy

Edited by - on

bear
Admiral

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USA
909 Posts

Response Posted - 11/12/2010 : 17:26:34

Willy, I found out that the 4 runner is also an off road vehicle and thusly pretty stiff. The Dodge Ram 1500 4x4 with the big V8 is still being given high looks and is rated very high. I can live the low gas mileage. The only hill hauling is posted at 25 mph and when I was towing 15 was good for me especially going down. The Jeep Grand Cherokee also rates very good, same engine but I lose the pickup end of it. I have time on my hands to do this with towing still a secondary concern. Toyota is giving me three times what the truck is worth so I guess they want you back again.

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9080 Posts

Response Posted - 11/12/2010 : 18:45:28

How about the Ford Sport Trac--an Exporer with a short pickup bed and 6900 lb. towing capacity. The Explorer is sorta between the F-150 and a car-based SUV in terms of chasis height. I wouldn't recommend it for highway speed towing of a 25' sailboat, but for limited distance, low speed, and easy terrain, it should do as well as a Grand Cherokee, and has a small V8 option.

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 11/12/2010 18:47:33

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 01/07/2011 : 22:27:06

I tow twice a year (Lake Erie and Pensacola) with a Grand Cherokee, and it is fine for that purpose. It has 4 wheel disks, electronic trailer sway control as part of the stability control, adequate power and stability, even under very hard braking. The wear and tear of frequent towing would probably warrant a truck, and a longer wheel base is always better, but the G.C. is a safe and comfortable vehicle for my use. As a caveat, I tow at 60-62 mph in consideration of the wheelbase and get 12+ mpg. Sorry for jumping in without a 250, but I thought my experience with my G.C. might be helpful.

Edited by - on

bear
Admiral

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USA
909 Posts

Response Posted - 01/08/2011 : 01:57:20

Well I'll report on my new tow vehicle, first off when Toyota bought my Tacoma back I made about $7,000 over what it was worth. That left me a Mustang convertible which can't even look at snow and ice with out spinning it's tires and still can only carry two people in comfort. So I traded the Mustang in on a new GMC AWD Acadia, with a tow package, heavy duty brakes and heavy duty cooling system also sway control. 290 H.P. V6 with dual exhaust. Also a switch that locks out sixth gear when towing.Really wanted the Grand Cherokee but the trade in on the Mustang sucked with the local Jeep dealer. GMC dealer gave me the $2000 rebate and took another 2500 off the sticker price. Decent trade-in on the Mustang. Did I mention I needed
a people hauler when not towing Brandy. Eight people, but two would have to be children to set in the third row seats. We shall see in the spring.THANX for all the inputs above.

Edited by - on

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 01/08/2011 : 15:08:28

Sounds like a good deal. Our C250WK weighs in at 7,000lbs on the trailer. We have towed with a Yukon and it can be the tail wagging the dog at highway speed. My next tow vehicle is a 3/4 ton pickup with long wheelbase.

Edited by - on

sweetcraft
Admiral

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USA
816 Posts

Response Posted - 01/08/2011 : 23:02:16

The older 3/4 ton, 91 250 super-cab, is what I tow with now. Trailer has sway controls which makes a nice ride. Brakes are the heavy duty because truck came with the big engine. Still able to get parts and in off season truck is parked. Powerboat friend towed and lost. Boat jack knifed on the interstate and blocked both lanes. Pay attention to all the details of towing.

Edited by - on

Dave Brown
Navigator

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USA
174 Posts

Response Posted - 01/09/2011 : 12:45:50

Bear,
RENT
I use a small GMC van, 6cyl. Just to move it around. (Cat 250 WK.)
BUT, I'm tired of buying a big truck just to move the boat 2 times a year.
SO, I'v checked with some small used car lots, They will gladly rent me a
BIG pick up for $75.00 a day. Called my Insur. Co. He says " go for it ".
Let's recap, $75.00 a day truck rental, and buy the car/small truck/suv you really want.
Even if you rent it for a week, You mite work out a deal and be money a head.
I know I am.

That's my 2 cents worth.

Dave B.

______________/)____________/)__________/)))))__________
.

Edited by - on

bear
Admiral

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USA
909 Posts

Response Posted - 01/09/2011 : 15:41:13

Dave, A u-haul vehicle should also be considered by those interested. I needed a people mover more than a two time a year boat hauler. Also a vehicle that a set of ninety plus year old parents could get in and haul three teenage grandaughters at times. Inquired about renting new Toyotaa Tundra and Tacoma for hauling, fine with Toyota but no trailer hitch. Nuff written it's a done deal.

Edited by - on

britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 01/09/2011 : 19:58:47

Bear, I'm a brit, so you would think I had an issue with fords (the uk often refer to them as Fuel Or Repair Daily :)

I have an F150 Super Crew 4x4 Lariet and love it! When towing JD (typical journey is 1.25 hours) we barely know she is back there, it's only obvious when pulling from a light!

But then we tow a C250WB

Paul

Edited by - on

bear
Admiral

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USA
909 Posts

Response Posted - 01/09/2011 : 20:41:45

Paul, I pulled Brandy with my 4x4 Tacoma for many years, stripped down at that. Talk about wagging the tail, never went all that fast and had a chase vehicle with motor etc. Buddy of mine towed with his 3/4 ton Chevy lately but he is in Afghanasten for a year. I am 68 with some degree of arthritis in my hips, so a big/high truck was out of the question. We weighed Brandy last fall coming home and on the scales completely stripped except for mast and boom, no WB she tipped the scales at 5080 pds still hooked up to the tow vehicle. Title says trailer weighs 1650 pds and boat title says 2500 lbs. Sooo I knew what I needed just for twice a year [35 miles]jaunt, plus a people hauler. We will see come spring it should be fine. THANX

Edited by - on

CapnEddy
1st Mate

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USA
25 Posts

Response Posted - 01/09/2011 : 21:52:35

The "bigger is better" crowd will probably gag, but I've towed my 250WB from the Bay Area to the San Juan's (900 miles)three times with my ML320. It gets pretty challenging in the Siskiyous, but has been, all-around, a pretty good choice. Short trips for Bay launches are no problem.

Edited by - on

willy
Captain

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USA
422 Posts

Response Posted - 01/10/2011 : 18:37:24

Now Paul...I'm no huge fan of Ford...one acronym here was Found On Road Dead...but at least they dont have Zenith Stromberg Carbs!

Long Time Triumph Fan,
Willy!

Edited by - on

skybird
Navigator

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USA
135 Posts

Response Posted - 01/12/2011 : 22:46:20

I have observed that a LOT of race car owners tow their Chevy race cars to the track behind FORD trucks. My F250 is not for sale or trade!!

Edited by - on

SEAN
Admiral

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USA
772 Posts

Response Posted - 01/14/2011 : 20:33:16

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfhAL1IY4fA

Edited by - on

SEAN
Admiral

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USA
772 Posts

Response Posted - 01/14/2011 : 21:17:32

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-A7oQm-nOjM& feature=related

Edited by - SEAN on 01/14/2011 21:53:35

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