The Ideal Tow Vehicle Would Be....

[ROBERT CROSS]

...the one you're not using. 🤔

Bob
🇺🇸

[Rounder44]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

...the one you're not using. 🤔

Bob
🇺🇸

Yep!

But as with me and the Tacoma wether it was set up right or not it was obvious a change of some sort was needed. I figured I could easily drop $3000 on what I think it could use or reinvest elsewhere.

I'm sure my Tundra will take me places safer and more comfortably than the Tacoma.

I just gotta stop admiring those F150's that I can't afford!

R44

[AtomicNo13]

Aluminum Ford Excursion 4x4 with an updated 7.3, ultimate tug package, nomex seating surfaces, hosable interior, Bob Carver audio....

[jcl]

One with a GVWR 1500 lbs above the tow vehicle curb weight; full time AWD (no 4x4, I want improved traction all the time); torque vectoring; no air suspension (not worth the trouble); gasoline direct injected and turbocharged for low end torque and no power loss at altitude; sport utility design (with 2 rows of seats), so it is useful when not towing, and still has reasonable luggage space in a mid size vehicle; low centre of gravity for improved handling; adaptive rack and pinion steering for better control; short rear overhang (rear axle to hitch ball) for less likelihood of sway; manual transmission; trailer sway control integrated into the vehicle dynamic stability control system, and including the ability to individually apply trailer brakes in addition to the tow vehicle brakes; full antilock braking that monitors all wheel speeds (tow vehicle and trailer) and functions across all brakes in the combination; a factory tow receiver that is strong enough to handle full FALR; power extending mirrors; integrated trailer camera option on the tow vehicle display; enhanced battery charging on descents (no battery charging when accelerating or climbing); individual tow vehicle axle height readouts on the centre display, for tuning the WD equipment, individual tow vehicle axle weight readouts on the centre display....

All possible today. The manual transmission is just a preference; a vehicle that had all the other features but with a modern automatic would do in a pinch.

[beetlebob]

I own the real best tow vehicle. Look me up

[out of sight]

Well that's a pretty nice tow vehicle, but it doesn't look big enough to hold your daily driver and a couple of Harleys.

[Al U. Minium]

Originally Posted by mikesSE

Hi,I'm having a DuraBurban built in Atlanta.It is an '08 Suburban 2500 with a 2500 DuraMax/Allison running gear.Look for a post on it as soon as it is detailed out.

That's where I was going to go when I saw this thread, but I am dreaming of a factory 2500HD Suburban with the new 6.6 gas motor. That or the same deal in the cargo and passenger full size van.

Until then, will stick to my 2500HD truck. It is nice to have a truck bed to throw dirty and or wet things into and sort them out when you get home. But with 2 large puppies I would like a bit more cab room.

[Fair_Enough]

Paid for

[mikesSE]

With the guy building my Suburban in Atlanta,you could use your 2500 as a donor and he will supply the Suburban 2500.Lookup DuramaxSpecialties in Woodstock Ga, on his facebook page.

[Tyvekcat]

I like the previous 'paid for' but If I could choose, I'd love to have a rear wheel drive Dodge Ram dually, mega cab. Rear wheel drive, lower center of gravity. I'd like to try a non 4x4 for a while

have a good one

[cazual6]

Lets get ready to RRUUMMBBLLEE!!!

Oh my, another Tow Vehicle thread. I feel like these are done by bots just to get people going.

[Ultraclassic]

Originally Posted by Rounder44

Howdy!

In the market for new truck and my 4x4 back ground has me biased for well... 4x4's! May not be the best type of truck but probably what I'll end up with.

That said what are some of the basics a tow vehicle should have?

Things such as:

Wheel size; small or large

Lift: low or high

High profile or low? Is it better to be blocking for AS of slipping under...

Drivetrain: 4x4, 2x4

Suspension: off road or street performance. Stiff or stiffer!

Automatic vs. manual. I found a model I like with manual and it has a higher tow capacity! I thought a clutch would lower it..

How much over tow weight is ideal? For instance towing a 5000 lb Airstream would you notice a difference with a truck with a 6500 rating vs a 12000 tow rating?

Not worried about brands or reliability or deals per se just the basics as a shopping tool.

Thanks,

Rounder44

Any truck can tow an airstream, the real question is what do want it to feel like when not towing, a 2500-3500 truck is going to feel stiff and tough until it is loaded down, a 6000 lb airstream isn't going to ever load that down.
See Hitch Hints CanAmRv.ca Andrew is the towing Master at set up and.adjustments

[Overstreet]

Paid off.

[rmkrum]

Amen to that! That’s the kind I’m driving right now!

[RedBearded]

If you're considering the land Cruiser I would also point you in the direction of the Sequoia. It is the same chassis as the tundra and land Cruiser but has the independent rear suspension. It also comes with air suspension if you want it, but I would t hi ink twice as the repair costs for those systems can get pricy. It also has 4x4 available and a center locking diff with low range. It does use the electronic locking system for the front and rear lockers which isn't as good but is far better than nothing. As an added benefit the current design hasn't changed since 08 so good used ones are available for a reasonable price.
I'm a bit biased as this is the vehicle I chose 😉

[sctinman44]

Originally Posted by out of sight

I tow my 28 alternately with a 3.0 diesel or a 6.7 L diesel. The 3.0 L is more than enough with 455 ft-lbs of torque. A 6.7 L diesel is overkill but it's definitely cool.

The 3.0 L & 455 torque maybe a Ford F-150 ???

[Ultraclassic]

Originally Posted by PKI

Ideal and available, unfortunately are different animals, because your prejudice and those of the market are influenced by the preferance of the OEMs, which is to make money.

Manual vs automatic - In the past, manual, hands down. You pick the gear and manage the change. They often had more gears available. However, the new autos (six speed to ten-speed) are very capable. Shifting on a curve was a very bad practice, but with multiple gears available, the shift change is less upsetting to stability and more effective at torque multiplication for best performance. So, if you are one of those folks who must be in control, get the manual. You will replace a clutch now and then if you are not an excellent driver, but the package is viable. If you are knowledgable enough to out think the computer, an auto will be a great solution. Some are even programmed to correctly chose the right gear before you think it's needed. Being a manual guy, I am amazed at the performance of today's autos. Try one, you may like it. I really do.

Blocking - simple answer. The lower the better, from both a profile and a center of gravity perspective. Unless you plan to spend a lot of time off road, lower ground clearance is better. Do not lift, lower the vehicle. Older designs are lower center of gravity and could be considered. TVs that meet, but do not significantly exceed, the required capacity are often lower profile and should be considered. Adjustable height suspensions are available on some vehicles and of value for dual use.

Capacity - only what you need.

Wheel size - smaller, but that is small sidewall. Tire size needs to be matched to load. Beyond that, the stiffer the sidewall can be, the better stability you will have. From a practical perspective, there is a limit to how low a profile is viable to keep pot holes at bay. A 50 series profile might be the line not to cross. The punt is simply the smaller rim and light truck 70 series tires.

Suspension - independent front and rear with wide track and rack and pinion steering. Stiff as to roll, but maybe not bounce and jounce. Assume stiff and not stiffer. Adjustable is even better.

4x2 or 4x4 - this gets more problematic. Best is 4x2 because it is more efficient and effective on paved roads. You may go to 4x4 if your use profile moves you to that decision, but understand that giving up best suspension to get 4x4 is a bad compromise. If you are getting stuck in a campground, you are staying at the wrong CGs. Disclaimer - we went with all wheel drive with torque vectoring to address bad weather travel issues. All a compromise as to best.

Brakes - best you can get. Upgrade over OEM is not a bad tactic. Exhaust brake is a consideration. Many find it saves the trailer and TV brakes. Note that trailer brakes must be applied to control sway. If you do not regularly practice that, an emergency event will not end well. Application of TV brakes in such an event is less helpful than some acceleration with trailer brake application. Bad weather TV only braking is not good either as the coach trying to pass the TV can result. So if exhaust brake use is contemplated, practice emergency actions until they are automatic rote.

Wheelbase - whatever will make a u-turn without backing and filling. Consider 120" to be the bottom of that range. Whatever length you chose, go for less overhangs and remove hitch shanks when not in use.

The ideal tow vehicle is one you own and use daily. The worst is one you have to buy and store until you tow your coach with it.

Good luck with your research. Go low and slow. Pat

This lines up with what I have learned
, Pat what's your rig?

Sorry in advance if your signature has this info ,I can't see it on my mobile app.using my phone

[PKI]

UC - that would be this lashup, shown here just down from a trip over the Million $ Highway 550 down from Montrose, CO. Pat