|
|
12-21-2016, 07:22 AM
|
#1
|
2 Rivet Member
1970 27' Overlander
Little River
, South Carolina
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 26
|
need vehicle advice for 2 big dogs...
Hey guys, looking for a little advice on a tow vehicle. Currently we have a 1986 31' Excella, which we tow with my 2007 Chevy 2500 Duramax Crew Cab Diesel. It is myself, my wife, my 11 year old daughter and my 9 year old daughter, and currently our 4 year old english lab, Daisy. She's around 100lbs now that we've got her on a diet. We decided the other day that it's time to add to our family and get another english lab. We are getting from the same breeder as Daisy, with same parents, thus assume that we'll be looking at least at another 100lb dog. We always bring Daisy camping with us, and will continue to bring both dogs now. What I'm trying to decide is what to do about the vehicle space. It was plenty cramped with the dog in the back seat with the two girls, but manageable. Two dogs won't be. Right now my Duramax will pull my camper anywhere I want to go, with great fuel economy to boot. I need a larger vehicle that will accommodate the extra passenger, but still give me ample towing power. Any suggestions? What are you folks using? We often camp in the TN mountains, and to get there, we have to go up a 7% grade for a stretch. My buddy tried pulling his camper up that grade with his 2500 Silverado 6.0 Gas truck and had to pull over due to overheating the trans and stress on the engine. I pulled right on up at 70mph and my temps never climbed 1 degree. I will be purchasing the different tow vehicle SOLELY for camper pulling, and nothing else, thus it doesn't have to be new or nice. I'm a car builder hobbiest, so I am not afraid to make modifications or repairs on whatever I buy. I'm sure it'll get a new interior regardless. I'm keeping my truck, as I need it for other uses, so this will just be a special purpose vehicle, thus I don't want to spend an arm and a leg...
|
|
|
12-21-2016, 07:33 AM
|
#2
|
Rivet Master
2018 27' International
Southeastern MI
, Michigan
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 2,344
|
'96 Suburban 2500 gas or diesel, or Excursion gas or diesel
__________________
2018 International Serenity 27' FB
Michelin 16” tires
Hensley Arrow hitch
Tow Vehicle: 2020 F-350 6.7L Diesel
|
|
|
12-21-2016, 09:10 AM
|
#3
|
Rivet Master
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake
, Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
|
Why not put a topper on the pickup you already have?
__________________
Doug and Cheryl
2012 FC RB, Michelin 16, ProPride 1400
2016 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4X4 Ecodiesel 3.92 axles
The Truth is More Important Than the Facts
|
|
|
12-21-2016, 10:40 AM
|
#4
|
Rivet Master
2014 20' Flying Cloud
Sag Harbor
, New York
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 17,523
|
How about a much smaller second dog, like a Miniature Schnauzer?
Smart as all get out, and very loyal to children . . .
|
|
|
12-21-2016, 10:47 AM
|
#5
|
Site Team
1964 26' Overlander
1964 19' Globetrotter
OlyPen
, Washington
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,936
|
How about a 3/4 ton van? Lots of seating, highly customisable (adding windows, etc) tows and a lightly used one will have a decent price point.
https://www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/express-cargo/
|
|
|
12-21-2016, 10:56 AM
|
#6
|
Rivet Master
2013 30' Classic
Greenwood
, Mississippi
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 12,111
|
Topper with windows that open and a fan-
Dogs ride in the bed-
__________________
2013 Classic 30 Limited
2007 Silver Toyota Tundra Crew Max Limited 5.7 iForce
2006 Vivid Black Harley-Davidson Road King Classic
1999 Black Nissan Pathfinder LE
TAC #MS-10
WBCCI #1811, Region 6, Unit 56
Airforums #70955
|
|
|
12-21-2016, 10:57 AM
|
#7
|
4 Rivet Member
2014 27' Flying Cloud
Stowe
, Vermont
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 338
|
A cap on a pickup would not be a good idea in the south to have your dogs in - too hot. Something like a "jacked-up" Suburban would be good if you can be sure about the towing capacity, shocks, etc. We live in northern VT and only go short distances in the warm months with our 165 pound Newfie with the back of the pick-up's cap open.
|
|
|
12-21-2016, 11:06 AM
|
#8
|
2 Rivet Member
1966 24' Tradewind
Burnaby
, British Columbia
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 48
|
I second the Van option
I was in a similar position when I bought my airstream. 120 lb dog and a large grumpy cat. I went with a Ford Cargo Van 350, with a tow mode. It was well priced ( a lease return) well maintained and,low miles!
I have tons of room for storing dogs, gear and coolers, and you could easily buy a couple seats for your kids and still have tons of room. I have done lots of 6 and 7 grades and it pulls beautifully!
Best of luck!
|
|
|
12-21-2016, 11:16 AM
|
#9
|
4 Rivet Member
2005 25' Safari
palm beach gardens
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 290
|
The ideal tow vehicle for you, me and a lot of people would be the 2500 or 3500 Chevy or GMC Suburban with Duramax diesel. They do make them for fleets and they do conversions. I understand you can contact the company that make the ones for fleets and they may have extras they will sell. I am attaching a couple of links that may help or Google it. Get your wallet ready for a hard hit, but what a great vehicle.
duramaxsuburbans.com/DuramaxYukon.html
gmauthority.com Or check with the Secret Service.
|
|
|
12-21-2016, 11:51 AM
|
#10
|
2 Rivet Member
1977 Argosy 28
Fallon
, Nevada
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 45
|
Sliding rear window, cap, insulation
1. Put a cap on the bed.
2. Replace the rear window with sliding glass and web or net to keep dogs in bed.
3. Create secure padded area around window so dogs don't get overrun by loose stuff in a quick stop or collision. (You appear plenty creative for this!)
4. Insulate cap: more padding.
Result:
A. two happy daughters who can reach back into cap to pet dogs
B. two secure and happy dogs that can reach through the net to lick daughters' ears
C. two happy parents, secure that their children are belted in and secure and not subject to being clobbered by unsecured dogs in an accident and secure that dogs don't cause accident.
D. less breakage due to stuff shifting in pickup bed or getting rained on.
|
|
|
12-21-2016, 11:51 AM
|
#11
|
2 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
2006 39' A-Series
Eagle River
, Wisconsin
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 24
|
Ram MegaCab 2500
A Ram mega cab is awesome with a cap on the bed. We have three very large dogs and it works great. Previously used a Yukon XL.
|
|
|
12-21-2016, 12:11 PM
|
#12
|
Site Team
2007 30' Classic S/O
Somewhere
, South Carolina
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,436
|
You need to hear from Seemore and their Great Dane ponies they travel with.
__________________
S/OS #001 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9L 6 Speed
16" Michelins, Hi Spec Wheels, Max Brake, Dexter 4 Piston Disc Brakes, Carslile Actuator, Equal-I-Zer, Dill TPMS. Campfire cook. BMV-712. DEMCO 21K Lb Cast Iron coupler
|
|
|
12-21-2016, 12:17 PM
|
#13
|
2 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
Currently Looking...
gainesville
, Virginia
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 31
|
VT Wanderer SEZ: ".... We ... go short distances in the warm months with our 165 pound Newfie with the back of the pick-up's cap open."
Humans can get a very bad headache (or worse) when riding thusly, from carbon monoxide poisoning. I don't know if dogs get headaches, but they can suffer from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Carry On!
Gary
><>
|
|
|
12-21-2016, 01:32 PM
|
#14
|
Overland Adventurer
1991 34' Excella
2009 34' Panamerica
Telluride
, Colorado
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 2,476
|
How about a 7.3 diesel Excursion.
Find a nice one and spend just a little to make it a forever vehicle.
We love ours!
|
|
|
12-21-2016, 02:36 PM
|
#15
|
Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
Walnut Creek
, California
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 3,952
|
Custom TV
I am always looking for an excuse to see a custom dedicated tow vehicle built. Someone else's money, time and effort is a great incentive.
Option 1 is to find the right vehicle and make it a life time TV. Someone else beat me to that suggestion, so.
Option 2 is to find a wrecked version of the truck you like so much. Throw away/sell the torn up body and install a Suburban body of your choice. My choice would be vintage, but whatever trips your trigger, cause you need to be properly motivated. Slam the suspension, but keep it firm enough to tow well - no TV should have a jacked up suspension - sorry - a low center of gravity is a winner and on a dedicated tow vehicle it is a must have. You say the rest works well for you now, so it should continue to be a winner. Might increase the AC, fuel tankage and cooling system just cause you can.
Option 3 is to build your pups their own dedicated cap with good ventilation and safety. Might even install some AC - it is custom, right? The right configuration may be a business opportunity as this question has come up before. Since you use the truck for other purposes, a removable module might well be appropriate.
Option 4 is to shift your plan and trade for an AS moho. Talk about a great project and if you are considering a second drive train to maintain, no harm done with the consolidation. You can even use your hot rod for the TOWD.
Travel Safe - Pat
|
|
|
12-21-2016, 03:04 PM
|
#16
|
4 Rivet Member
1973 31' Sovereign
Middletown
, California
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 424
|
I'd put an insulated cap over the bed and replace the back window with an air-tight boot into the now doggie pod! Get a cap with double doors like a vans rear doors. Or get a van.
|
|
|
12-21-2016, 03:27 PM
|
#17
|
4 Rivet Member
2003 31' Classic
Terra Alta
, West Virginia
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 274
|
X2 on the 7.3 Excursion. It's everything you need and lots of pulling grunt.
Dave
|
|
|
12-21-2016, 03:33 PM
|
#18
|
4 Rivet Member
2003 31' Classic
Terra Alta
, West Virginia
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 274
|
Or our County animal control has a great animal transport. A 2500 truck with heat and air to the kennels in the rear. Uses the engine heat and air.
Dave
|
|
|
12-21-2016, 04:12 PM
|
#19
|
Remember Burma Shave!
2006 19' Safari
2000 25' Safari
1985 25' Sovereign
Fort Myers
, SW.Florida
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 510
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by AtomicNo13
How about a 7.3 diesel Excursion.
Find a nice one and spend just a little to make it a forever vehicle.
We love ours!
|
This is the best choice hands down ... and fit it with a bar separator to keep them in the rear
|
|
|
12-21-2016, 04:38 PM
|
#20
|
Rivet Master
1971 25' Tradewind
1993 34' Excella
Currently Looking...
Estancia
, New Mexico
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,743
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by ktgsmokey
A Ram mega cab is awesome with a cap on the bed. We have three very large dogs and it works great. Previously used a Yukon XL.
|
The Ram mega cab cab really is mega. You could go bowling back there. I have a Ram Club cab which is a 4 door each with a operating window. but not a mega. I have a 40# and a 30# dog and have plenty of room in the back.
__________________
Sail on silver girl. Sail on by. Your time has come to shine.
|
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|