Best tow vehicle?

[purman]

I think the best tow vehicle is the one your happy with...

Just went to the Tetons and back and if you have ever driven Hwy 139 over douglas pass in colorado, straight up form 4,600 to 8,268, and back down and you didn't have white knuckles when your done, you have a great tow vehicle.. My Sequoia was a dream.... Then take Utah Hwy 191 out of Vernal up to I-80 in WY.. If you are still happy with your TV then it's a keeper.. 9 switch backs 8-10% grade over like 10 miles... fun................. UP AND DOWN>>>>

I'm Happy with mine....... pulled like a dream, plenty of power if I want to speed and no brake over heating.. stopped on a dime...(well maybe a bunch on dimes in a line)

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by purman

I think the best tow vehicle is the one your happy with...

Just went to the Tetons and back and if you have ever driven Hwy 139 over douglas pass in colorado, straight up form 4,600 to 8,268, and back down and you didn't have white knuckles when your done, you have a great tow vehicle.. My Sequoia was a dream.... Then take Utah Hwy 191 out of Vernal up to I-80 in WY.. If you are still happy with your TV then it's a keeper.. 9 switch backs 8-10% grade over like 10 miles... fun................. UP AND DOWN>>>>

I'm Happy with mine....... pulled like a dream, plenty of power if I want to speed and no brake over heating.. stopped on a dime...(well maybe a bunch on dimes in a line)

Since my DW shares the driving, I would change only one word...

Whatever we are comfortable with. Comfortable as in safe.

After all, I'm not happy until she's happy.

[purman]

Wish my wife would drive.. She might not cut the gas station curb short and dent the hub caps on the trailer like I did... She is just not sure about that extra 28 feet...

Maybe I should have her drive it to work for a week it would cure her our make her more adamant about not driving...

[mustang]

I think the best tow vehicle depends on What is being towed. I also beleve that the tow vehicle reflects the person who owns it, (personality)

[Gene]

Jason,

I would think the stresses of your wife's job must be far more intense than towing a trailer.

My wife has driven sometimes, usually in places where there is little traffic. Her first time was on a lonely 2 lane blacktop in the Mojave Desert. Later she got in several hundreds of miles in the middle of Nevada and some of the Utah desert. A couple of weeks ago she graduated to one mountain pass and a winding narrow road (just south of Carbondale, Colo., over McClure Pass, along the narrow road alongside Paonia Res.). Pretty soon she'll be driving through big cities and backing into FS campgrounds. Just takes time.

Gene

[Minnie's Mate]

Originally Posted by Chef Jeff

Hi there! I am looking at a 2005 25' safari with empty weight of 5325 lb. My ford explorer can tow 5600 , so I thought I was set, then after researching the forum, looks like a bad idea if I don't want a white knuckle experience. So, I am considering trading up to something that can handle towing better, and my question is: Any recommendations on a vehicle/truck that can easily handle the towing of the trailer, but somewhat reasonable on gas, as it will also be used as my vehicle for everyday driving. Thanks in advance for your time! I am just starting to research this lifestyle (lots to learn).

With the trailer you are considering, any 1/2 ton or larger tow vehicle can handle it.

[ostream]

Originally Posted by RUMSHIP

You can’t beat a diesel for towing. Give it up you gas guys. I pull a 32’ excella and would not use anything else. I did pull a 16’ bambi for a short time and didn’t even know it was back there. The thing with my 07’ 6.7 litter Dodge is that it has 3 break systems. Transmission, exhaust and 4 wheel disc. I hardly ever touch the brake peddle. It’s a ¾ ton, which is important for any type of towing and or hauling. The ½ trucks are good for lighter loads and trips to the store. Towing, I get 15 miles to the gallon at 65 mph. The cost for fuel might be more right now, but I feel the mileage and ease of towing out ways the cost. This is also my daily driver in which I get over 17 mpg.

+1 for focusing on braking! Many folks don't think about this issue until going down the multi-mile 6% grade, with cross winds, rain & big-rig traffic!

I upgraded my '03 Dodge (w/Cummins diesel) to the new version with integrated exhaust brake and now enjoy stress free mountain towing. I can comfortably say that I plan to always include an exhaust brake as a requirement for any tow vehicle that I would own!

[Lothlorian]

My 2006 dodger ram 1500 with a 4.7L engine has no problem pulling my 27' Overlander. My ram's maximum towing capacity is 7650 lbs and my 73 Overlander weighs 4600 dry weight. I am very careful to make sure all the holding tanks are empty and limit what I bring with me. I pulled it 900 miles round trip and never went over 55 miles an hour. I braked after I slowed down way before any stops. I never was in a rush and pulled I it like I was pulling glass. Everything went without a problem. I like to go slow and take my time.

Brian

[purman]

Yep, If I didn't have a family and didn't want the soft ride of my Sequioa I would maybe pull with a 3/4 ton if I had a newer trailer that weighed a lot, but my 28' only weighs 4300 dry so I'm happy with what i have...