Best Vehicle for a 25' Overlander

[MORA]

I am looking to pick up and overlander, likely between '60 & '70 and thus weighing in around 4500.

I currently have an honda element, which I hope to sell for around 10K.

I dont want to spend more than 10-12K.

Any ideas for an optimal tow vehicle?

Ben

[overlander63]

Probably a 1/2 ton Suburban. I see them regularly around here in good shape for $5K. A later model F150 would be good as well, as long as you get one with the 5.4, and either long bed or extended cab. Likewise a Silverado, Nissan Titan, even a full-size van with a long wheelbase, but not the extended body. A small to medium V8 would work well. We towed an Overlander with a Chevy 2500 van, and it worked very well.

[JFScheck]

Tourag TDI with ProPride hitch and P3 brake controller....

Tons of power, great handling ,very comfortable for long days of hauling, great gas mileage - a real Mountain Tow Vehicle...

Soory, couldn't resist...

[JFScheck]

Oops - just saw the price limitation....

[MaxAB]

I've got a '77 Soveriegn (5800# or so) and tow with a '99 Suburban. I've beefed up the 5.7 liter (350ci to 383ci) with a stroker kit, stainless steel headers, and re-mapped the ECU. It pulls down the road great, and the extra long wheel base is nice. I use a Reese weight distributing hitch with an anti-sway bar. Tracks straight and true.

Gas mileage at 60-65mph is right at 10.5mpg. You could do better with a turbo diesel for sure - GM offered these back in 96-98 time frame. But low-mileage nice shape Suburbans (gas powered types) can be had for $7-9k.; within your budget.

I use a Prodigy brake controller mounted on the center console near the seat belt connection for ease of use. I'd also recommend a tire pressure monitor system - let's you know there's a leak before the tire fails...

Hope this helps out.

Be safe!

[barts]

A late 1990's F250 diesel pickup would pull your trailer very easily, get prob. 15 mpg while doing so, and would fall within your price range.

- Bart

[pinktrailer]

Originally Posted by overlander63

Probably a 1/2 ton Suburban. I see them regularly around here in good shape for $5K. A later model F150 would be good as well, as long as you get one with the 5.4, and either long bed or extended cab. Likewise a Silverado, Nissan Titan, even a full-size van with a long wheelbase, but not the extended body. A small to medium V8 would work well. We towed an Overlander with a Chevy 2500 van, and it worked very well.

I first pulled my 1967, 26 footer with a double cab 2002 F150 with the 5.4, and the truck had to work really hard, and the gas mileage was not great. (Of course, our first trip was through New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Cape Breton and PEI!)

I now pull with a Yukon XL, and I get great gas mileage, and a smoother ride. The Ford was downshifting constantly to make even small hills.

Good luck!

[Road Ruler]

More info please. There are many choices. What kind of vehicles do you like and need? What is are your priorities when it comes to owning a vehicle?
Vans, trucks, cars, SUV's, imports, domestics???

[r carl]

Originally Posted by MORA

I am looking to pick up and overlander, likely between '60 & '70 and thus weighing in around 4500.

I currently have an honda element, which I hope to sell for around 10K.

I dont want to spend more than 10-12K.

Any ideas for an optimal tow vehicle?

Ben

Ford : Galaxie: eBay Motors (item 230482419885 end time Jun-08-10 09:35:30 PDT)
This should work quite well.