Fantasy Tow Vehicle - May the Forces Be With You

[mstephens]

Originally Posted by Chuck

Is the 3.6 that they put in the 300 the same one they put in the mini-vans?

Here's a fantasy combo: Hemi in a Caravan. Then you'd really have something!

The V6 I have the is the 3.6L Pentastar. It has 292 HP and 260 ft/lb torque. And yes, it is in the T&C Minivan, although listed at 283 HP for 2012. Anytime you see "3.6L" it will be the Pentastar.

Yes, the Hemi has a bit more power at 325 and more torque, it also has radically more cost in maintenance. IMO, considering the added weight, and added maintenance, the HEMI is a marginal plus. If you got the dough, no problem. If you want plenty of power and a bit better economy, the V6 is really a killer deal. The gas mileage is just fantastic. I am getting better mileage by far than my wife's 2011 Escape 3.0L V6.

I was also excited by the HEMI until I learned of the added maintenance, and I think it takes premium gas too.

Drive one of these new V6 Pentastars and I think you will be impressed.

[mstephens]

Originally Posted by Road Ruler

Close to the back bumper is a good thing no matter what the TV is.....

Yeah, that is REALLY CLOSE. That's ok?

[Denis4x4]

Yes, I had the shank sent without a hole. Used an 11/16" bit and a drill press with lots of cutting oil!

[Kyle401]

Originally Posted by rodsterinfl

Paul laughed and shared his story of their Honda late model Odyssey that was altered to tow their first RV - a trailer they purchased and how it destroyed the Honda on their first trip out west leaving them stranded.

Not attempting to derail this thread, but Honda has had some significant transmission issues in the Odyssey in the past. There was a class action lawsuit against them a few years ago and they extended the warranty and recalled them over the problem.

The Odyssey is a great vehicle and many of our friends own them. Everyone that I know that has one from the recalled era has eventually had to put in a new transmission. None of my friends were using them to tow. Anecdotally there are fewer issues with both older and newer models. Hopefully Honda has corrected the issue.

I wouldn't discount an entire class of vehicles just from one data point from a model with a history of documented problems.

http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2011...-persist/?_r=0

[Road Ruler]

Originally Posted by Kyle401

Not attempting to derail this thread, but Honda has had some significant transmission issues in the Odyssey in the past.

Yes but a quick look at the latest Consumer Report auto issue shows that the Oddy tranny's have been better, to much better than average since 2005.

[rluhr]

I just found this picture from my blog ...

I wonder how many miles were on this Odyssey when Andy T towed it down to Alumapalooza?

[Chuck]

Looks like a Dodge/Chrysler. No?

[mstephens]

I'm not sure what brand of minivan that is, but I am darned sure it is a triple axle trailer!

[Chuck]

Originally Posted by mstephens

I'm not sure what brand of minivan that is, but I am darned sure it is a triple axle trailer!

no! everyone knows you can't put 3 axles on a trailer.

oh...wait.

nevermind.

[andreasduess]

Originally Posted by Kyle401

Hopefully Honda has corrected the issue.

Anything from 2005 on should be ok. Honda made some significant changes to the transmission with that model.

[andreasduess]

Originally Posted by Chuck

Looks like a Dodge/Chrysler. No?

I am fairly certain I've seen that van at the dealership. If so, that's a Chrysler T&C.

[Road Ruler]

And what do you know.... There is what looks to be a Dodge Magnum at the top of the image!

[Andrew T]

The van is a 2011 Dodge Caravan with the 3.6 Litre and 6 speed as opposed to the 8 speed in the 300. As well the 300's exhaust is a little more direct so it has a bit wider power band.

It was almost new in that picture but has 73,000 kilometers on it already with more than 50% of that being towing. The Caravan gets plenty of use at our store it is usually connected for test drives but it also makes several trips to Indiana each year it always returns with a trailer and often it is loaded to the ceiling with parts as well. You can put a lot of stuff in that van when the seats are folded.

If it is the Magnum I am thinking of. It is a 2006 that towed a 25' until 08 and then it was switched up to a 28'.

Andrew T

[rodsterinfl]

If we're talking fantasy - I want a Chevy Nomad station wagon body with a 6 cyl Cummins and 8 speed transmission. I want it with all the modern conveniences and safety gear including GPS, backup camera, air bags, 3-point safety belts, air conditioning, etc.

Love it! Yes, something cool yet nostalgic too.

[m.hony]

Not an Odyssey- a Dodge/Chrysler- but the point remains the same-

[m.hony]

I would love a 60's or 70's Suburban to tow with. I think parts would be easier to get than an IH Travelall. I love the pickups of that vintage, but they are sometimes $20,000. Late 70's pickups are still reasonably priced- let's say a 1976 GMC Gentleman Jim Camper Special- that would be awesome-

[jmlabs]

Until I get my TV (haven't made my mind up yet) I have a 1982 Chevy Caprice with only 82k on the odometer. Runs like a champ and drives like a tank. I bought it for my brother as his first car but I think I'm going to throw a hitch on that thing and see what it does! CanAm said that was their fleet vehicle in the 70s...

[m.hony]

Will a wd hitch be enough to keep the back bumper off the ground?
Or will you have to modify the rear suspension?
That would be awesome.
Make it hsppen!

[jmlabs]

Originally Posted by m.hony

Will a wd hitch be enough to keep the back bumper off the ground? Or will you have to modify the rear suspension? That would be awesome. Make it hsppen!

I guess we'll have to find out now won't we? Maybe we can pimp it out and put some special suspension on it. I don't know much about it but I guess I'll have to find out.

I know I'm thread jacking but anybody have suggestions? I should probably start my own thread.

[andreasduess]

Whatever you end up doing, pictures please.