Looking for the best Tow Vehicle

[geo]

Originally Posted by 21Airstream

I don’t understand how they can get it wrong. I log every gallon and my “lie-ometer” shows a couple mpg optimistic too.

Not only is the built in MPG calculator off, but it doesn’t reset the averages unless you explicitly do so, which was my mistake. But the real problem is that the range estimates are pretty off, as much as 50 miles in some circumstances.

[21Airstream]

Honestly, I don’t have much trust in the data, especially the DTE numbers (so I’ve never paid much attention to them).

My ‘12 got about ten mpg towing and it had a 56 gallon replacement fuel tank so I had a range of about 500 miles (with room to spare). S&B will release a 52 gallon replacement fuel tank pretty soon for the ‘18 CCSB and I’ll figure out my range and go from there (after I purchase one and have it installed). I just don’t trust computers that much.

[Specsalot]

So far on my new purchase, the computer v.s. hand calculated fuel economy seems reasonably close. But the DTE (range) number seems optimistic.

Fuel economy quite a bit further down on my list of priorities compared to things like:
-drivability
-safety
-reliability
-longevity

All diesel vehicles are plagued with complex emission systems and highly stressed fuel injection systems, so it pays to choose wisely and of course to keep up with all required maintenance work.

[21Airstream]

The dealer I do business with offers “lifetime oil changes” as an option when purchasing your vehicle (up to four a year). While this wouldn’t do any good on the road, it sure comes in handy at home. On my ‘12 Ram I had the oil changed at under 3,000 miles routinely. (This was probably a selling point when they resold it.)

I routinely changed my fuel filters and upgraded to the Nanonet Fuel Filters on my ‘12. I’ll have to get familiar with the other filters on the frame rails of my ‘18.

I agree with your priorities but the better mpg (than my ‘12) is nice too (but I haven’t towed yet, only have about 1,500 miles on it).

[Kbuck1234]

Thank you for your concern. I took the advice of others and got my 23D on a scale. The Colorado does limit what I can bring with me. But, I am well within legal limits. However, it’s just me (5 ft tall) and a few things. I don’t intend on traveling up mountains or difficult terrain with it for the next three years. After that, I plan on trading up for more tow capacity and payload. Thanks again!

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by Kbuck1234

Thank you for your concern. I took the advice of others and got my 23D on a scale. The Colorado does limit what I can bring with me. But, I am well within legal limits. However, it’s just me (5 ft tall) and a few things. I don’t intend on traveling up mountains or difficult terrain with it for the next three years. After that, I plan on trading up for more tow capacity and payload. Thanks again!

Sounds like you know more now then you did when you started this thread! That's a good thing! Think your doing a great job of understanding your limits and learning about options...wish I had paid attention on my first AS! The journey ahead awaits!

[leopoldbloom]

We tow a 23FB Serenity (6000 lb GVWR) with a 2019 Ford F-150 XLT 4X4 short bed with the max tow package, 3.5 L V6 Eco Boost, 7000 lb GVWR package, and 3.55 rear axle. The door panel listed payload is 1831 lbs. We use a Huskey Centerline TS hitch.

On a recent trip, we weighed the truck, unhitched. Fairly fully loaded along with myself, my wife and a full tank of gas, it was at 6060 lbs. Adding a presumed tongue weight of 720 lbs (12% of trailer GVWR), we were essentially at the max payload.

Despite having load range E tires with N speed rating on the AS, we never break 58 mph when towing.

The F-150, with this set of facts, towed problem free (including steep inclines and downhills) and we averaged 15 mpg.

[Tomzstream]

The Best? Mercedes 2020 GLS450. MBUX, stellar torque with an inline 6 cylinder and the EQ Boost Electric Motor (mild Hybrid). Fully independent front and rear suspension. Quiet ride, and smooth too. I just got one and love it. I tow a 23FB. More than capable and an excellent daily driver. It replaced my trouble prone 2016 Silverado High Country... No comparison!

[ROBERT CROSS]

OURS...
Bob
🇺🇸

[21Airstream]

We had a Grand Wagoneer identical to that back in the ‘80’s, one of my greatest regrets is trading it.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by 21Airstream

We had a Grand Wagoneer identical to that back in the ‘80’s, one of my greatest regrets is trading it.

Funny that every once in awhile you still see 'em in commercials.

You can still buy them for a LOT of $$$$

Bob
🇺🇸

[Denkim]

We have a ram 3500 dually. I got it to pull my 5th wheel before I sold that trailer. Yeah it may be overkill but it sure is nice driving without worrying about if I'm overweight. MPG is not bad either. Also we tow on the ball without sway control.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by Denkim

We have a ram 3500 dually. I got it to pull my 5th wheel before I sold that trailer. Yeah it may be overkill but it sure is nice driving without worrying about if I'm overweight. MPG is not bad either. Also we tow on the ball without sway control.

That Dually dosn't need the sway control by itself; it's the AS or trailer your towing you should be concerned about... Several Youtube and articles by the experts...recommend WDH with Sway Control pulling trailers...it's not only your life to be concerned about on the road when towing...you can't foresee unexpected wind gusts or other maneuvers which could cause your trailer to sway out of control...so why not be safe as you can with a WDH and SC; you wear a seat belt, right?

[franklyfrank]

Originally Posted by Tomzstream

The Best? Mercedes 2020 GLS450. MBUX, stellar torque with an inline 6 cylinder and the EQ Boost Electric Motor (mild Hybrid). Fully independent front and rear suspension. Quiet ride, and smooth too. I just got one and love it. I tow a 23FB. More than capable and an excellent daily driver. It replaced my trouble prone 2016 Silverado High Country... No comparison!

For you perhaps.
The best two vehicle is the most subjective statement on these forums.
For me it is my F-250 powerstroke for pulling our 30' Classic.
I don't need a combination daily driver it's a non issue in my life.

[OliveRivets]

[Kalashnikov]

This thread is funny - and in retrospect so everyone who posts "You must buy a 250/2500/350/3500 class truck to tow safely!"


Just look here, people are towing with little MB sedans, midsize unibody SUVs - whatever they happen to have! Axle weight limits and tow ratings be damned


The Thread:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f238...bo-172381.html


PS. I'd love to have an F250 or F350, maybe $ome day when I retire

[Garfish]

Originally Posted by Tomzstream

The Best? Mercedes 2020 GLS450. MBUX, stellar torque with an inline 6 cylinder and the EQ Boost Electric Motor (mild Hybrid). Fully independent front and rear suspension. Quiet ride, and smooth too. I just got one and love it. I tow a 23FB. More than capable and an excellent daily driver. It replaced my trouble prone 2016 Silverado High Country... No comparison!

Gotta agree. 25 GT towed by 450 GL

[Garfish]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

Funny that every once in awhile you still see 'em in commercials.

You can still buy them for a LOT of $$$$

Bob
🇺🇸

Really sweet ride

[21Airstream]

Originally Posted by Garfish

Really sweet ride

It really is, the first time I drove ours I almost fell asleep behind the wheel, it was so comfortable. I love the classic look too.

[ROBERT CROSS]

I will never be forgiven for selling the DW's....'My Jeep'🥴

Bob
🇺🇸