I would suggest the full size pick. Get on with a cab and a half, Super Cab Ford
would be my pick.
Why. Power and tow stability first. With 3300 lbs of car and 2000 lbs of trailer
you need a V-8 a 5.0 liter will do it, but you will be much happier with a 5.7
liter.
If you get a Ford you can use the overdrive and ith the button in the gear
selector
for hills. If you get a chevy leave it in drive all the time. If you get the 5.0
liter engine
you will be in drive all the time anyways.
This set up will work fine with a heavy bumper hitch although a good frame
hitch is
wonderful. This set up would not have to have equalizers although they are
always
nice on long trips. Anything small in wheelbase and power would require
eaualizer
and possibly a sway bar.
OK let me digress others will tell you that you can get by with less. However, I
have
pulled a 3100 lb car and 2200 lb trailer all over the US. You will miss power
in the
hills without the 5.7. You will have trouble with a shorter wheel base in cross
winds.
One thing to remember is when the other half needs to drive so you can rest. The
better
towing vehicle will help in these situations.
My reccomendation: A Ford Super Cab (keep your cloths etc dry in the back) 5.7
liter
engine, a frame hitch, (equalizers would be great), at least on axle with
brakes on
the
trailer. Used toppers are fairly inexpensive and you can lock your wheels
inside.
Toppers
can be clamped on and removed by two people if you do not want it around town.
Although once you have one you will find all kinds of use for them.
My second choice would be the vans with seats. You can always find some one to
ride
along, take a nap or other amorous adventures. Resale would be better down the
road.
This would be even more important to have the 5.7 engine in.
Rob
dg50@daimlerchrysler.com wrote:
> No sacred-cow tipping this time, I've got a real-world problem that requires a
> real-world solution.
>
> Here's the scoop: It has become apparent that if we're going to be doing all
> this ProSolo vagabond stuff, that we really need to get a tow vehicle and
> trailer. There's just no way that I can stuff 3 sets of wheels, tools,
>clothes,
> and my crew chief into the Talon, never mind drive it that way on 4k km road
> trips.
>
> However, neither are we rich. While I think a 3-ton commercial box truck would
> make an awsome rolling shop/living quarters/tow vehicle, the facts of life
> require that whatever we pick up be suitable as secondary transport for the
>crew
> chief during her real life - and the 3-ton just won't cut it, no matter how
>much
> I beg and plead.
>
> Furthermore, whatever this thing is, the truth of the matter is that it's a
> second vehicle that can tow the race car, not a race car tow vehicle than can
>be
> pressed into service as needed. She actually cares what it looks like, can
>you
> believe it? :(
>
> So we've been prowling the used car lots trying to get a handle on what's
> available, and what we can afford, and here's what we've found:
>
> 1) Full-size commercial panel vans. The come in white only and have seen some
> use, but they almost always have V8 motors, and the rear compartment is
>stripped
> out and ready for customization. And they're cheap. Downside: not very
>stylish.
>
> 2) Full size "civillian" vans. Cheaper than trucks, but come with seats we
>don't
> need or want.
>
> 3) Minivans up the hoop, but nothing bigger than a V6 - will these tow at all?
>
> 4) Full size pickup trucks. Expensive and the cargo compartment is open to the
> weather.
>
> 5) Jeep Grand Cherokee / Chevy Blazer Enclosed back (good) extra seats (bad),
> and universally V6 powered.
>
> My preferences run 1, 2, 4, 5, 3. My crew chief and Holder of the Funds
>prefers
> 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.
>
> Anybody have any advice? Can a V6 Blazer/Grand Cherokee pull 3300 lbs of car
>on
> 2000lbs of trailer? How about your average minivan?
>
> DG
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