What's your tow rig?

[Frank C]

... I went out and got me a brand spankin' new '05, Chev 2500HD 6.6 Duramax with an Allison 5 speed auto tranny, Extended cab, 8' bed, 4X4 with most of the bells and whistles. All I can say is.....Sweeeeeet! .... 16 MPG, and 23+ when she breaks in. 500 HP and 450lbs of torque with a chip. Unbelievable off the line speed and power. Now I gotsta add a Greasel kit and run this puppy for free too!

So, what do you tow your Mac with out there?

Tom,
I slightly regret to report: "2003 Sierra 1500 X-cab, 5.3L gas, 3.73 gears"
This truck is a dream to drive, ample for towing the Mac and the Quadrasteer provides incredible handling in tight quarters. Unfortunately, it "self-steers" into every fuel station it "sees!" I get 12 mpg average, towing or not. With nothing in tow it gets up to 15 mpg at 70, possibly 18 mpg if I hold speed <60.

My dilemma was choosing between the Duramax and Quadrasteer, mutually exclusive options. Pricing was about $45k (invoice +500 +tax for the Governator, net of rebate, fancy wheels & extended wty). I have an acquaintance with a 2004 Duramax CrewCab who reports 14 mpg, another w/ Sierra 1500 5.3L (StdCab, short bed & 3.42) who reports 18+ mpg.

I wouldn't want to give-up the Q-Steer, but sure wish the D-Max came with it! However, I'm almost certain that the Q-Steer can't handle the torque. What's a widget-weenie to do??

[Duane Dunn, Allegro]

I tow with a standard 1995 Chev Suburban 1500 4x4 with a 350. Bought it used, clean, great leather interior, under $12k.

I've actually been surprised by the highway mileage, it will top 20 mpg on cruise control at 70 mph in OD. I get 12 mpg in town. Filling the 40 gallon tank is always a joy.

It tows the Mac great, although I still would like some stiffer springs in the rear. My old 1977 3/4 ton Suburban did an even better job with it's real truck suspension. These newer Suburbans have been over civilized.

You can't beat the interior space. Room for all the kids to spread out so they leave each other alone and still 3' of dry enclosed cargo space at the back behind the seating for 8.

[Mark Prouty]

You can't beat the interior space. Room for all the kids to spread out so they leave each other alone and still 3' of dry enclosed cargo space at the back behind the seating for 8.

I could drive a school bus and there still wouldn't be room for that!

[Jeff S]

The gas guzzling problem is an issue- but we actually use our SUV's for a reason-towing plus loading all the associated sail gear in the back of the truck. The problem is really the masses using SUV's as a sedan. I have single friends with an SUVs or large trucks who tow nothing- that is environmentally irresponsible. The best argument I hear is that they may need to put something in the bed of the truck- I always tell them they can borrow my truck.

I argue to most that a minivan is better for most than an SUV- not for towing- but for toting the kids around on a daily basis. Our minivan gets better gas mileage (22ish average overall), drives like a car a much more civillized and plush ride than a truck based SUV, is easier to driveseats 7 comfortably and is more versatile in terms of seating than most SUV's. The Suburban and Excursion have more room than minivans, but as for the Expolorers and like sized vehicles the minivan is roomier and a host of other things. Of course not really a chick magnet- but not something that I am concerned with any more. Ok- can of worms opened- this argument always gets emotional with my fellow pilots.

We shouldn't feel bad (I don't) about our gas guzzlers as we all use our trucks/SUV's/minivans for what they are designed- hauling.

[Duane Dunn, Allegro]

My wifes vehicle is a Dodge Grand Caravan. Nice minivan, lot's of space, in some ways more than in my Suburban particularly for tall things. It has the biggest V6 Chrysler puts in them, a very nice motor, but I wouldn't tow our Mac with it. The transmission, suspension and brakes aren't up to the task in my opinion. Could it tow the boat, sure. Is it a safe tow vehicle for the boat on the highway, No.

[Terry]

What's my Tow Rig,
well due to mitigating circumstances I replaced my tow rig this last wekend. I had a '95 2door Chevy Blazer 4WD that was barely adequate. 3800# curb weight, 5000# towing.

I just bought a 2004 TrailBlazer EXT LT 4WD w/3.73 axle ratio and heavy duty limited slip diffs. Curb weight 4954lbs GVWR 6400 GCVWR 10,500 -129 inch wheelbase P245/65R17 wheels fully trailer equipped rated for 5300 lbs or 4000 lbs without sway control. Tires are continentals 2039 @44psi
full specs @ [/url] http://www.chevrolet.com/trailblazer/features/ [url]

Yes it may be a bit less than a real truck but it is a compromise like the boat it tows, the Admiral will not drive a pick-up and this is our primary vehicle that she drives to work. I make do with an old '79 Mercedes 300SD Turbodiesel that is rusting out but gets me 30 miles/Gal.
I believe it is a big improvement over my old Blazer and perhaps I can upgrade the suspension area somehow in the future, any suggestions?
I have an '03 26M with a trailer rated at 5000lbs with ST225/75D-15/D tires which it has. load 2540 lbs @65psi
Once on the road I am sure the boat and trailer weigh at least 3800 -4000 lbs and tongue weight is 400lbs.
I went through the 'Trailers and wheelbase again' thread and gleaned all the info I could and then made a decision.This is the best I could do given the circumstances I was faced with.
PS. We have had it for 48 hours and have fallen in love with it, rides like a cadillac. I only tow 6 months of the year and only on weekends and not longer than 45 minutes although I can see some 2 hours and longer jaunts in the future now that I have a better tow vehicle.

[Tom Root]

I slightly regret to report: "2003 Sierra 1500 X-cab, 5.3L gas, 3.73 gears"
This truck is a dream to drive, ample for towing the Mac and the Quadrasteer provides incredible handling in tight quarters. Unfortunately, it "self-steers" into every fuel station it "sees!" I get 12 mpg average, towing or not. With nothing in tow it gets up to 15 mpg at 70, possibly 18 mpg if I hold speed <60.

My dilemma was choosing between the Duramax and Quadrasteer, mutually exclusive options. Pricing was about $45k (invoice +500 +tax for the Governator, net of rebate, fancy wheels & extended wty). I have an acquaintance with a 2004 Duramax CrewCab who reports 14 mpg, another w/ Sierra 1500 5.3L (StdCab, short bed & 3.42) who reports 18+ mpg.

I wouldn't want to give-up the Q-Steer, but sure wish the D-Max came with it! However, I'm almost certain that the Q-Steer can't handle the torque. What's a widget-weenie to do??

The Quadrasteer is awsome technology, I would love that option also, but everything is a tradeoff when it comes to tow vehicles. As far as saving the planet and conserving resources, I have always had a high MPG vehicle and a truck, and had models from all of the big three American auto makers.

As I write this, I see on CNBC that at an auto show where they are offering a Hybrid Diesel/Electric by FOMOCO, Mercury Division, Stationwagon with built in accident avoidance via radar. Neat stuff, and again I see where technology can help with many issues.

I just wanted this thread to be a log of what people out there pull their Mac with, and I have no remorse on my choice, and glad I can make that decision. I could possibly tow with my Crown Vic, but was told that it is not a good choice for towing, so never considered it. I also have heard the tale of someone who towed his 26X from Yuma Az. to San Diego regularly with a Suzuki Samurai. Sorry, I have one of those too, and wouldn't dream of towing it an inch with it for any reason.

Also, in regards to fuel milage, Diesels need to be driven differently to acheive the best milage, nail the throttle, and watch those pennies go up in smoke, literally and figuratively. I make it a habit to punch it only when needed, and have gotten as high as 22 MPG in my 'ol 6.9, and as low as 11 MPG with a gross weight of 20K lbs! This new rig is rated for 22K lbs, but I doubt I will top it out, but can if I want too!

[mgg4]

Dodge Ram 1500 HD XLT, with 5.9L V8. Club cab with rear doors. Doesn't get great mileage, but pulls the boat like it's not even there.

--Mark

[craiglaforce]

Ford conversion van E150 5.0 liter V8. works great, 2 wheel drive but the van is so big the tires don't slip. Bought it used and somewhat neglected. Haven't checked the gas mileage since I got it all tuned up. Probably around 16-17 mpg. The automatic transmission feels very strong and the brakes and suspension are great.

[Catigale]

Pull with 2002 VW eurovan

Has the narrow angle Audi V6 engine in it, only 201HP but torquey

Gets 23 mpg on highway at 70 mph, drops to 14 when towing Catigale at 60mph (my towing speed limit)

ITs fine in the flatlands of upstate NY - I use the cruise control on the NYS Thruway - between ALbany and Buffalo there are one or two places where I shut it off and drop into 3rd gear to stop it from hunting back and forth.

Catigale

[David Clarke]

2001 Dodge Durango SLT 5.9L 245hp. No problems. Forget about gas mileage.

[Jack O'Brien]

2004 Honda Pilot EX-L SUV 8-passenger
V-6, 240 HP, Torque 242-lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
5-speed Automatic, 4.428 final drive ratio
All Wheel Drive (front biased), dash-controlled 4-wheel lockup
Wheelbase 106", track 66.5"
Cargo Volume 90 cubic feet
Curb Weight (as equipped) 4500 lbs (57% front, 43% rear)
Towing Capacity 4500 lbs (boat), 450 lbs tongue
Tires P235/70R16, ABS with 4-wheel discs & independent suspension
Minimum Ground Clearance 8"
EPA Mileage Estimate 17/22 city/highway, regular gasoline
Air Conditioning 30,000 BTU (total front and back) automatic temp control
AM/FM/CD/Cassette 7-speaker Audio with sub-woofer & wheel controls
Highest NHTSA SUV Ratings for crash tests and rollover resistance
Owner's Rating - I love it.

[jklightner]

1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo with the 4.0L straight six and full time 4 wheel drive/OD trans. with external cooler. Last odometer check showed 277,590 miles. Still pulling strong, 20 mpg average.

[richandlori]

Jack,

Did you add a special tow package option to the Pilot? I thought the tow rating was 3500lbs for the 2005 Honda Pilot? I have been a honda owner since my second car in highschool, and have been seriously looking at the Honda Pilot it looks and sounds great!

Rich

[Bill at BOATS 4 SAIL]

I tow with a full size Dodge van (not a Mini van, not a Mickey van).
I bought my first new Dodge van in '73, in my second (or was it my third?) senior year in college. It cost $3,000. I drove it for 12 years.
I bought my second new Dodge van in '85. Same vehicle, same engine (318), thinner sheet metal. It cost $12,000. I drove it for 12 years.
I bought my third new Dodge van in '97. Same vehicle, larger engine (360). It cost $18,000. I plan on keeping it for 12 years.
It makes a great base camp. It's a great tow vehicle.