Tow Vehicle choices
12-08-2011, 08:47 AM
#1
BAMFr
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Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: NC
Posts: 1,787
Tow Vehicle choices
Slightly off-topic, but very relevant for us who track their cars and like to go home in the case of an accident.
Currently the vehicles I am considering are a 1999-2001 Expedition, and possibly a Chevy Astro Van.
The Astro van will have to be newer 2003+, and are only v6s, but you can pack more ---- and they will probably get ebtt
The expedition is an expedition, both motors are v8s, and the towing difference between the two is not significant for the miata. I am looking at maximum 5000 lbs total, depending on the trailer, two sets of tires, tools/extras, fuel, bedding (to sleep) and the such.
Suggestions are greatly appreciated!
Currently the vehicles I am considering are a 1999-2001 Expedition, and possibly a Chevy Astro Van.
The Astro van will have to be newer 2003+, and are only v6s, but you can pack more ---- and they will probably get ebtt
The expedition is an expedition, both motors are v8s, and the towing difference between the two is not significant for the miata. I am looking at maximum 5000 lbs total, depending on the trailer, two sets of tires, tools/extras, fuel, bedding (to sleep) and the such.
Suggestions are greatly appreciated!
12-08-2011, 09:47 AM
#2
Red To Go
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Canton, MI
Posts: 2,600
ive towed mine on a 1300lb trailer, total weight about 3500-4000lb. in a 02 Ford Ranger, 4.0v6 5 speed, you know its back there but doesn't have a problem pulling it, the truck had all the trailer package upgrades on it and trailer brake kit.
edit: but if i were going long distances, i would probobly go the enclosed trailer way to big for the car, and add sleeping quarters in the front.
edit: but if i were going long distances, i would probobly go the enclosed trailer way to big for the car, and add sleeping quarters in the front.
Last edited by RedTurboMiata; 12-08-2011 at 09:51 AM.
12-08-2011, 10:13 AM
#3
BAMFr
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Forgot to mention, my price range is ~$4000 for the vehicle. The ranger is on the high end of that for some reason.
I will look into the Ranger, but I really want to stay with an SUV so I can sleep in it.
I will look into the Ranger, but I really want to stay with an SUV so I can sleep in it.
12-08-2011, 10:24 AM
#4
Red To Go
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Location: Canton, MI
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Look at explorers, with either the 5.0 of 4.6. there are some nice ones to be had for cheap. some came with the 4.0 but that might be a little underpowered for what you need. if you get the one with the 5.0, parts are on the cheap.
12-08-2011, 06:53 PM
#5
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If you try to do an explorer you will need to upgrade the rear springs and tighten that sloppy pig up. They are sprung for comfort and not a load. I've got to sign off now but I will be back here tomorrow.
12-08-2011, 08:00 PM
#6
BAMFr
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Join Date: Jul 2011
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yea, I am not big on the explorer. similar prices to the expedition, shorter wheel base, narrower, and they might be a bit tight to sleep in and fit a bunch of tools in the back.
I drove an expedition today, felt pretty torque but it was leaking oil like a ------ pig. pass.
I drove an expedition today, felt pretty torque but it was leaking oil like a ------ pig. pass.
12-08-2011, 08:02 PM
#7
Red To Go
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Canton, MI
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yea, I am not big on the explorer. similar prices to the expedition, shorter wheel base, narrower, and they might be a bit tight to sleep in and fit a bunch of tools in the back.
I drove an expedition today, felt pretty torque but it was leaking oil like a ------ pig. pass.
I drove an expedition today, felt pretty torque but it was leaking oil like a ------ pig. pass.
12-09-2011, 09:57 AM
#8
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Expeditions are pretty damn heavy at 5400lbs empty. My Tundra only weighs 4100. My v6 Toyota T100 only weighed 3700 and towed my '68 GTO on a tow dolly without drama. Weight costs you in fuel, but it also costs you in wear items when you stop and start more weight 80 times in a day, FWIW. Transmission wear and heat, bearings, brakes, suspension, steering, tires, and all the joints work with a bit more loading. If they are oversized to carry the extra weight well then they will often be more expensive (F150 vs. F250 suspension and brake parts have a big swing in price between them). Unless you are taking the JV basketball team on a road trip you really don't need seating for nine. Doesn't an Astro van have a lower loading height and a larger inside height than The Expedition? I wish both of those dimensions were more favorable in my truck. 
You will also want to get the lightest trailer that will suit your foreseeable needs because it will be easiest to tow. I bought my tow dolly (they're not for everybody) for $300 about 15 years ago. Don't be afraid of a single axle trailer if it is rated for the 2500 lbs you will need. They are easier to turn tightly and you will have half of the wheel and bearing maintenance issues. Bearings must be serviced more often on trailers than automobiles. Usually bearings are repacked with grease once a year.
Always load as much of your gear as you can in your tow vehicle and not on the trailer. This will add stability. Always keep the weight on the trailer balanced with more of it in front of the trailer's axle(s) than behind. You want more weight on the tongue of the trailer and therefore being put on the drive axle of the tow vehicle. If the weight of the load is concentrated behind the axle(s) of the trailer the trailer will sway, sometimes violently, left to right and can cause loss of control of the vehicle. Improper loading of a trailer is one of the more dangerous pitfalls you can face.
Always use a lock on the tongue of the trailer where it grabs the ball. It isn't safe unless it it locked. Make sure the ball is rated for the load you intend to carry. It will be stamped on it somewhere. Always use safety chains and do criss-cross them so that if the tongue unhitches from the ball it will catch the tongue and maintain control of it so that you may come to a safe stop.
Get a trailer that sits low for easier loading of a lowered automobile. Don't be afraid of tilt bed trailers as an option, too. They are able to make loading easier sometimes.
You will also want to get the lightest trailer that will suit your foreseeable needs because it will be easiest to tow. I bought my tow dolly (they're not for everybody) for $300 about 15 years ago. Don't be afraid of a single axle trailer if it is rated for the 2500 lbs you will need. They are easier to turn tightly and you will have half of the wheel and bearing maintenance issues. Bearings must be serviced more often on trailers than automobiles. Usually bearings are repacked with grease once a year.
Always load as much of your gear as you can in your tow vehicle and not on the trailer. This will add stability. Always keep the weight on the trailer balanced with more of it in front of the trailer's axle(s) than behind. You want more weight on the tongue of the trailer and therefore being put on the drive axle of the tow vehicle. If the weight of the load is concentrated behind the axle(s) of the trailer the trailer will sway, sometimes violently, left to right and can cause loss of control of the vehicle. Improper loading of a trailer is one of the more dangerous pitfalls you can face.
Always use a lock on the tongue of the trailer where it grabs the ball. It isn't safe unless it it locked. Make sure the ball is rated for the load you intend to carry. It will be stamped on it somewhere. Always use safety chains and do criss-cross them so that if the tongue unhitches from the ball it will catch the tongue and maintain control of it so that you may come to a safe stop.
Get a trailer that sits low for easier loading of a lowered automobile. Don't be afraid of tilt bed trailers as an option, too. They are able to make loading easier sometimes.
Last edited by sixshooter; 12-09-2011 at 10:01 AM.
12-09-2011, 10:42 AM
#9
BAMFr
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Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: NC
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great, thanks for the info Six. I really can't get the van due to it will be my daily. I am not particularly happy with the expedition, so perhaps a blazer or the 4runner are not bad ideas?
I need to get a car thats relatively easy to daily, but will still tow a trailer and the car. total for 2200lbs for the car, x weight for the trailer, and about 200 lbs worth of stuff. between tools, jack, drill, and sleeping. in the future, I will be taking spare sets of tires and more parts.
Maybe I need to just suck it up and get a truck. f-150 would be pretty easy decision to make.
I need to get a car thats relatively easy to daily, but will still tow a trailer and the car. total for 2200lbs for the car, x weight for the trailer, and about 200 lbs worth of stuff. between tools, jack, drill, and sleeping. in the future, I will be taking spare sets of tires and more parts.
Maybe I need to just suck it up and get a truck. f-150 would be pretty easy decision to make.
12-09-2011, 10:54 AM
#10
Red To Go
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Canton, MI
Posts: 2,600
yea, f-150 would be a good option. if you find one with the 4.6, look around for wrecked 05-10 mustang gt. the motors make more power and get better milage. my dad gets about 24-28mpg in his. might be a good upgrade for it.