[Rhodes22-list] Need tow vehicle recommendation

[The Rhodes 22 Email List]

Steve,
There are many aspects of a tow vehicle which one must consider before  
making that leap. Towing capacity is just a number and doesn't account for all  
the other things you must consider. Every vehicle has a GVWR which is the  
vehicle gross weight rating. This includes the boat and trailer and also the 
tow  vehicle and all occupants. Things that are important for towing are 
the  transmission (automatic preferred by every manufacturer) tranny cooler, 
brakes,  springs and shocks, tires, engine size and radiator cooling 
capacity. Some  towing packages come with a larger alternator to power trailer 
lights.
A vehicle with a 3500 lb towing capacity IS NOT sufficient to tow a R22.  
You want something with around 5,000 pounds, factory tow package and the 
longer  the wheel base the better the ride. I'm extremely partial to Michelin 
tires  also. Always try to imagine the worst case scenario, such as having an 
accident  and ending up in a court of law and explaining the use of a 3500 
lb towing  vehicle to tow a 4,000 pound trailer and boat. Consumers reports 
is not a good  authority on tow vehicles in my opinion. Use your own 
judgement and pick one  that suits your needs the best. My first tow vehicle was a 
dodge ram 1500 long  bed, two wheel drive, V6 and factory tow package. It was 
rated at 5000 lbs and  did an admirable job. My current vehicle is a Dodge 
Ram 1500, 4 x 4 with a small  V-8 (burns E-85) and I prefer this one by 
quite a lot. Four wheel drive is nice  to have on steep and slippery ramps if 
for no other reason than peace of mind. I  have only used it on one occasion 
at a ramp.
 
Rummy
 
 
In a message dated 7/12/2015 12:44:16 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,  
rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org writes:

Thanks  for all the input. I am getting a short list together and looking at
local  vehicles. Subscribed to Consumer Reports online. Part of me wants
another  pickup with shell but some SUV's like Durango have great towing
specs and  would be easier to park. Still kind of in sticker shock since I
keep a  truck for like 20 years. Come on - 40k for a pickup?   -- Steve  
Raye



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Fair winds and following seas .....  Steve  Raye
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